Survivor: Nicaragua – Premiere Date & Season Overview

Survivor: Nicaragua (Season 21) premiered on September 15, 2010 on CBS.

Quick Facts

• Season: 21
• Location: San Juan del Sur, Rivas Department, Nicaragua (Pacific coast)
• Premiere: Wed, Sep 15, 2010 (8/7c)
• Finale: Sun, Dec 19, 2010
• Winner: Jud "Fabio" Birza
• Runner-up: Chase Rice
• Final 3: Fabio, Chase, Sash Lenahan
• Theme: "Young vs. Old" — Espada (40+) vs. La Flor (30–) tribes initially
• Twist: Medallion of Power (tribe advantage), Hidden Immunity Idols (no clues), Redemption Island not used (introduced next season)

Notable Cast

• Jimmy Johnson (ex-NFL coach, Espada)
• Marty Piombo (tech exec, La Flor)
• Jane Bright (fisherwoman, fan favorite)
• Brenda Lowe (paddleboarder, strategic)
• Holly Hoffman (rancher, flipper)
• Dan Lembo (surf shop owner, villain edit)

Legacy

Often ranked mid-tier by fans—criticized for uneven editing, "purple rock" tiebreaker, and NaOnka/Purple Kelly quitting—but praised for Fabio's underdog win, Jane's authenticity, and Nicaragua's stunning volcanic/coastal scenery. First season filmed in Central America since Guatemala (S11).