After Survivor contestant Ben Driebergen won the 35th season of the CBS reality competition, he was treated with another welcome surprise.
Producers had rounded up three of Driebergen’s friends from his time in the Marines to stage an emotional reunion.
Videos by PopCulture.com
Driebergen’s battle with PTSD was one of the narrative touchstones of the latest Survivor season, which was subtitled Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers. He struggled with the illness on the island and opened up about the struggles he faced.
The special guests praised their friend’s willingness to open up, and hoped that him speaking up would elevate the concern for PTSD sufferers.
Fans were affected by the touching moment, and expressed their thoughts on Twitter.
See the reactions below.
Ok this genuine heartfelt reaction to seeing his friends is kind of touching. I didn’t love his #Survivor game, but I respect his sacrifices in real life.
— Violina23 (@Violina23) December 21, 2017
Love @survivorcbs @JeffProbst for bringing Ben’s Marine buddies on.
— Havein (@Havein) December 21, 2017
Ben has come such a long way as a human being. that’s just such a beautiful thing #Survivor #SurvivorFinale
— claire (@__idkclaire) December 21, 2017
#Survivor treats US veterans better than the government does. #SurvivorFinale
— Mike 🍩 (@TheNHNerd) December 21, 2017
Ben reuniting with his combat buddies has me in tears. #Awesome #Survivor #SurvivorFinale #SurvivorReunion
— AriannaBrieann⚡️ (@AriannaBGilmore) December 21, 2017
More Reality
-
Photo by Fred Hayes/Disney via Getty Images -
Photo by Getty Images -
Photo by Ser Baffo/Disney via Getty Images) -
Photo by Paula Lobo/American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. via Getty Images -
Mel B at the "America's Got Talent" Season 21 Red Carpet held at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 24, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Variety via Getty Images) -
“Reverse the Curse” – Back from tribal, tensions rise following the exit of a particularly historic player. The final five immunity challenge ends in a showdown and features one of the closest finishes the show has ever seen. Jeff reveals the outcomes of the remaining in-game fan votes and how they impact the final stage of the competition. Then, one castaway will be crowned Sole Survivor and awarded the $2 million prize, during the three-hour live season finale, on SURVIVOR 50, Wednesday, May 20 (8:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Jeff Probst serves as host and executive producer. Pictured: Aubry Bracco Photo: Robert Voets/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
