The Best Loved Ones Visits In Survivor History

Toward the end of some seasons of Survivor, the remaining castaways are treated to an overwhelming and heartfelt surprise—visits from their loved ones.

These special, and often tearful, reunions become some of the most talked-about moments of the season as fans watch their favorite players reconnect with parents, siblings, and spouses.

During Survivor: Winners at War, the players were treated to an unprecedented visit from loved ones. Jeremy was floored when not just one person, but his entire family came out to greet him.

In addition to this welcome surprise, every player this season was able to spend time with their families, not just the competition winners. A rare treat. 

Watch Jeremy reunite with his loved ones during Episode 10 of Survivor: Winners at War, "The Full Circle."

Don't miss all-new episodes of Survivor: Winners at War on Wednesdays at 8/7c on CBS and CBS All Access.

Even sharp-edged tough guys get teary-eyed seeing their families after so many days out on the island competing for the grand prize. 

Tony dropped to his knees and sobbed at just a glimpse of his beautiful family in Fiji, embracing them in the midst of his emotion. 

Watch Tony reunite with his family in Episode 10 of Survivor: Winners at War, "The Full Circle."

Even though the players who were cast-off to the Edge of Extinction during Winners at War suffered exponentially, endured the elements, and were severely under-energized, their spirits were lifted when Survivor surprised the exhausted castaways with a visit from their families. 

Smiles are rare on the Edge of Extinction, but every single person wore one that day. 

Watch the players on the Edge of Extinction reunite with their families in Episode 10 of Survivor: Winners at War, "The Full Circle."

On Survivor: Edge of Extinction, 46-year-old educator Ron was given a tearful reunion with his husband. They would go on to win the Reward Challenge and earn even more time together.

Embracing, the teary-eyed castaway told his spouse, "I love our life and I'm never going to take it for granted."

See Ron's inspiring reconnection with his husband in Episode 11 of Survivor: Edge of Extinction, "Awkward."

For 23-year-old Gavin, the Loved Ones visit held a little extra weight—he'd gotten married only two days before leaving for Survivor!

Gavin revealed that his then-fiancée was kind enough to move up their wedding date so he could go on the show.

The typically unemotional YMCA Program Director shed some major tears during their newlywed's reunion, telling her, "I'm sorry I left," and then telling Jeff that Survivor was basically their honeymoon.

Watch the newlyweds reunite during Episode 11 of Survivor: Edge of Extinction, "Awkward."

The 38-year-old morning news anchor Rick was at a loss for words when Jeff brought out his wife during the loved ones visit. After they embraced, he told her proudly, "Jeff put the Immunity Idol on me yesterday!"

They shared a tender moment as she filled him in on how their young child was coping with Dad being gone, but Rick steeled himself to prepare for the last leg of the game.

See Rick reunite with his wife in this emotional moment from Episode 11 of Survivor: Edge of Extinction, "Awkward."

On Survivor: David vs. Goliath, 28-year-old financial consultant Angelina Keeley was reunited with her mother, who she embraced with tears in her eyes. 

"My mom is literally the strongest woman I know," Angelina told host Jeff Probst as the pair hugged. "I would not be the woman that I am without this woman right here."

See Angelina’s heartfelt reunion with her mom in Episode 11 of Survivor: David vs. Goliath, "So Smart They're Dumb."

We saw 27-year-old Kentucky native Nick Wilson let his emotions loose early on Survivor: David vs. Goliath when he was bonding with this Tribemates, but it was nothing compared to when he got to reunite with his dad during the season's loved ones Reward Challenge.

Nick reflected on his younger days, remembering how in college he was always envious of his friends who had their dad's credit cards and drove fancy cars, but that being away from his family while on Survivor has reminded him how much he has to be thankful for.

"I feel like I didn't always appreciate him," Nick told Jeff. "But until you've donated blood to buy milk for five kids, you don't realize what this man has gone through."

"It's not about what you have or what you don't have," Nick's father added. "It's about what you give."

See Nick's emotional interaction with his dad on Episode 11 of Survivor: David vs. Goliath, "So Smart They're Dumb."

The 32-year-old robotics scientist Christian Hubicki has been a strong player from the very start of the game when he, along with Lyrsa, pulled out a win for the Davids in the very first Reward Challenge. But all it took was a visit from his girlfriend for him to finally break down. 

After an adorable introduction to his "good friend Jeff" and some banter about his new beard, Christian reflected, "Having someone who gets you, who understands how you're feeling—even before you feel it—that's what is so precious." As they parted, Christian shed some serious tears. 

