What was the longest Survivor challenge?

In Survivor: Palau, the top three were Katie, Ian, and Tom. Their final challenge was called Bob-Bob Buoy , and the castaways were to grab onto a buoy and hang on while the buoy swayed from side to side. The last player left hanging on would be declared the winner, and they would move on to the final two and get to plead their case to the jury.

The challenge started off normally, and Katie held on for an amazing FIVE hours before she came down. Everyone expected Ian and Tom to fall soon after her but they each held on for...wait for it...11 hours and 55 minutes.

That's right-the longest challenge in Survivor history lasted for almost 12 hours.

What happened next?

With no end in sight, Ian made a move that some fans called admirable and other fans called stupid. Prior to the final immunity challenge, Ian, Katie, and Tom had all been in an alliance together, but Katie and Tom had a falling out with Ian. In an attempt to win back their friendship and trust, Ian said that he would step down if Tom promised to take Katie to the final tribal council, essentially taking himself out of the game. Tom agreed, and Ian was voted out on the spot. This event also marked the first time a vote was held outside Tribal Council . Tom went on to win the season in a 6-1 vote.

How did this change Survivor?

From a shooting standpoint, having the crew out in the water for almost 12 hours isn't fun, and for viewers, watching the castaways cling to a buoy for thirty minutes isn't really interesting either.

Since then, final immunity challenges haven't really been endurance-based, and they usually include a puzzle or physical challenge. If the challenge is endurance-based, it will include elements to make the challenge harder , like smaller platforms as time goes on, or increasingly heavy bags to hold.

What does Jeff Probst think of the challenge?

Probst told Entertainment Weekly that the Bob-Bob Buoy challenge is actually his favorite on the show.

"So many things happened that challenge. We had no idea it would go that long. When we tested it, I think it went 45 minutes. So the sun starts to set and we have no lights. Were out in the middle of the ocean. We have guys scurrying back in a boat to base camp to get a generator and get some lights that we can throw up. So in the meantime, we light some fires. And Tom Westman says Uh-unh. I dont want fires. The smoke is blowing in my eyes. And our game is built on fairness so we said Okay thats not fair. Get rid of the fire."

"Now were still waiting on lamps to come and now were in like, hour 5, then we go to 7. Now I got to pee. Im starving and Im thinking, Oh My God, this is hilarious. Im complaining about having to go to the bathroom or want some food while watching people who at that point have been living for 37 days with nothing. The irony of all of that! And then it goes and goes and goes. And then finally Ian opens the door for a life lesson from an elder who schools him, and then we have an impromptu Tribal Council on the dock as theyre getting ready to get in a boat and head to camp. Weve never had that many elements play out in a challenge. So for that reason, thats my number one."