Everything You Need to Know About Survivor – From Former Contestant Sue Smey

Everything You Need to Know About Survivor – From Former Contestant Sue Smey

Hey everyone! I’m Sue Smey, a former Survivor contestant, life coach specializing in fitness, eating disorders, and motivational speaking, and a pilot who owns my own flight school. Being on Survivor was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and I love sharing insights about the show! Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into it, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Survivor.

1. What is the new Survivor show?

The latest season of Survivor is Season 48, premiering in 2025 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. The format remains thrilling, with new castaways, intense challenges, and strategic gameplay. Every season, Jeff Probst and the production team continue to find ways to keep us on our toes, making it one of the most unpredictable and exciting reality shows on TV!

2. What countries have the Survivor show?

The Survivor franchise is a global phenomenon! Many countries have their own versions, including:

United States (Survivor US)
Australia (Australian Survivor)
United Kingdom (Survivor UK)
South Africa (Survivor South Africa)
France, Israel, Sweden, and many more! Each version has its own twists and cultural differences, but the core of the game—outwit, outplay, outlast—remains the same.

3. How much does the Survivor show make?

Survivor is a huge money-maker for CBS. Each season reportedly generates millions of dollars in ad revenue and streaming deals. The cost of producing a season is estimated at $50 million, but with strong ratings and international syndication, it remains a highly profitable show. Contestants battle for the $1 million grand prize, with some seasons featuring additional cash prizes for second and third place.

4. How does the Survivor show work?

Survivor places contestants in a remote location where they must build shelters, find food, and compete in challenges while forming alliances and voting each other out at Tribal Council. The last remaining contestant wins the title of Sole Survivor and the grand prize. Each season introduces new twists, hidden immunity idols, and game-changing advantages to keep the competition fresh and exciting!

5. Who won the first Survivor show?

The first-ever winner of Survivor was Richard Hatch in Survivor: Borneo (2000). His strategic mind, ability to form alliances, and willingness to take risks made him one of the most memorable players in the show’s history.

6. How long is the Survivor show?

Each season of Survivor typically lasts 26 days (previously 39 days) in recent seasons. However, with hour-long episodes and extended 90-minute episodes, viewers get an in-depth look at the castaways' strategies, alliances, and challenges over the course of several weeks.

Want more behind-the-scenes Survivor content? Follow me for more insights, motivational content, and aviation adventures! 🌍 Website: suesmey.com
📸 Instagram: @suesmeys47
🎥 YouTube: @suesmeys47

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