Calling SURVIVOR "television's greatest social experiment of all time", the host Jeff Probst reveals that this season is going in a new direction. There are eighteen contestants, forming three groups, who represent the qualities they rely on in their daily lives - beauty, brains, or brawn. Arriving by helicopter to the island first is the Brains tribe. Each member has an individual IQ of 130 or above. They use their intellect to accomplish their goals. Spencer Bledsoe, a 21-year-old college student from Chicago, IL, is an Economics major at the University of Chicago. Spencer tied for first place in the World Open chess tournament and admits, "I certainly don't look diabolical or a genius, both of which I am". David Samson is also on the Brains tribe. He is 45 years old and the President of the Miami Marlins, a major league baseball team, and lives in Plantation, FL. David says, "In baseball, there is only one winner at the end. SURVIVOR is the same. So, I've been playing this game for a long time". Next is Kassandra "Kass" McQuillen, a 41-year-old undefeated attorney from Tehachapi, CA. She feels others will assume that she will be just the mom of the tribe, but boasts, "I am more cunning and ruthless than 95% of the population". Heading to the island in a speedboat is the Beauty tribe.

On night 6, the Brains tribe returns to camp after Tribal Council feeling defeated. Since, Garrett was just voted out, Spencer is the now the only male member left on the tribe. He admits, "I'm definitely the odd man out right now. I'm going to have to resort to all kinds of crazy creative ideas, just to have a shot at this thing". J'Tia is relieved that she was spared being voted off. Although, Latasha is still upset with J'Tia for dumping out their rice, she proposes to Kass and J'Tia that they form an all girl alliance against Spencer. The three women agree to work together. Kass is still concerned with J'Tia's volatility and hopes that with this new alliance, J'Tia will be more loyal to her.

The Beauty tribe returns to their camp from Tribe Council where Brice was just voted out. They are feeling exhausted and hope they don't have to go to Tribal Council again soon. Morgan is upset that Jeremiah betrayed her and helped to vote out her ally Brice and she feels that she could go next. Morgan reveals, "I guess I just got to save myself". She confronts Jeremiah and asks him why he changed his mind. Jeremiah responds that his first alliance was with LJ, Jefra and Alexis and so he wanted to honor his word. He also points out that Brice was a social threat. Jeremiah comments, "We'll see if I made a bone head play or not". Later, Morgan apologizes to Alexis for voting for her. Morgan insists that it was Jeremiah's idea to vote out Alexis, since this would weaken LJ's power in the game. She claims that Jeremiah sees LJ as his biggest competition and knew that Alexis was the person closest to him. Not completely trusting Morgan, but realizing that she could be telling the truth, Alexis now realizes she has to watch her back.

Castaways drop their buffs and form two new tribes. Meanwhile, a decision made on Day 1 could lead to a castaway's elimination and the battle for immunity proves which new tribe has the most Brawn.

A shocking blindside leaves one castaway questioning their resolve to play the game. Meanwhile, a camp raid leaves one tribe scrounging for supplies while another revels in comfort.

On night 16, the Aparri tribe returns to their camp after just voting out Alexis at Tribal Council. Spencer is happy with the six remaining members of his tribe. He comments, "If we merge tomorrow that's the best news possible for this tribe, because right now we control the game. We have six and they have five". Sarah suggests they decide now whom to vote out first from the Solana tribe after they merge. The Aparri tribe members agree to go after Trish or Jefra and commit to stay loyal to one another until the end. Kass admits, "It sounds so simple, but the best laid plans often end up sprawled out on a cuddle scene floor " The next morning Sarah tells Kass that the key to making this plan work is to be very tight lipped about whom they will vote out from the Solana tribe. Kass admits to Sarah that she is concerned about her and Jeremiah's loyalty to the Aparri members. Sarah is offended by this and tells Kass that the demise of this tribe will be due to them not trusting each other. Sarah assures Kass that she will be loyal and gives her word and shakes Kass' hand. Kass comments, "Show me blood on your hands from a former tribe mate and then we'll talk".

It's night 19 and the Solarrion tribe returns to camp after just voting out Sarah at Tribal Council. Spencer is upset with Kass and tells her that she made a bad move. He comments, "She'll go basically wherever her estrogen takes her, not where her brain takes her". Tony, Woo, LJ, Jefra and Trish assure Kass that they appreciate her voting with them and will protect her. Kass tells Spencer that he needs to make big moves in the game, which may not make everyone happy, in order to win. Spencer is tired of hearing what Kass thinks and asks her to stop talking. Kass is happy that Sarah is gone and that Tony and LJ played their idols. She comments, "Everybody is mad that I messed up their game, because I'm playing my game". Kass now feels like a free agent without an alliance.

It's night 22 and the Solarrion tribe is returning from Tribal Council, where they just voted out Morgan. Tony is upset that he received four votes at Tribal Council, which was just one less than Morgan received. Spencer tells Tony that they perceive him as a big threat. Tony sees himself as a bald middle-aged man who is not a physical threat like Woo or LJ. Tony vents, "Why am I a threat? Why is everybody trying to get me out- Latasha assures Tony that they knew they did not have enough votes to get him out. Tony scolds Spencer, Latasha and Jeremiah for not joining with his alliance to vote out an unworthy player like Morgan. Tony comments, "Now here we are again, six against three, but it's never that easy". Tony knows that he cannot depend on the six to stay loyal.

8 contestants remain in the game, who will be voted off the Island tonight?

The 8 remaining contestants include:

Jefra Bland - Former Miss Kentucky Teen USA
Jeremiah Wood - Male Model
Kassandra "Kass" McQuillen - Attorney
Latasha "Tasha" Fox - Accountant
Spencer Bledsoe - Economics Student
Tony Vlachos - New Jersey Police Officer
Trish Hegarty - Pilates Trainer
Yung "Woo" Hwang - Martial Arts Instructor.

One castaway's bidding strategy at the Survivor auction could pay off for them. Meanwhile, castaways draw rocks for a huge advantage in the game, and another castaway decides to show off his idol in an attempt to ensure his safety.

During an intense challenge, castaways attempt to crack the code and earn a spot in the Final Five. Additionally, one castaway's paranoia threatens another's stake in the game, and Tony's closest confidant is wooed by another alliance.

Castaways scale new heights as they battle for a guaranteed spot in the Final Four. Meanwhile, friends become enemies when one castaway overhears plans for her eviction, and Tony comes up with a strategy for his special Immunity Idol.

There is a total of 3 Tribal Councils tonight during this 2-Hour finale which is a Survivor 1st. The final Tribal Council begins on the Island and is completed Live on stage in New York City. Who will be declared the winner of Survivor 28?.

Jeff Probst ask questions as all of this season's castaways are reunited for one last time. Jeff also announces the most popular castaway of Season #28 as voted on by the fans and he will announce the location for Season #29.