Relive Some Of The Most Memorable Survivor Blindsides All Over Again

Just about every season on Survivor, castaways and fans alike are thrown for a loop when a castaway leaves the game due to an unbelievably epic blindside. 

Many of these strategic game moves are bold, cutthroat, and intentional, while others are total accidents.

For example, when you stand out as one of the most iconic Survivor legends among a cast comprised entirely of Survivor winners, you know the target on your back is going to be huge. 

Boston Rob found out how big that target really was when, after a Tribe Swap during Season 40, he tried to take on a bunch of new school players and couldn't quite corral them the way he was used to. Rob attempted to create a "buddy system" to keep everyone in camp and unable to strategize, but his bright idea ultimately backfired at Tribal Council. 

With his long Survivor history, it's clear Rob fully expected to stick around and you can see the surprise in his reaction as Jeff read the votes. 

STREAM: Boston Rob's Shocking Exit On The Survivor: Winners At War Episode "The Buddy System On Steroids" On Paramount+

Let's take a look back at more of the most memorable blindsides in Survivor history. 

Stream every season of Survivor on Paramount+.

Fake Idols and Advantages are a favorite pastime for many Survivor players, but unfortunately for Ron Clark, the expired Secret Advantage he tried to pass off to Rick Devens backfired in a big way. 

At Tribal Council, Devens attempted to use Ron's Advantage only to be told that it had long since expired, which doesn't seem to surprise him. Instead, he used a separate Hidden Immunity Idol found earlier in the episode to protect himself against the votes he knew were coming his way. 

In the end, Devens' deft move got him through another Tribal and sent a blindsided Ron trotting off to the Edge of Extinction. 

STREAM: Ron's Surprising Farewell On The Survivor: Edge Of Extinction Episode "Awkward" On Paramount+

As a professional wrestler, John Hennigan is no stranger to shocking twists and unbelievable developments. But the Brochacho Blindside that happened during Survivor: David vs. Goliath left the mayor of Slamtown flat on his back. 

The intended target during Tribal Council was Christian, who the former Goliaths of the newly merged Tribe were hoping to eliminate. Meanwhile, the former Davids went after Angelina. 

Both were spared when each alliance played an Idol to save their teammates, and John was sent packing with only a few votes against him. 

STREAM: John's Brochacho Blindside On The Survivor: David Vs. Goliath Episode "You Get What You Give" On Paramount+

The fourth Tribal Council of Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers​ was bound to be an explosive one after an intense blowout between 31-year-old NFL player Alan and 34-year-old probation officer Joe following the tribe swap.

The finger-pointing only escalated at Tribal when the entire group agreed that the votes would be a result of a real showdown between tribes and personalities.

Then, the night took a surprising turn when Devon revealed that he had a secret advantage that he could only open at Tribal. The secret advantage was, in fact, a disadvantage, and would be used against Devon to block his vote.

Before the votes were tallied, Joe decided to use his Idol to keep himself safe, and as the first votes were read, he sure was glad he did. With only two votes against him, Alan learned he was the fourth eliminated cast-off of Season 35.

STREAM: Alan's Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers​ Episode "I Don't Like Having Snakes Around" On Paramount+

A historic Tribal Council took a shocking turn no one could have predicted when four-time castaway Cirie was sent packing with no votes against her. How so?

Well, once three Idols were played and five players were left safe, there was only one person left... Cirie.

She became the first person in all 34 seasons to be voted out simply because there was just no other choice that night. 

STREAM: Cirie's Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Game Changers Episode "No Good Deed Goes Unpunished" On Paramount+

One of the craziest Tribal Councils in Survivor history was when the game was twisted just enough to push things completely off balance, forcing the two losing tribes of an Immunity Challenge to vote together as one.

As whispers were exchanged and people scrambled to make a quick decision, plans flip-flopped until the very last minute when Tai played his Idol for Sierra, sending Malcolm home unexpectedly.

"I’m going to vomit," said Malcolm when he heard the news.

In an exclusive inside look at the Tribal, host Jeff Probst called it one of the best blindsides ever simply because of the players involved. It was a truly game-changing Tribal.

STREAM: Malcolm's Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Game Changers Episode "The Tables Have Turned" On Paramount+

Even though Sandra had won two previous seasons with her "as long as it isn't me" mentality, luck wasn't on her side during the fifth Tribal Council of Survivor: Game Changers.

Leading up to the Tribal, it looked like Tai would be the one leaving, but when he started whispering in Sandra's ear, a ripple of chaos was sent through camp.