Even the onlookers were moved, with Gabby cooing, "That's true love."

See Christian's cute and heartwarming reunion with his girlfriend on Episode 11 of Survivor: David vs. Goliath, "So Smart They're Dumb."

On Survivor: Ghost Island, 42-year-old Army veteran Angela Perkins was moved to tears when her daughter came running out to greet her and gushed about how proud she was of her mom.

The duo shared a heart-warming moment that even made host Jeff Probst emotional.

After serving 21 years in the military, Angela and her family share a special bond that has made them strong apart, but even better together.

Watch Angela's tearful loved ones visit in Episode 12 of Survivor: Ghost Island, "A Giant Game of Bumper Cars."

As 38-year-old construction supervisor Domenick Abbate embraced his wife Kristen, eyes welled with tears, she told him, "I love you and I hate you so much!"
 
"Who can ask for anything more in a woman? She's my life. She's my rock," Domenick told Jeff. 

"I've never gone a day without talking to him in over 20 years," Domenick's wife Kristen said through her tear-stained eyes. The couple shared a kiss before Domenick was called off to play in the Reward Challenge, hoping for even more time with his partner. 

Watch Domenick's joyous reunion in Episode 12 of Survivor: Ghost Island, "A Giant Game of Bumper Cars."

 

Donathan Hurley's composure disappeared almost as soon as he laid eyes on his aunt, who made her way to Fiji to bring love and encouraging words from Donathan's entire family. 

When Donathan's aunt told him that his mother and grandmother were doing just fine, Donathan burst into tears. "I know they've always depended on me and I took a risk coming out here and leaving them by themselves. To hear that, this is a big lift off my shoulders." 

Watch Donathan's loved ones visit in Episode 12 of Survivor: Ghost Island, "A Giant Game of Bumper Cars."

On Survivor: Heroes Vs. Healers Vs. Hustlers, Ryan was at a loss for words when his dad Steve ran out for a big hug.

"I told you I'd get you here," the castaway said to his proud father.

Ryan explained that the two of them had watched the show together for years, and that this episode had always been his dream.

Watch "Not Going To Roll Over And Die" (Episode 12, Season 35) to see the moment Ryan received the hometown surprise.

When veteran Ben saw his wife Kelly running out toward him during the family visit, he immediately broke down in tears. 

After he checked in with her to make sure his young kids were doing well, he continued to hold her tight and explain to everyone why Kelly means everything to him.

"She picked me up and gave me life," Ben said, thinking back to the toughest days of getting back on his feet.

Watch "Not Going To Roll Over And Die" (Episode 12, Season 35) to witness the love between Ben and his wife.

Chrissy could barely contain herself when her husband of 20 years, Keith, traveled to Fiji to see her on Survivor.

It had been 31 days since she had seen the person she calls "her everything," so she jumped into his arms to give him a warm welcome.

Chrissy was overcome with emotion as she hugged Keith tightly, saying he's "the most incredible man I’ve ever known."

Watch "Not Going To Roll Over And Die" (Episode 12, Season 35) to watch Chrissy and Keith reunite in front of the whole cast.

On Survivor: Game Changers, Tai was more than ready to see the love of his life run out into his arms after he learned it was time for the loved ones visit. With nothing but kind words to say about each other, it was clear just how special a bond they shared.

Watch "It's Not A High Without A Low" (Episode 10, Season 34) to relive the tender moment where Tai reunited with his boyfriend.

On Survivor: Game Changers, Cirie's son, who had just graduated high school, surprised his mom during the loved ones visit in Fiji. The proud mother-of-three squealed with joy as her son wrapped his arms around her in front of the whole group.

Watch "It's Not A High Without A Low" (Episode 10, Season 34) to watch the love between Cirie and her son.

On Survivor: Game Changers, Michaela broke down in tears when Jeff let her know her mother had made the trek out to Fiji. The strong castaway made sure to express just how much it meant to have her mom there and why she was so deserving of such a unique gift.

Watch "It's Not A High Without A Low" (Episode 10, Season 34) to see exactly how special this mother-daughter reunion was.

On Survivor: Game Changers, Brad's face lit up when he saw his beautiful wife, Monica—who played the game of Survivor twice herself—run out from the woods toward him. Their moment together was every bit heartfelt and emotional.

Watch "It's Not A High Without A Low" (Episode 10, Season 34) to see the touching moment between this husband and wife.

