For Chicago firefighter Chrissy Sarnowsky, the stakes on Survivor 48 were never just about winning a million dollars—they were about standing her ground. (But the million dollars was still the goal.) On a season packed with physically dominant players and fast-forming alliances, the firefighter quickly emerged as an underdog fan favorite for her no-nonsense attitude and refusal to play passive.
Sarnowsky’s viral appeal started early, fueled by her quick wit, unapologetic authenticity, and a commitment to calling things like she saw them. But her straightforward style also made her a target. She ultimately became the season’s second jury member—outmaneuvered by power players, but never outmatched in fire.
In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, Sarnowsky opened up about her chaotic exit, why she threw caution to the wind at tribal council, and what it meant to represent the picked-last-in-gym-class crowd against a cast of what she called “superhuman” competitors.
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Early Alliances and Strategic Missteps
Sarnowsky entered the game with a clear objective: to form strong alliances and challenge dominant players. However, the dynamics shifted quickly. “We had five Civa [tribe], they were nine votes. Five against four. It seemed like easy math to me,” she told Newsweek. But losing key allies like David led to the collapse of her strategy.
Reflecting on the game’s social dynamics, Sarnowsky noted, “Did I think that they were all gonna form this superhuman bond and just pick off whoever they wanted? I didn’t see that coming.”
Sarnowsky was vocal about targeting strong players, particularly Joe and Eva. “Eva and Joe weren’t even hiding their alliance… it was just so obvious it was sickening,” she said. Her outspoken approach, however, made her a target.
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Reflections and Regrets
Looking back, Sarnowsky expressed a desire for a stronger alliance. “I went in thinking, ‘God, I want make sure I find the number one,’ and it just never happened,” she said.
Sarnowsky’s experience on Survivor 48 showcased her resilience and authenticity—while her time on the island was cut short, her impact was undeniable. “I just wanted to be me and I didn’t want to change that. I think I stayed true to form on that for sure,” she affirmed.
Survivor 48 airs Wednesdays on CBS and Paramount+. Newsweek’s Parting Shot with H. Alan Scott airs weekly wherever you get podcasts. You can also watch Newsweek’s Parting Shot on YouTube. Subscribe to H. Alan Scott’s For the Culture newsletter for all the pop culture news delivered directly to your inbox three times a week.