‘Survivor’ Season 37: What Happened on ‘David Vs. Goliath’?

Featuring eccentric characters and unforgettable personalities, Survivor 37: David vs. Goliath brought the reality competition universe a unique theme and fantastic television. Playing on the biblical story, the iteration pitted 10 underdog-type contestants (“David” tribe) against 10 “favorites” (“Goliath” tribe), as host Jeff Probst described in the opening episode.

Whether it was occupation-wise or physical gifts, the Goalith players had — on paper — more going for them than their David counterparts.

The Davids featured a waitress, truck driver, and kitchen worker, whereas the Goliath tribe had the likes of a filmmaker, attorney, and physician. Physically domineering at points as well, the Goliath tribe boasted a professional wrestler, whereas the Davids featured a slender robotics scientist.

Season 37 was filmed in early 2018 and aired later that year. And after the dust settled, David’s Nick Wilson left CBS’s live finale with a $1 million check after besting two Goliaths in the final Tribal Council.

So, let’s take a look into David vs. Goliath, and how the season shook out.

The Davids lost 3 members by day 10 — 2 due to injury

The game began with 20 players joining together in two groups on a boat floating just off of a Fijian island. After Jeff announced season 37’s theme and unveiled the David vs. Goliath logo, the game was afoot. A reward challenge ensued on the boat and the Davids immediately picked up a win over their opponents.

It was then time for the marooning. The two tribes headed to their camp to begin the survival aspect of the beloved franchise. And unfortunately for the Davids, their early success would be mitigated by a series of events. In true underdog fashion, the Davids tribe fell from 10 to seven by the tenth day of play.

Pat Cusack was officially the first person eliminated from season 37. The tribe’s de facto leader suffered a game-ending back injury after the first immunity challenge. The on-site doctor tended to Pat at camp and determined he could no longer continue in the game. Considering the Davids were supposed to head to Tribal Council that night, it was canceled in the wake of Pat’s departure (he made a full recovery).

Day 6 marked the Davids’ first trip to the voting ceremony as the Goliaths notched their second challenge victory.

The result of the first Tribal Council split the tribe into two alliances. In a 5-4 spread, Jessica Peet was blindsided with Lyrsa Torres narrowly escaping her game being cut short. And although a line in the sand had been drawn by the vote, it was the last time the original David tribe would go to Tribal Council together as a group.

They defeated the Goliaths in the next immunity game. And unlike the opposing tribe, the players donning purple came to a unanimous decision on who to send packing — Jeremy Crawford.

However, the Davids would quickly lose one more. In episode 4, Bi Nguyen pulled herself from the game after she hurt her MCL. Although she was medically cleared to continue, Bi didn’t want to damage her knee any further considering she was a mixed martial artist. With the fourth competitor out of the game ahead of the fourth immunity challenge, Jeff announced a game-changing shakeup.

Season 37 then shifted into a three-tribe game

The remaining 16 hopefuls dropped their buffs and engaged in a tribe swap. They were divided into three new groups — David became Vuku, Goliath’s name was changed to Jabeni, and a new tribe, Tiva, was formed. Once the random draw took place and five players made up each tribe, David’s Carl Boudreaux was left without a home.

He was subsequently sent to Exile Island where he waited until after the next Tribal Council. Besides guaranteed safety for one voting round, Carl was given a clue to finding an idol nullifier, an advantage that would void out a hidden immunity idol should he use it correctly at a Tribal. After searching around Exile Island, Carl eventually found it.

Back in the normal game, the three tribes competed with each other for the first time. Immunity was up for grabs for two tribes — typical during a three-tribe portion of a season. Tiva secured safety, something they’d do during every challenge, and Jabeni came in second. That left Vuku in harm’s way, and Goliath’s Natalia Azoqa was eliminated in a 3-1-1 vote on day 11. Carl then returned to the game and joined Vuku in Natalia’s stead.

Another former Goliath was sent to Ponderosa next, and she was one of the biggest faces of the season. Natalie Cole was known for her no-bulls*** attitude and commanding nature. But, her time came to an end after Jabeni lost the next challenge. And in an iconic Survivor moment, Goliath’s Angelina Keeley pleaded for Natalie’s jacket once the votes were read and the latter’s fate was sealed. But, Natalie ignored Angelina (Angelina voted for Lyrsa alongside Natalie) while Jeff snuffed out her torch, and the publishing CEO walked off.

The next round of play was the last tribal battle of season 37. Vuku had to take the hot seat again as Tiva finished first and Jabeni came second. And after residing on the chopping block twice, Lyrsa’s time on the staple competition show finally came to an end.