The premise of Survivor revolves around a group of contestants, known as castaways, who are marooned in a remote location, typically a beautiful but challenging tropical island. The contestants must rely on their survival skills, social dynamics, and strategic gameplay to outwit, outlast, and outplay their fellow competitors in order to win the title of "Sole Survivor" and a cash prize.
Tribes: The contestants are initially divided into two or more tribes, and they must work together to build shelter, find food, and win challenges. Challenges can be physical, mental, or strategic in nature.
Tribal Council: At the end of each episode, the losing tribe attends a Tribal Council, where they must vote off one of their members. This process continues until the tribes merge into a single group.
Individual Game: Once the tribes merge, the game becomes an individual competition. Contestants compete in individual challenges, and at each subsequent Tribal Council, they vote to eliminate one of their own until only three or two finalists remain.
Jury: The contestants who have been voted out after the merge form the jury. In the final episode, the jury members question the finalists and ultimately vote for the person they believe most deserves to win.
Twists and Idols: Throughout the seasons, Survivor introduces various twists and advantages to keep the gameplay dynamic. One of the most famous twists is the "Hidden Immunity Idol," which allows a contestant to negate votes against them at Tribal Council.
"Survivor" has been praised for its innovative format and compelling gameplay. It has also received critical acclaim for its ability to showcase the complexities of human behavior and social interactions under extreme conditions. The show's success has led to multiple seasons, with new twists and locations in each edition.