Survivor: Ghost Island is the 36th season of the American CBS competitive reality television series Survivor . This season introduced Ghost Island, a secluded location similar to Exile Island, where castaways were banished for short periods. The island was decorated with mementos and props from previous seasons of Survivor , including torch snuffers and immunity idols. With few exceptions, castaways were exiled to Ghost Island after being chosen by the winners of the reward challenge. The challenge winners were required to unanimously choose a losing castaway; if they were unable to do so, the losing castaways would draw colored rocks to determine who would be exiled. On Ghost Island, exiled castaways were instructed to smash the next in a series of urns, some of which would allow the castaway to compete in a game of chance for an advantage in the game. The advantages were taken from previous seasons of Survivor , all of which were misplayed in their original seasons. Exiled castaways were given the opportunity to acquire these advantages under the premise of learning from past castaways' mistakes. This season marks the first time in Survivor history in which two players were tied for having the most jury votes at the Final Tribal Council.

A group of new Survivors attempt to "reverse the curse" of bad past game decisions. Also, one castaway will be the first to visit Ghost Island, and panic sets in at the first tribal council of the season.

A group of new contestants attempts to reverse the curse of bad past-game decisions; one castaway visits Ghost Island; panic sets in at the first tribal council of the season.

A surprising tribe swap shakes up the game and one castaway sets their sights on one of their own.

Castaways get physical during a classic water challenge, and a pair of castaways on the outs tries to shake things up.

One castaway attempts to rekindle relationships after duping their tribe.

Another surprising tribe swap could mean a fresh start for some castaways.

Castaways burn their tribe's flag in an attempt to reverse the curse.

The merge threatens to increase the tension between two ongoing rivals.

A classic SURVIVOR eating challenge is back, and individual immunity is on the line.

A determined castaway goes on a mission to break up a power alliance.

Two people will be voted out in an all-new surprise twist. Also, one player works hard to deceive his tribemates into thinking he has an idol.

A visit from loved ones hits the spot for castaways at the reward challenge, and castaways must bond together to break up a power couple.

After a tough immunity challenge, one castaway will earn a 1 in 6 shot at the million dollar prize.

Castaways try to navigate their way to immunity when facing the biggest maze in the history for the game. Also, a fire-making challenge could change one person's fate in the game, and, after 39 days, one castaway will take home the $1 million dollar prize and title of sole Survivor.

The castaways reunite to discuss the season.