In what ultimately came down to a matter of trust, the votes were tallied and Sandra learned her unfortunate fate: She wouldn't see a third Survivor win and her chapter on Game Changers had come to a close.

STREAM: Sandra’s Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Game Changers Episode "Vote Early, Vote Often" On Paramount+

Right before moving on to the finale, three-time player and tough competitor Andrea was swiftly blindsided by her tribe in a Tribal Council that won't soon be forgotten.

Andrea's jaw dropped as Jeff read the votes and as her name kept being called, the New Yorker realized that there must have been more tight-knit alliances behind her back than she was aware of. 

Still, she said she would never have played an under-the-radar type of game and that the move, which was well-timed, was smart on their end.

STREAM: Andrea’s Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Game Changers Episode "Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow" On Paramount+

This was the exact reaction Millennial Michaela had when she first heard her name called out during the seventh Tribal Council of Survivor: Millennials Vs. Gen X.

As someone who pictured herself in the Final 3, Michaela felt 100 percent betrayed by her ally, Jay, who turned on her when she least expected it... especially after the trusting 25-year-old revealed her post-merge plan to her fellow tribemates.

And, she made sure to let him know how she felt before officially walking out.

STREAM: Michaela’s Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Millennials Vs. Gen X Episode "I Will Destroy You" On Paramount+

Gen X-er Chris could barely believe it when his tribe gave him the boot during the Survivor: Millennials Vs. Gen X episode "Million Dollar Gamble."

The total blindside, which the tribe orchestrated brilliantly, was all based on power because Chris had been playing a great game thus far and well, "Zeke wanted his alliance."

Even though the blindside left a mark, Chris respected it as a fan of the show.

STREAM: Chris' Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Millennials Vs. Gen X Episode "Million Dollar Gamble" On Paramount+

Jessica fought back tears when a million-dollar rock draw ended her fate on Survivor: Millennials Vs. Gen X after the group couldn't unanimously decide whether to send Hannah or Zeke home instead.

The Gen X-er's heart broke when she opened her hand, which revealed the single black rock of the bunch—the most unfortunate sign of her end in the game.

It was something no one saw coming.

STREAM: Jessica’s Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Millennials Vs. Gen X Episode "Million Dollar Gamble" On Paramount+

No one expected this blindside coming because for the first time in Survivor history, a juror was removed from jury right before the Final Tribal Council.

That meant, Neal couldn't help determine his season's winner.

Michelle's powerful decision to remove Neal from the jury resulted in some not-so-friendly words at the end. 

STREAM: Neil's Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Kaoh Rong Episode "Not Going Down Without A Fight" On Paramount+

Why did Andrew's Second Chances elimination sting so bad? Because it was a total mind-blowing blindside.

The old school player was voted out of camp after Kelley decided to use her very valuable Hidden Immunity Idol.

The play took Andrew and the rest of the castaways by total surprise and, as the votes were tallied, the returning Season 7 castaway saw his second chance at Sole Survivor crumble right before his eyes. 

STREAM: Andrew's Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Second Chances Episode "You Call, We'll Haul" On Paramount+

Monster competitor Joe won numerous Immunity Challenges on Survivor: Second Chances, and even improved his social game since his first run on Survivor: Worlds Apart.

So, when he collapsed mid-challenge on Episode 12 and walked into Tribal without his usual safety bauble, his fellow castaways took it as an opportunity to finally send him packing.

In a last-ditch effort to divert votes, Joe said, "I think [Abi's] a threat in the game because everyone would want to take you to the end." But, it didn't work. 

That face says it all.

STREAM: Joe's Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Second Chances Episode "Tiny Little Shanks To The Heart" On Paramount+
 

Fishbach may've used his mysterious advantage at the last Tribal Council in hopes to steer the result in a favorable direction, however, after the votes were tallied, the joke was on him as he was sent packing on Episode 11 of Second Chances.

Reflecting back, Fishbach was shocked that Spencer flipped and that he didn't have enough votes to go further. 

Lucky for him, he'll always be a fan favorite.

STREAM: Fishbach's Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Second Chances Episode "My Wheels Are Spinning" On Paramount+
 

Baylor's blindside may have stung—especially because it meant leaving her mother behind—but it sure was an exceptional one for fans to watch unfold.

Who executed her unexpected exit? Eventual Season 29 winner Natalie.

And how? Well, when Baylor voted against Jaclyn, Natalie decided to play her Idol for Jaclyn, meaning any votes for her wouldn't count.

