Season 48 of Survivor is inching closer to its dramatic finale, and the stakes have never been higher. The long-running CBS competition show, which premiered in 2000, has evolved significantly over the years, adapting its strategy, format, and social dynamics.
If you have always wondered what the second position on Survivor gets you, or if enduring the drama and tough conditions is worth the reward? Hereâs how the prize money breaks down. While many elements of the game have transformed, one thing has remained a constantâthe $1 million prize for the ultimate winner.
Survivor 48 Heads to the Finale With $1 Million at Stake
While many contestants play for the love of the game or the thrill of survival, the monetary reward remains a motivating factor for most.
As each season crowns a new “Sole Survivor,” that individual walks away with the same seven-figure payout that was introduced at the franchise’s launch over two decades ago.Â
Critics have questioned why the prize hasn’t adjusted for inflation or changed in response to shifting entertainment industry standards. Still, the show maintains that the experience and legacy of winning Survivor are part of the reward.
Second and Third Place Finalists Also Win Cash Rewards
Although the $1 million prize is reserved for the winner, runners-up aren’t left empty-handed. As per a report in MoneyLion, the first runner-up receives $100,000, and the third-place contestant takes home $85,000. Though smaller than the grand prize, these payouts still carry weight and serve as a meaningful reward for those who made it to the final stretch.
Those eliminated early in the game receive smaller checks, while players who make it deeper, especially jury members, earn more. In the past, all castaways who returned for the reunion special received a flat fee of $10,000. However, in recent seasons, only jury members are invited to the post-show reunion and are reportedly compensated for their appearance.
The final five castaways competing for the Season 48 title are Eva Erickson, Joe Hunter, Kamilla Karthigesu, Kyle Fraser, and Mitch Guerra. In the finale, the remaining three players will present their case to the juryâmade up of previously eliminated contestantsâwho will question and evaluate their gameplay. The jury will then vote to declare the ultimate winner.
The Survivor Season 48 finale airs Wednesday, May 21, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and streams on Paramount+ with Showtime. The episode will run for three hours, wrapping up around 11 p.m. ET/PT.
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