The Survivor 49 finale date and time are finally here, and millions of fans across the United States are ready to see who will take home the title of Sole Survivor. CBS has confirmed that the three-hour season finale will air on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, with host Jeff Probst leading the action live from Los Angeles. The broadcast will include both the final Tribal Council and the much-anticipated live reunion segment that reveals the winner of the $1 million prize.
After 25 years and nearly 50 seasons, Survivor continues to deliver emotional moments, unexpected twists, and intense gameplay that capture viewers every week. Season 49 has been no exception, keeping fans guessing from the first day in Fiji all the way to the last fire-making challenge.
The Official Survivor 49 Finale Schedule
The Survivor 49 finale will follow the classic three-part CBS structure that longtime viewers have come to expect. The night begins with the final Immunity Challenge, transitions to the decisive Tribal Council, and ends with the reunion where the results are revealed.
Here’s the complete lineup for the night:
| Segment | Air Time (ET/PT) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Final Immunity Challenge and elimination of the fifth finalist |
| Part 2 | 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Jury questioning and voting for the winner |
| Part 3 | 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Live reunion hosted by Jeff Probst with the full cast |
The broadcast will air on CBS and stream simultaneously on Paramount+, where subscribers can also rewatch it afterward. Viewers using live-TV services such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or fuboTV can tune in as the finale unfolds in real time.
A Look Back at Survivor 49’s Journey
Season 49 has been a rollercoaster of alliances, blindsides, and emotional storytelling. Set once again in Fiji, the season featured 18 new contestants divided into three tribes. The game tested players not just physically but mentally, forcing them to form and break bonds in a condensed 26-day format.
Jeff Probst and the production team leaned heavily into the “new era” of Survivor, where players face faster eliminations, limited resources, and unpredictable twists. This format keeps contestants constantly adapting — one wrong move can lead to instant elimination.
As the finale approaches, five players remain, each bringing their own strategic and personal storylines to the forefront. They’ve battled through torrential rains, hunger, and shifting alliances to reach the final stretch.
The Final Five: Who’s Still Competing for the Million?
Heading into the finale, five determined castaways remain in the running for the title of Sole Survivor. Each one represents a different approach to the game — some led with strategy, others with empathy, and a few balanced both to perfection.
- Maria Gonzalez – Known for her sharp social skills and calm confidence, Maria’s ability to build trust while making bold moves has earned her a strong position going into the endgame.
- Charlie Davis – A quiet but observant player who often worked behind the scenes. His subtle influence on key votes might give him the respect he needs from the jury.
- Liz Wilcox – A bright and funny competitor whose honesty and warmth have helped her navigate tough situations without losing her charm.
- Kellie Nalbandian – Returning to the game after her memorable appearance in Survivor 45, Kellie brought valuable experience and strategic awareness that made her a major threat.
- Ben Katzman – The fan-favorite musician who played with heart, forming genuine connections while still making daring game decisions.
The final episode will determine who wins the last Immunity Challenge, who survives the fire-making round, and who ultimately earns the million-dollar prize. It’s expected to be one of the most unpredictable endings of recent seasons.
The Setting: Fiji’s Iconic Survivor Backdrop
The islands of Fiji have become Survivor’s signature home. Season 49 marked the 13th consecutive time the show has been filmed there, showcasing sweeping beaches, dense jungle, and unpredictable tropical weather.
The choice of Fiji offers more than just beautiful scenery — it provides the isolation and raw conditions that make Survivor unique. Contestants must live with limited shelter and food, relying only on their wits, teamwork, and resilience to survive.
For the finale, production traditionally brings the remaining contestants back to the Tribal Council set for a dramatic fire-lit showdown, where the jury decides who truly “outwitted, outplayed, and outlasted” the rest.
How to Watch the Survivor 49 Finale Live
The best way to experience the Survivor 49 finale date and time is live, alongside millions of fans across the country. CBS will broadcast the entire three-hour special on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Here are your viewing options:
- On TV: Watch live on your local CBS station.