So with two votes against her, Baylor was given the boot.

STREAM: Baylor's Epic Blindside On The Survivor: San Juan Del Sur Episode "This Is My Time" On Paramount+

This over-the-top Tribal ended one castaway's journey in a brutal way—with Tony applauding. 

Long story short: Tony and LJ decided to play their Idols for each other's safety, Kass decided to flip alliances during her vote, and Sarah was voted out.

"Who flipped?" said Sarah, as she made her way to Jeff holding her torch.

No one would say, but the truth eventually came out.

STREAM: Sarah's Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Cagayan Episode "Head Of The Snake" On Paramount+

In Survivor: Blood Vs. Water, Ciera was faced with a tough decision: Fly under the radar or make a bold move? When she ended up having the entire group draw rocks—a move egged on by Hayden—it was not only a shock for the cast but also Jeff Probst himself.

Ciera lucked out when she risked her own game because it resulted in the end for Katie instead, promptly sending her out of Survivor thanks to the luck of the draw.

STREAM: Katie's Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Blood Vs. Water Episode "Rustle Feathers" On Paramount+

What led to Phillip's unforeseen blindside on Survivor: Caramoan? An interesting string of events and a super power play by two.

When Jeff asked if anyone would like to play a Hidden Immunity Idol, both Malcolm and Eddie played theirs, and well, good thing they did. Both players had votes against them, but instead of one of their Survivor journeys coming to an end, it was one of the Favorites, Phillip, who left camp.

Jeff later explained that the move was to make more of a statement than anything else, since Phillip was harmless to their game.

STREAM: Phillip’s Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Caramoan Episode "Zipping Over The Cuckoo's Nest" On Paramount+
 

In a game full of crazy moves, this had to have been one of the craziest, when one castaway made an unprecedented play that ended in a surprising Tribal Council.

So, who sent J.T. straight to Jury? Parvati, when she sassily used both her Idols on Jerri and Sandra to increase their odds—and to make a statement about women uniting. 

The giant move flipped the game and showed where the real power lied.

STREAM: J.T.'s Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains Episode "Going Down In Flames" On Paramount+
 

Erik was blindsided by the remaining four Survivor: Micronesia girls in a series of events sparked by Cirie that left him—and fans—utterly speechless.

Before Tribal, Natalie agreed to convince Erik to give her his Immunity Necklace because it would redeem him in the eyes of the Jury, and surprisingly... he agreed!

When he naively gave away his necklace, thinking he was safe another week, the girls rallied together to kick the likable castaway out for good. Ouch.

STREAM: Erik's Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Micronesia Episode "If It Smells Like A Rat, Give It Cheese" On Paramount+

What's worse than being blindsided? Being blindsided with two Idols still in your pocket.

That's exactly what happened to one of Season 10's biggest physical threats, James, when Amanda orchestrated his elimination with her allies, Todd and Courtney.

Certainly others had left Survivor still possessing Idols, but this marked the first time where someone was still holding on to two.

STREAM: James' Epic Blindside On The Survivor: China Episode "I'm Ready To Bite The Apple" On Paramount+

Rupert was completely shocked and dismayed to learn that he had been voted out by his beloved Balboa Tribe with a five-to-three vote.

What hurt the most was that his ally Lill stabbed him in the back by being one of the five to scribble his name down. 

Rupert left camp heartbroken, feeling betrayed and unaccepted by the people he trusted for 27 days.

STREAM: Rupert's Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Pearl Islands Episode "Swimming With Sharks" On Paramount+

In a shocking Season 2 twist, Ogakor tribe member and overall tough competitor Jerri was voted out at Tribal Council with a 6-2 vote.

It came a surprise because leading up to Tribal, Jerri had told her tribe that Elisabeth should be the one to go. Instead of voting that way, Keith and Colby voted along with Tina to get Jerri out.

STREAM: Jerri's Epic Blindside On The Survivor: The Australian Outback Episode "Honeymoon Or Not?" On Paramount+

On Survivor's first season, fans weren't quite as familiar with what blindsides looked like... until Gretchen was sent packing in an unexpected way.

This self-proclaimed soccer mom—who was described by many as the "heart and soul" of Pulau Tiga—was voted off by the pre-existing voting block consisting of former members Richard, Rudy, Susan, and Kelly.

So why was someone so sweet voted off so soon? She was a major threat to everyone else's chances of winning.

STREAM: Gretchen’s Epic Blindside On The Survivor: Borneo Episode "The Merger" On Paramount+

Stream every season of Survivor on Paramount+.