‘Survivor’ Season 46 Sets New Record for Most Players Voted Out Despite Hidden Immunity Idol

Survivor 46 Breaks Record of Most Players Voted Out With an Idol in a Season inline

CBS

Season 46 of Survivor has set a new record for the most players voted out with a hidden immunity idol. In the latest episode on Wednesday, May 15, Quintavius “Q” Burdette discovered an idol after searching for days. However, he chose not to use it and ended up being the fifth player eliminated this season while still in possession of the valuable item.

If a contestant plays the idol during tribal council, they cannot be voted off from the reality competition series. Contestants often discuss when to use the idol and whether to use it on themselves or on someone else.

Last week, Venus Vafa was the fourth player this season to be voted out with the immunity idol. Venus found the idol in the bushes and hinted at having it to Charlie Davis, who then convinced other contestants to target her.

Earlier this month, she explained to Entertainment Weekly why she chose not to play the idol. She wanted to showcase her social game by convincing Charlie without relying on the idol. She was content with the outcome, even though she was unable to sway Charlie.

Venus set a record for the most players sent home with an unused idol in the history of the series. However, this record was later broken by Q's departure the following week.

Survivor 46 Breaks Record of Most Players Voted Out With an Idol in a Season inline

Robert Voets/CBS

Since Survivor first aired in May 2000, 27 players have been eliminated from the game while holding onto idols. This season alone, Venus, Q, Jem Hussain-Adams, Hunter McKnight, and Tiffany Nicole Ervin were all voted out despite having an idol in their possession.

Following the conclusion of Survivor's 40th season, Winners at War, and a temporary break in filming caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, host Jeff Probst and the production team made some adjustments to the show. Instead of the traditional 39-day format, the players now compete for 26 days to allow for a two-week quarantine period for new contestants.

Fans and former players have expressed their disappointment with the decision since the change in the format. However, Probst reassured us that the shortened gameplay doesn't mean it's any less difficult for the players.

Probst, 62, exclusively told Us earlier this month that he believes the new era is as tough, if not tougher, than the 39-day season for various reasons. He mentioned that players who completed the full 39 days may have a sense of pride, but enduring 18 days without food can also be a significant challenge. He posed a question, asking how quickly one would respond or not under such conditions.

Survivor airs on CBS Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET.

Editor's P/S:

The record-breaking number of players eliminated with hidden immunity idols in Season 46 of Survivor highlights the complex strategies and social dynamics at play in the game. While the idol provides a powerful advantage, it also carries the risk of becoming a liability if not used wisely. Venus Vafa's decision to rely on her social game rather than the idol is a testament to the importance of interpersonal relationships in Survivor. Conversely, Q's choice not to use his idol despite having ample time to search for it underscores the unpredictable nature of the game and the pressure players face when making critical decisions.

These recent eliminations also raise questions about the impact of the shortened gameplay format on Survivor. While Jeff Probst maintains that the 26-day format is just as challenging as the traditional 39-day format, some fans and former players have expressed concerns that the reduced time frame may limit the opportunities for strategizing and relationship-building. The upcoming episodes will be crucial in determining whether the new format can provide the same level of excitement and complexity as the longer seasons.