The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Survivor Journey

Introduction to Survivor

Survivor launched the American reality TV craze more than 20 years ago and continues to enchant viewers to this day, but it can be difficult to know where to start as a new viewer. Despite its enduring appeal, there are plenty of prospective fans who have yet to even watch the first episode.

Jenna Morasca posing by a tree in Survivor: The Amazon

As Survivor season 45 wraps up, there's never been a better time to dive into the Survivor universe. While there are great shows like Survivor for fans to enjoy, nothing beats actually watching the hit CBS series itself. However, the best seasons of Survivor are far better for beginners to enjoy than some of the less enjoyable iterations of the show.

The Survivor: Borneo contestants watching their family videos

Top 10 Best Survivor Seasons for New Viewers

Survivor: The Amazon, the series' sixth season, aired in 2003. It was the first season to divide the starting tribes by gender. It feels more exciting and less stale than earlier seasons. While gender stereotypes are at play, the season manages to avoid some of the most obvious tropes and includes top-notch gameplay sure to thrill new viewers.

Season 33, Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X, divided contestants by age for an adventure that fans say started out rocky but quickly become a much more breezy affair thanks to its fun characters and interesting twists. It includes one of Survivor's best storylines. Contestants were kind to each other and will be a great watch for new viewers due to captivating cast members and plots.

A split image of Adam, Ken, and Hannah in season 33 of Survivor

Survivor: Panama, the 12th season of the series, is hilarious, which makes it a great choice for new viewers. The characters are comedic together, which creates some of Survivor's greatest comedic moments and some of its tensest drama. It's well-rounded with lighthearted moments and focuses on the show's entertainment factor rather than strategic gameplay, which may appeal to less-seasoned fans.

The Casaya tribe on the beach of Survivor: Panama

Season 32, Survivor: Kaôh Rōng, is a go-to recommendation for those beginning their Survivor journey. Its brutal setting gives contestants a tougher environment that forces them to actually survive, an essential element that newer seasons tend to focus on less than in the show's early years. The season also leans heavily on its strong cast, as everyone is engaging and deserving. There are epic storylines throughout sure to hook any new viewer on the series.

Kaoh Rong premiere with a tribe paddling on their supply raft

It would be impossible to suggest good starting points for a Survivor binge without including Survivor season 1: Borneo. For fans who prefer to do their binge-watching in chronological order, this is the obvious choice, but there are other good reasons to include the season. It remains the best cast that has ever been assembled on the show and sets the tone for the entire Survivor universe.

Season 28, Cagayan, is a great entry in Survivor's 'new school' era. Like many great Survivor seasons, it doesn't feature any returning competitors, meaning first-time viewers can discover how the game functions along with the players. Some incredibly iconic players make their debut on this season and it's a straightforward introduction to the hit reality TV series.

Nick Wilson relaxes in his tribe's shelter on Survivor

Survivor: David vs. Goliath, season 37, is another great season to begin with. The season doesn't overwhelm viewers with confusing twists, it features dynamic gameplay, and it has a likable cast of players who are easy to root for. In a way, it's a textbook example of the long-running series, with everything from engaging characters to impactful storytelling.

Todd Herzog waves at someone on Survivor

Season 18, Survivor: Tocantins, is a great choice for new viewers because of its memorable characters and for avoidance of overly complicated strategy elements compared to the rest of Survivor. This engaging season is very difficult to predict due to the contestants constantly having problems with creating alliances and implementing strategies. It also introduces a few villain characters who have become mainstays in the Survivor franchise.

J.T. and Stephen sit at tribal council on Survivor: Tocantins

Season 15, Survivor: China, is a blend of different styles and eras of Survivor. What results is an engaging season with a strong backbone and contestants who are fun to watch. It becomes easy for new viewers to get into this season because it doesn't overemphasize the more complex elements of the game. Every cast member serves a purpose and there aren't any stragglers who don't contribute to the plot. However, it may be wise to watch this season after Survivor: Pearl Islands, as it spoils an incredible twist from that season that ranks among the most iconic moments in Survivor history.

Jeff Probst Survivor

Survivor: Pearl Islands is the most fundamentally perfect season of Survivor, with contestants going to extreme lengths to win a million dollars. Featured early on in the franchise's run as one of the best reality TV series of all time, the season introduced series icons and included a groundbreaking, shocking twist. The only reason not to begin with Survivor season 7 is because it's all downhill from there, even with 44 other seasons to choose from.

Burton Roberts aims a slingshot during a challenge on Survivor: Pearl Islands