- Online Streaming: Paramount+ (live and on-demand).
- Live TV Apps: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, and DirecTV Stream.
For those on the West Coast, the finale airs at the same local time. Viewers can also stream the episode later if they miss the live airing, as it will be uploaded to Paramount+ shortly after broadcast.
What Makes Survivor 49 Unique
While every season brings something new, Season 49 stood out for its emotional storytelling and inventive gameplay twists. Producers introduced challenges that tested both mental endurance and moral decision-making, forcing players to choose between loyalty and survival.
Some standout moments from the season included:
- A surprise tribe swap that broke early alliances and forced contestants to rethink strategy mid-game.
- A record-breaking endurance challenge that lasted nearly two hours, pushing competitors to their limits.
- Powerful personal stories that connected deeply with audiences, reminding viewers that Survivor is as much about human strength as it is about strategy.
Fans praised this season for its balance of gameplay intensity and heart, showing that even after nearly 50 seasons, the format remains fresh and captivating.
Jeff Probst on the Legacy of Survivor 49
Jeff Probst, who has hosted every season since Survivor began in 2000, has called Season 49 one of the most authentic yet. He highlighted the players’ willingness to be vulnerable and their ability to adapt under pressure.
In recent interviews, Probst expressed excitement for what comes next, hinting that Survivor 50 will celebrate the show’s history while bringing back some of the most memorable players of all time. Though he hasn’t shared details, fans can expect CBS to mark the occasion with major surprises when the next season premieres in 2025.
Probst’s continued passion and enthusiasm remain central to the show’s longevity. His mix of humor, empathy, and sharp questioning ensures that every finale — including Survivor 49 — feels like an event rather than just another episode.
The Final Showdown: What to Expect
The finale is expected to deliver one of the most competitive endgames in recent memory. The final Immunity Challenge traditionally requires both physical stamina and mental focus. The winner must then decide who joins them in the Final Three — a choice that can make or break their shot at victory.
After that, the final Tribal Council begins. The jury, made up of previously eliminated contestants, will question the finalists about their strategy, alliances, and decisions throughout the game. Each jury member then votes for the player they believe deserves the title of Sole Survivor.
The final segment of the evening will transition to the live reunion, filmed in Los Angeles, where Jeff Probst will reveal the votes and crown the winner in front of a live audience.
Survivor’s Impact and What Comes Next
As Survivor 49 concludes, the franchise continues to stand as one of the most influential shows in television history. Its combination of strategy, endurance, and human emotion has inspired countless reality formats worldwide.
CBS has already confirmed that Survivor 50 will premiere in 2025, returning once again to Fiji. While production details remain under wraps, expectations are sky-high for the landmark season that will celebrate 25 years of competition.
The success of Season 49 proves that Survivor remains as relevant as ever. The show’s ability to evolve — while staying true to its core concept of survival and strategy — keeps audiences invested year after year.
Why Fans Are Excited for the Finale
Every Survivor finale feels like a cultural moment, and Season 49 is no different. Social media has been buzzing with debates about which finalist deserves the win. Some fans champion Maria’s strategic dominance, while others root for the likable Ben or the emotional storytelling of Liz.
The unpredictability of the final vote is part of what makes Survivor so enduring. Even after watching every episode, viewers can’t be sure how the jury will interpret loyalty, deception, and resilience — and that suspense keeps them tuning in until the last second.
With stunning challenges, emotional payoffs, and the promise of a dramatic live reveal, the Survivor 49 finale is set to be a must-watch television event for fans nationwide.
The Survivor 49 finale date and time are confirmed for Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Don’t miss the three-hour conclusion as the final five compete for the million-dollar prize and the title of Sole Survivor.
Who do you think will walk away as the next Sole Survivor? Share your prediction below and join the conversation as the finale unfolds live.