“Survivor” season 49 is set to reach its dramatic conclusion during the highly anticipated three-hour finale episode airing Wednesday, December 17. Although the stakes are higher than ever, fans will have to wait a bit longer than usual to see who takes home the title of “Sole Survivor.” Here’s why:
Why Will the ‘Survivor 49’ Finale Be Interrupted?
CBSOn Tuesday, December 16, President Donald Trump announced plans to deliver an Oval Office address on Wednesday, December 17, the same night the “Survivor” season finale is set to air. CBS announced that the episode will be delayed to make room for the address on the schedule. CBS Entertainment also confirmed with PEOPLE that CBS News will air the address as a special report.
“My Fellow Americans: I will be giving an ADDRESS TO THE NATION tomorrow night, LIVE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE, at 9 P.M. EST. I look forward to ‘seeing’ you then,” Trump wrote via Truth Social.
“CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell will anchor and be joined by chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes, reporting from the White House,” the network said in a statement shared with the outlet.
When Will the ‘Survivor’ Finale Be Back?
CBSThe three-hour finale episode, which starts at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT, “will resume where it left off immediately following the president’s address for Eastern and Central Time Zone viewers on the CBS Television Network and air in its entirety,” according to CBS Entertainment.
Who is Left on ‘Survivor 49’?
Five castaways will compete in the “Survivor” season 49 finale. They include:
- Kristina Mills, 36
- Rizo Velovic, 25
- Sage Ahrens-Nichols, 30
- Savannah Louie, 31
- Sophi Balerdi, 27
Where to Watch the Finale Episode
“Survivor” episodes air on CBS and can be streamed live on Paramount+ for those with a Paramount+ Premium plan.
‘Survivor’ Season 50 Cast Revealed
Survivor 50, which premieres in February 2026 and is hosted by Jeff Probst, was announced by the network earlier this year as a way to celebrate the show’s history and its loyal fans.
“From the very first season, ‘Survivor’ has been evolving. Now, for our 50th season, it’s time for the next evolution,” Probst said in a press release at the time.
“‘Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans’ is unlike anything we’ve done before,” Probst continued. “I can’t wait to see what the fans choose for our returning players.”
Sage Ahrens-Nichols, Sophi Balerdi, Savannah Louie, Kristina Mills, and Rizo Velovic are the remaining Fiji castaways competing for the $1 million prize, though two of the contestants will also return for next year’s all-star 50th season.
The season 50 cast will also include players from the first season, which aired in 2000, through season 49, according to PEOPLE.