On Survivor: Millennials Vs. Gen X, Adam was moved to tears when his brother, Evan, paid him a visit in Fiji. What made this moment even more special was that Adam had been waiting to hear about his mother’s health condition, and it was the news and comfort only a brother could bring.

Watch "About To Have A Rumble" (Episode 12, Season 33) to relive the emotional moment where Adam got to share his special Reward alongside his brother.

On Survivor: Millennials Vs. Gen X, David got choked up when his father, Doug, surprised him in Fiji. Doug told his son just how proud he was of him, and, in response, David said he hoped he was able to walk away from the Survivor experience as the man his father is.

Watch "About To Have A Rumble" (Episode 12, Season 33) to relive the emotional moment where David got to see his father after weeks with no communication.

On Survivor: Millennials Vs. Gen X, Jay broke down when his sister, Melanie, ran out from the woods toward him. Jay explained that Melanie was half of his heart and just the mere thought of her had been the fuel he needed to get through the experience. Jeff commented on their strong brother-sister relationship.

Watch "About To Have A Rumble" (Episode 12, Season 33) to relive the emotional moment where Jay got to see his sister.

On Survivor: Cambodia, season winner Jeremy Collins couldn't help but tear up when his wife, Val, who was pregnant with their first son, appeared from out from the Cambodian woods. But when she whispered the sex of the baby into his ear, he couldn't stop the waterworks.

Watch "Tiny Little Shanks To The Heart" (Episode 11, Season 31) to relive the emotional moment where Jeremy was reconnected with his wife. 

On Survivor: Worlds Apart, Mike Holloway, winner of the season, literally swept his mother off her feet when she came running toward him. 

Watch "It's A Fickle, Fickle Game" (Episode 13, Season 30) to relive the emotional moment where Mike was reconnected with his mother. 

When the castaways' loved ones visited Samoa on Survivor: One World, emotions grew strong as soon as the reunions happened. Tarzan was hit especially hard by the reconciliation and broke down in tears when he laid his eyes on his wife. 

Watch "It's Gonna Be Chaos" (Episode 12, Season 24) to relive the emotional moment where Tarzan was reconnected with his spouse. 

When Jeff Probst let the cast of Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains know they were about to be reunited with their loved ones, who made the trek to see them mid-competition, the castaways were brought to tears—specially Sandra when her kind-hearted uncle ran out to greet her. 

Watch "Loose Lips Sink Ships" (Episode 13, Season 20) to relive the emotional moment where Sandra was reunited with close relative.

Thirty days into Survivor: Tocantins, Taj Johnson-George was blown away when her husband surprised her in Brazil and the pair went simply gaga over each other. 

Watch "The Ultimate Sacrifice" (Episode 12, Season 18) to relive the emotional moment where Taj was reunited with her other half. 

On Survivor: Gabon, Bob, who ended up winning the season, was taken by complete surprise when his wife, Peggy, appeared right before his very eyes while he was simultaneously watching a video of her from home. 

Watch "The Good Things In Life Aren't Easy" (Episode 11, Season 17) to relive the emotional moment where Bob was overcome with joy.

On Survivor: All-Stars, prior to a stomach-turning food challenge, Shii Ann saw her mother running toward her, couldn't believe her eyes, and each woman shared smiles and tears. 

Watch "The Chapera Surprise" (Episode 14, Season 8) to relive the emotional moment where Shii Ann ran to the arms of her mother.

On Survivor: Pearl Island, Lillian "Lil" Morris broke into a loud cry when her husband ran out to greet her and we nearly broke into tears, too.

Watch "The Great Lie" (Episode 11, Season 7) to relive the emotional moment where Lil sees her hubbie for the first time since heading out to Panama. 

 

On Survivor: Thailand, Jake Billingsley was brought to tears when his soulmate surprised him with a visit before an intense food competition that had her and all the other loved ones indulging in local delicacies. 

Watch "A Big Surprise... and Another" (Episode 12, Season 5) to relive the emotional moment where Jake sees his wife for the first time after 30 days without her. 
 

On Survivor: The Australian Outback, Colby Donaldson was completely blown away after receiving a shiny new car as part of his Reward. But, the moment that really took his breath away was when his mother showed up behind him with a platter of food. 

Watch "The Final Four" (Episode 14, Season 2) to relive the emotional moment where Colby got to share his special reward alongside his mother. 

Don't miss all-new episodes of Survivor: Winners at War on Wednesdays at 8/7c on CBS and CBS All Access.