What Channel Is Survivor On?

by Mark Burnett, follows contestants who are stranded in a remote location and must outwit, outplay, and outlast one another to win a million-dollar prize. Its unique format, dramatic twists, and deep human drama have kept audiences hooked for over two decades. For fans who want to follow the latest season or revisit past seasons, a common question is: What channel is Survivor on?

In this article, we will explore the history of Survivor, where to watch it, and how the show has evolved in terms of its broadcasting over the years. Whether you’re a long-time viewer or new to the show, understanding where to catch Survivor and how to access its content has become increasingly important in the ever-changing world of television and streaming services.

The History of Survivor

Survivor first premiered on May 31, 2000, on CBS. The show was based on the Swedish series Expedition Robinson, which had already become a hit in Europe. Survivor tapped into the rising interest in reality television and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Its first season, Survivor: Borneo, featured 16 contestants who were placed in the jungles of Borneo, where they competed in physical challenges and strategic social games. The winner of this inaugural season, Richard Hatch, took home a $1 million prize.

From the start, Survivor became known for its thrilling challenges, unpredictable twists, and moments of suspense. The show’s format has remained largely the same since its inception, with a few notable changes to keep things fresh. Each season features a new set of contestants, called “castaways,” who are divided into tribes. Over the course of several weeks, these tribes face off in physical and mental challenges, while also dealing with alliances, betrayals, and the constant threat of being voted out at tribal council.

As of 2024, Survivor has aired 45 seasons, and CBS has confirmed the show’s continuation for at least a few more seasons. The show’s longevity speaks to its appeal and the broad, dedicated fanbase it has built over the years.

What Channel is Survivor On?

The answer to the question of where to watch Survivor is straightforward: it airs on CBS, a major American television network. CBS is part of the ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global) conglomerate, which also owns other media properties, including streaming services like Paramount+.

While Survivor initially aired on CBS’s primetime schedule, the show’s time slot has shifted slightly over the years. As of 2024, new episodes of Survivor typically air on Wednesday evenings at 8:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time), although the time can vary depending on the season and other programming. Fans in the Pacific Time Zone can catch it at 8:00 PM PST.

The show’s Wednesday night airings have become a regular part of CBS’s primetime lineup, alongside other popular programs like Big Brother, The Amazing Race, and NCIS.

Where Else Can You Watch Survivor?

Although Survivor is primarily broadcast on CBS, the landscape of television and viewing has dramatically changed in recent years. With the rise of streaming platforms and on-demand content, CBS has made Survivor available through a variety of different channels, both traditional and digital. Here are some of the ways you can watch Survivor:

1. CBS All Access / Paramount+

One of the best ways to watch Survivor episodes is through CBS’s own streaming service, Paramount+ (formerly known as CBS All Access). Paramount+ allows users to watch Survivor episodes live as they air, or to catch up on past seasons. Paramount+ offers both a free and a premium tier.

• The free version of Paramount+ allows you to watch live broadcasts of CBS shows, but it includes ads.
• The premium version offers additional features, including access to a large on-demand library of shows and movies (including all seasons of Survivor), as well as the ability to stream Survivor episodes ad-free.

For many fans, Paramount+ is the ultimate destination for Survivor, as it provides access to the entire catalog of seasons, including fan favorites and hidden gems that are no longer available through traditional cable or broadcast methods.

2. Hulu + Live TV

For those who subscribe to Hulu + Live TV, Survivor is also available to stream. Hulu’s live TV offering includes CBS, so subscribers can watch the latest season of Survivor live when it airs on the network.

In addition to Hulu’s live TV service, regular Hulu subscribers can access a limited selection of Survivor episodes on-demand. However, Hulu + Live TV provides more comprehensive access to the show, allowing fans to tune in to new episodes as they air.

3. YouTube TV

YouTube TV is another streaming service that includes access to CBS as part of its channel lineup. Subscribers can watch Survivor episodes live on YouTube TV, and they can also access a cloud DVR feature to record episodes and watch them later.

Similar to Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV is a great option for those who want to watch Survivor as part of a broader cable-alternative package.

4. FuboTV

FuboTV is a sports-centric streaming service that offers CBS in its channel lineup. If you already subscribe to FuboTV for its sports offerings, you can also stream Survivor live. The service offers a 7-day free trial for new users, making it easy to try out Survivor on FuboTV without any commitment.

5. Sling TV

Sling TV is an affordable cable replacement option that offers CBS as part of its Sling Blue package in select markets. By subscribing to Sling TV, you can watch Survivor live as it airs, but keep in mind that CBS is not available in all regions with Sling TV. If you live in a market where CBS is available on Sling TV, this is a budget-friendly way to watch Survivor.

What About Past Seasons of Survivor?

For fans looking to revisit older seasons of Survivor, CBS has made past episodes available through a number of platforms. While some seasons are available on streaming services like Paramount+, others can be found on Amazon Prime Video or iTunes, where episodes or entire seasons can be purchased.

In addition, certain seasons of Survivor are available for purchase or rent through digital platforms such as Vudu and Google Play. Some seasons are even offered as part of subscription services like Hulu, although this is less consistent across all seasons.

When Does Survivor Air?

As mentioned earlier, Survivor typically airs on Wednesday nights at 8:00 PM ET during its active seasons. CBS usually runs two seasons of Survivor each year: one in the spring and another in the fall.

The show has become a staple of CBS’s fall programming lineup, and new seasons tend to begin around late September or early October. Survivor’s fall seasons tend to air between September and December, while the spring seasons typically run from late February or early March through May.

Special Episodes and Seasons

CBS often schedules special Survivor episodes outside of its regular timeslot. These may include season premieres, finales, or special events like reunion shows, which typically air after the season finale. These episodes may air at different times, so it is important to check your local listings or CBS’s schedule to ensure you don’t miss out on the action.

Conclusion

So, if you’re asking, “What channel is Survivor on?” the answer is CBS. Whether you’re watching the latest season as it airs on the network or streaming past episodes on platforms like Paramount+, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, Survivor is readily available across a wide range of viewing options. Over the years, the show has solidified its place in television history, captivating audiences with its combination of adventure, drama, and strategy. Whether you are a long-time fan or a new viewer, there are numerous ways to experience this iconic reality competition show, making it easier than ever to tune in.