Survivor 48 finale: Airdate, timings and more revealed 

After weeks of tribal councils, immunity challenges, and strategic gameplay, Survivor 48 is approaching its grand conclusion. Only six contestants remain in the competition following Mary Zheng's elimination in the May 7 episode.

These final castaways have successfully navigated the complex social dynamics and physical challenges that have sent twelve others packing. Now, they're just steps away from potentially claiming the coveted title of Sole Survivor and the million-dollar prize.

The iconic reality show, hosted by Jeff Probst, continues its tradition of testing participants' ability to outwit, outplay, and outlast their fellow competitors on a remote island. As viewers prepare for the season's conclusion, CBS has revealed key details about the upcoming finale.

The remaining Survivor 48 contestants – Eva, Joe, Kamilla, Kyle, Mitch, and Shauhin – are now entering the most crucial phase of the game, where every decision could make or break their chances of victory.

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Everything you need to know about Survivor 48 finale

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 21, when CBS will air the extended three-hour finale. The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/PT and wraps up at 11 p.m. ET/PT.

The episode, titled "Only One of Youse Can Win," will feature the final tribal councils, crucial immunity challenges, and ultimately crown this season's champion. Following the winner announcement, Jeff Probst will host the traditional on-island reunion with the cast.

Survivor 48 fans unable to catch the live broadcast can stream the complete episode on Paramount+ after it airs.

The three-hour finale will showcase two immunity challenges that will dramatically shape the endgame.

The first challenge will feature the Final 5 contestants (after one more player is eliminated in the May 14 episode). Following this, another tribal council will reduce the group to four.

The second immunity challenge becomes particularly critical, as the winner gains the power to choose one person to join them in the Final 3. The remaining two castaways must then compete in the now-traditional fire-making challenge to determine who advances and who becomes the final jury member.

The six Survivor 48 players still competing include Eva Erickson (24-year-old PhD candidate), Joe Hunter (46-year-old fire captain), Kamilla Karthigesu (31-year-old software engineer), Kyle Fraser (31-year-old attorney), Mitch Guerra (34-year-old P.E. coach), and Shauhin Davari (38-year-old debate professor).

Currently, five eliminated contestants have joined the jury: Cedrek McFadden, Chrissy Sarnowsky, David Kinne, Star Toomey, and Mary Zheng. Three more will join before the final vote.

Should a tie occur among the Final 3, Survivor has established protocol. As seen in Season 36, when Laurel Johnson received zero votes, the third-place finalist cast the tie-breaking vote between the top two contenders.

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Historic context

The winner of Survivor 48 will join an exclusive club of champions. Throughout the show's history, only Sandra Diaz-Twine and Tony Vlachos have claimed the title twice.

As Jeff Probst often reminds contestants, "In this game, fire represents life." For the six remaining players, that life in the game continues – but only one will have their torch remain lit as the newest Sole Survivor.

As Survivor 48 races toward its fiery finish, the pressure is at an all-time high. With only six castaways left and every tribal council potentially game-changing, the finale promises high-stakes drama, emotional reckonings, and strategic masterstrokes. Whether you're rooting for the underdog, the challenge dominator, or the social strategist, this season's final episode is set to deliver the full Survivor experience: grit, glory, and one unforgettable million-dollar decision.

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The Survivor 48 finale airs Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+ after the broadcast.