Survivor: Season 5
Survivor Season 5 continues the overarching saga across 15 episodes as part of the American reality competition television franchise. The series features castaways split between two or more tribes who are taken to a location to compete in a reality show contest where they must outwit, outplay, and outlast one another. The overarching format is derived from the Swedish television series Expedition Robinson created by
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Survivor is the American version of the international reality competition television franchise derived from the Swedish television series Expedition Robinson created by Charlie Parsons.
- The format involves sixteen or more castaways split between two or more tribes who are taken to a remote location.
- Contestants compete in a reality show contest following the core tenets of outwitting, outplaying, and outlasting their competitors.
- The program is part of an overarching saga that continues across multiple seasons and episodes.
Season overview
Survivor Season 5 continues the overarching saga across 15 episodes as part of the American reality competition television franchise. The series features castaways split between two or more tribes who are taken to a location to compete in a reality show contest where they must outwit, outplay, and outlast one another. The overarching format is derived from the Swedish television series Expedition Robinson created by Charlie Parsons, which premiered in 1997. Contestants participate in the ongoing competition where sixteen or more individuals face the challenges of the environment and each other, following the established rules of the reality show franchise.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
The Importance of Being Eldest
Sep 19, 2002
Sixteen men and women attempt to persevere through weeks of challenges to become the final survivor in Thailand. In this episode: The castaways are caught off guard by a new twist.
Family Values
Oct 3, 2002
An argument raises questions about loyalty; the Red Berets show tribe members how to best use the camp's resources.
Gender Bender
Oct 10, 2002
Tensions rise and accusations fly between the men and women of one tribe; the tribes compete in a reward challenge for food.
The Ocean's Surprise
Oct 17, 2002
A castaway has a painful encounter with a stingray during a group swim; there's a shocking offer at the reward challenge.
The Power of One
Oct 24, 2002
The members of a secret alliance begin to suspect the others know their secret; argument over truthfulness; odd behaviour raises eyebrows.
Assumptions
Oct 31, 2002
The survivors assume the two camps will merge into one; a castaway adopts a new strategy and is accused of disloyalty; the seventh person is voted off.
Sleeping with the Enemy
Nov 7, 2002
One castaway gets disgusted with others' hygiene; possible alliances explored; funeral for a chicken; the eighth castaway is voted off.
Desperate Measures
Nov 14, 2002
News from home might impact a castaway's future; an infiltrator is recruited; the ninth castaway gets ousted.
While the Cats Are Away
Nov 21, 2002
Ted expresses his feelings about being targeted at the Tribal Council; castaways take on a four-stage obstacle course for their reward challenge.
A Closer Look
Nov 27, 2002
Highlights from the first 10 weeks and fresh footage, including Ghandia posing for Ted, Sook-Jai's boat sinking and Clay complimenting Erin's butt.
A Big Surprise... and Another
Dec 5, 2002
A reward challenge takes the castaways by surprise, evoking tears of joy for the winner; the 11th person is voted out.
The Tides Are Turning
Dec 12, 2002
Rebuffed by a former ally, a castaway hatches a new strategy by enlisting support from new sources; the 12th person is voted out.
Slip Through Your Fingers
Dec 19, 2002
The sole survivor steps forward to claim the $1 million prize.
Thailand Reunion
Dec 19, 2002
The 16 survivors recount what life was like on the rugged island of Koh Tarutao off the southern coast of Thailand