One of the few bad things about Survivor is that the person you want to win often doesn't, starting with season 1 where the diabolical Richard Hatch prevailed over challenge goddess Kelly Wigglesworth. These are the top 5 most heartbreaking finales.
5.MICRONESIA
Amanda became the first Survivor to make it to the end twice and does it in BACK TO BACK seasons! After a heartbreaking loss in China, Amanda seemed to be a lock in Micronesia to triumph over the wicked Parvati, but alas it was not to be. Parvati would take home the title of sole survivor and with Sandra in Heroes Vs Villains becomes just the third and fourth survivors to make it to the end twice. At least she didn't win that time, although she was the runner up.
4.SAMOA
Because of the excessive use of alcohol and cocaine in this country a lot of people found this season to be heartbreaking because Russell didn't win. Those of us with integrity, however, were crushed when the noble Brett came up just a little short of making it to the end. He had won 3 immunity challenges in a row to throw a monkey wrench into the evil foa foa's reign of terror, but unfortunately came in second at the final immunity. He was quickly voted off despite Russell promising not to vote for him, but at least that ensured that Nataly would beat Russell for the Survivor crown.
3. COOK ISLANDS
The epic season that introduced the world to Ozzy, one of the greatest players in survivor history. The season began with the controversial racial segregation of tribes. Ozzy of course was on the Latino tribe and when four of his original tribe of five were voted out in the first seven tribal councils, Ozzy's chances of just making it to the merge seemed extremely bleak. However, with the heart of a warrior, Ozzy persevered. First he was instrumental in Aitutaki overcoming an eight to four deficit after Candice and Jonathon mutinied to Rorotango. He then won challenge after challenge after the merge. Everyone, including his alliance wanted him out because of his incredible strength. He was such a great provider of food that some of his cast members actually gained weight while on the island!
When he made it to the finale it seemed like Ozzy might accomplish what was once unthinkable and win the game. Unfortunately this was the first season where they had a final three eligible for the million dollars which might have been Ozzy's undoing. This kept him from being able to win one more immunity challenge and voting out his main competition, Yul. Still Ozzy seemed to be the favorite when Yul voted Sundra out of the game. Sundra still voted for Yul to win. I'm guessing she resented Ozzy more for winning the final immunity then she did Yul for voting her out. Although he ended up coming one vote short of the title he WAS the clear favorite with fans and was awarded a new Mercury Mariner by the viewers.
2.AUSTRALIA
This was the highest rated season ever by viewers. Colby set a record for most individual challenge wins that stood for 10 years, as he coasted to the finals with Tina happily riding his coattails. Unfortunately Colby came up just short of overcoming the girl power of the jury and lost to Tina by one vote. He did get Amber's vote so Karma rewarded her when she won All Stars.
1.SOUTH PACIFIC
The top heart breaker is also the third Ozzy season in the countdown. After being passed over for Heroes Vs Villains in order to avoid awkwardness with his ex Amanda, Ozzy returned to the South Pacific for one last shot at redemption. Unfortunately he got stuck with a lousy tribe that included one of Survivors biggest weasels of all time, John Cochran. Nevertheless when Ozzy won the first individual immunity his alliance was in the driver's seat to take control of the game, until self proclaimed student of the game: John, decided it would be a good idea to go from sixth place to seventh place, screwing over his alliance in the process. One thing he didn't count on was Redemption Island. This actually benefited Ozzy when he went to Redemption Island for a second time. He never lost a duel which set up a finale eerily similar to the Samoa finale. Like Brett, Ozzy would have won the final tribal council election by a landslide but also like Brett he came up just short of the final immunity. Like Russell did with Brett, Coach made a deal with Ozzy not to vote him out, but despite being a man of "honor" the hypocritical Coach left no doubt of his paper thin integrity when he breaks his word to Ozzy that he gave as a "Christian man". Unfortunately Coach is too dumb to realize that he has no chance of winning even with Ozzy gone, so he breaks his word as a Christian man for nothing, allowing Sophie to steal the game. It was absolutely devastating to watch Ozzy lose the final challenge, when after three seasons he seemed so close to finally winning the game.
When he was voted out for the third time of the season Ozzy became the first exiled castaway to be applauded by the jury (except for John the weasel) and the first Survivor ever to have his torch snuffed out four times! On the bright side, at the reunion, Ozzy wins his second fan favorite award. This time by the WIDEST margin in the history of Survivor. He may not have won the game but he does solidify his status as a true Survivor legend. As far as Coach, I think HE put it best by saying "I've been made a FOOL of so many times because of this game."
