“Survivor 51” premiered on CBS with 21 players in Fiji, launching the “Open Era,” where past twists can return without warning. Its $1 million prize can reach $2 million this season; if the coin-flip bonus goes unclaimed, next season could offer a $3 million total prize.
At the premiere, all 21 contestants started together on one beach. Lewis Kelly volunteered for Exile Island before the others split into tribes Savu and Toka. After Toka lost immunity, Aaliyah Puglia was voted out 6–2; she and Jenna Doore had both failed to gain safety through Shot in the Dark. A proposal to drop the final-three fire-making challenge needed a unanimous vote but got only five votes, so the challenge remains.
The coin flip debuted in season 50, when Rick Devens’ correct call earned him immunity and added $1 million to the grand prize. Aubry Bracco ultimately won that season’s $2 million prize.
