Fan-favorite reality TV showSurvivorhas been nominated for the Emmy Awards again after being shockingly snubbed last year.The Outstanding Reality Competition Program category debuted in 2003, withThe Amazing Racedominatingthe early years.Iconic series likeDancing with the Stars,Top Chef, andRuPaul’s Drag Racefollowed, earning multiple nominations and wins, and showing that reality TV is now taken more seriously.
Survivor, the genre pioneer, has stood the test of time with 69 Emmy nominations and seven wins, largely in technical and hosting categories. Though it went unrecognized in the main competition category from 2006 to 2023, its 2023 nomination marked a triumphant return to prominence after 17 years. However, in 2024,Survivorwas left off the Emmy ballotentirely, receiving no nominations.
Survivor earned an Emmy nomination in 2025, replacing a show that seemingly took its place last year.
EWreleased the full list of 2025 nominations for the 77th Annual Emmy Awards.Running Pointstar Brenda Song andWhat We Do in the Shadowsalum Harvey Guillén revealed this year’s list of nominees.CBS, the network hosting this year’s ceremony, revealed two categories, Reality Competition and Talk Series, ahead of the full announcement.
Five shows are listed under the Outstanding Reality Competition Program category. It featuresThe Amazing Race,RuPaul’s Drag Race,Top Chef, andThe Traitors. Instead ofThe Voice, which was nominated in 2024,this time,the list includesSurvivor. This is the first time in 13 years thatThe Voicehasn’t received a nomination in this category.
What Survivor’s Emmy Nomination Means After 2024 Snub
Survivor’s Return & The Voice’s Absence Signal Changing Emmy Trends
The Voicemaintained adominant presence at the Emmys from 2011 to 2024, earning 13 consecutive nominations for Outstanding Reality Competition Program. It won four times in that category, in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017, and consistently ranked among the most recognized reality series. The show also earned multiple hosting and production nominations over the years.
In 2025, for the first time since its debut season,The Voicefailed to receive a nomination in the Reality Competition category, ending its 13-year streak.The omission marks amajor shift in Emmy recognition for the genre, as a new show likeThe Traitors, along with old favorites likeRuPaul’s Drag Race,take center stage.
The Voicemissed the opportunity to win another Emmy as it was left outof the 2025 nominations. Meanwhile,Survivormade a surprising re-entry, earning its first nomination in the Reality Competition category since its snub. The shift reveals a changing landscape in reality TV awards.
Our Take On Survivor’s Major Emmy Comeback
Survivor’s Impressive Return To Emmy Recognition
Survivor’s Emmy comeback in 2023 and again in 2025 proved that classic reality competition shows still have a strong place in television. After years of being overlooked,the show earned a well-deserved nomination,reminding fans and critics alike why it remains a trailblazer. This returnhighlightsSurvivor’s lasting influenceand its ability to compete with newer reality hits.
Survivorseason 49 premieres Wednesday, September 24 at 8 p.m. EDT on CBS.
Survivor
Cast
Survivor is a reality competition series set in remote locations where contestants, divided into tribes, must survive with minimal resources for approximately 39 days. Participants face physical challenges for rewards and immunity, with losing tribes attending Tribal Council to vote off a member. Released in 2000.
