After 26 days in Fiji’s unforgiving climate, host Jeff Probst crowned the “Survivor” season 49 winner this week.
Sophi Balerdi, Sage Ahrens-Nichols and Savannah Louie made it to the reality show’s three-hour finale that aired Wednesday, Dec. 17 — marking the first all-women final council since season 29 in 2017.
Savannah Louie received the most votes from the “jury,” winning the $1 million prize and title of “sole survivor” of season 49.
Louie tied the record for most immunity wins by a female player with four, Probst told the players early in Wednesday’s episode.
As season 49 closed, the full cast of season 50 was released, including season 49 winner Louie and castaway Rizo Velovic, who placed fourth after failing to win a fire-making challenge against Louie that would have put him in the final three instead.
Here’s a look at the “Survivor” season 49 finalists and what to expect for season 50 in 2026:
Who won ‘Survivor’ season 49?
Former journalist Savannah Louie, 32, from Atlanta, Georgia, is the winner of season 49 of “Survivor.”
Louie won a fire challenge to reach the final three. Previously in the episode, after Balerdi won the last immunity challenge, Louie had lamented having not made fire during the entire competition. She spent the last day practicing ahead of the challenge.
Here are the runnersup, and who was close to being in the final three:
‘Survivor’ season 50 cast
According to GoldBerby and Parade, here is the full cast for season 50 of “Survivor,” including the season 48 winner, and two players from season 49, including winner Louie.
Here are the 24 castaways and when they appeared previously on the show:
When does the 50th season of ‘Survivor’ premiere?
The 50th season themed, “In the Hands of the Fans,” is set to premiere AT 8 p.m. E.T. Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. It will be a three-hour long premiere with players who have been close to the prize in the past, or have won.
How can I watch ‘Survivor’ live?
The CBS series is available on broadcast TV each week. Check local listing for CBS affiliates.
In addition, here’s how to stream “Survivor”:
Other streaming options include:
When are new episodes of ‘Survivor’ on Paramount+?
“Survivor” will stream live for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, whereas Paramount+ Essential subscribers can watch the episode the following day, according to CBS.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Who won ‘Survivor’ 49? See champion, finalists, cast for season 50
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
