The sixteen contestants arrive in Marquesas to find themselves split into the Rotu and Maraamu tribes. With no food or fire, they struggle to make shelter and find sustenance. The Rotu tribe wins the first immunity challenge. Peter Harkey is the first contestant sent home.
The Rotu tribe continues its winning streak, forcing the Maraamu tribe to evict Patricia Jackson from the island.
Injuries abound when John gets bit by an eel and Robert cuts his foot. Having lost immunity a third time, Maraamu chooses to vote out Hunter Ellis.
The two tribes are stunned when they must play a game that switches them possibly to a new tribe. Even with new members, the Maraamu team loses and Sarah Jones is voted off.
Rob tries to bump John from his leadership role in the Rotu tribe, with help from Sean, Vecepia, and Gabriel. But tables are turned when Gabriel Cade finds out he's been voted out of the game.
The Maraamu tribe hopes to end their losing streak. John surprises the others by admitting he's gay. When Maraamu loses immunity once again, the twindling tribe votes out Gina Crews.
Alliances are threatened when the two tribes merge. The contestants find out immunity can be given to someone else. Kathy wins the immunity challenge. Rob Mariano voted off.
Shifting alliances are tested when Tammy wins immunity. John Carroll voted off the island, but becomes the first member of the voting jury.
A recap of the first 24 days.
Having won at the reward challenge, Sean and Paschal are treated to a feast. Tammy wins immunity once again. Zoe Zanidakis is voted out.
When Vecepia gets depressed on her birthday, Sean comes to the rescue. Neleh and Paschal make the mistake of sharing their reward memories with the tribe. Robert wins himself immunity. Tammy Leitner voted off.
The contestants are treated to visits from their family members. Vecepia wins the immunity challenge. Neleh becomes the target of a new alliance, but it is Robert DeCanio voted out of the game.
Kathy manages to once again win immunity. After an argument at tribal council, Sean Rector is voted off.
The final four contestants vie for a million dollars. After the first challenges, Kathy Vavrick-O'Brien and Paschal English are voted off. Vecepia Towery beats out Neleh Dennis to win the title of "Survivor."
Rosie O'Donnell hosts from Central Park. Winner Vecepia is announced.