I absolutely love the final five of Survivor 48 and agree with Jeff Probst that anyone can win

Survivor 48 is down to its final five: Joe Hunter, Eva Erickson, Kyle Fraser, Kamilla Karthigesu, and Mitch Guerra. The three-hour finale, airing May 22, 2025, promises to be one of the most competitive endgames in recent seasons—and according to host Jeff Probst, it’s exactly that unpredictability that makes it so special. In an exclusive May 20 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Probst said:

“It’s very rare to have a final five where you can make a legitimate case for any of them to win.”

And honestly, I absolutely love this final five lineup. Joe and Eva have played visibly strategic games, while Kyle and Kamilla have influenced outcomes from the shadows. Mitch, meanwhile, has stayed in the game despite being a recurring target. Each finalist represents a different approach to Survivor, which makes the upcoming Final Tribal Council one of the most exciting in years.

Probst added, “Anyone can win. It will all come down to who sits next to who in the final three,” highlighting how crucial the next two immunity challenges and fire-making decisions will be. This is the kind of finale fans wait for—competitive, unpredictable, and filled with players who earned their shot at the million.

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The jury will force each player to own their strategy in Survivor 48 finale

Jeff Probst also stated that the final three should be prepared to explain and defend their game because many jury members were involved in overlapping alliances and gameplay decisions. In my opinion, this makes Survivor 48 one of the most balanced and competitive endgames we've seen in a long time.

Each of the finalists brings a distinct story. Joe and Eva played dominant, visible games and made bold moves that shaped the season. But that same visibility could work against them—jury members who felt betrayed might press them hard to justify those decisions. Kyle and Kamilla, on the other hand, stayed behind the scenes, influencing outcomes without drawing too much attention.

If they can explain how their subtle gameplay steered the votes, it could sway the jury in their favor. Then there's Mitch. He didn’t have power, but he had presence. Despite being left out of alliances and frequently discussed as a threat, he found ways to survive. That resilience can resonate—especially with jurors who know how difficult it is to stay in the game without a clear path.

In my opinion, this jury won’t let anyone coast. As Jeff Probst noted, this is where players have to step up—and only those who truly understand their own game will have a shot at the title.

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In my opinion, Survivor 48 finally gives fans a true endgame worth watching

Jeff Probst described the Survivor 48 finale as “tremendous” and said it’s a fitting conclusion to what he considers one of his favorite seasons. In my opinion, that’s not just hype—it’s a fair assessment of a finale that doesn’t feel predictable for once. For years, many finales have felt one-sided, with clear frontrunners and little suspense. This time, there’s real tension going into the final vote.

Each finalist has a credible argument. Joe and Eva have resumes packed with leadership and risk-taking, but that could turn into a liability if the jury sees their gameplay as too cutthroat. Kyle and Kamilla, though quieter, have been consistent in vote influence and avoiding backlash. If they make the Final Tribal Council, the pressure will be on them to prove they weren’t just following others.

Mitch remains the true wild card. He was never fully in control, but he stayed adaptable. The fact that other players repeatedly said they “couldn’t let him get to the end” proves they saw him as a threat. In my opinion, his path—one of quiet survival—might earn respect from a jury that values grit as much as gameplay.

The finale won’t just come down to moves. It will come down to how well those moves are explained—and that’s what makes this ending so compelling.

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Survivor 48 finale is set to air on May 21, 2025, on CBS.