Season 12, Episode 9 of “Alone” drops tonight, August 14, 2025 at 9:00pm ET on History Channel, The Great Karoo Desert has been chewing people up and spitting them out all season, and now the final three are about to face some of their toughest physical and mental challenges yet. Yep; this is where things get intense.
WARNING: This post likely contains spoilers for “Alone” Season 12.
‘Alone’ Season 12 Recap
We kicked off with ten hopeful survivalists, each with their own skills, grit, and game plan. But let’s be real; the Karoo doesn’t care how prepared you think you are.
And one by one, the desert claimed its victims.
- Day 4: Colton Gilman left due to depression and mental strain and Jit Patel tapped out due to gastrointestinal illness
- Day 5: Pablo Arguelles exited due to hydration struggles and Will Lamb was medically evacuated for acute colitis and vomiting.
- Day 14: Douglas S. Meyer tapped out due to wet weather and emotional stress and Dug North left after fainting and health concerns.
- Day 18: Baha Mahmutov left out after fighting fire, sleep, and food challenges.
These eliminations whittled the group down to three contestants: Kelsey, Nathan, and Katie. It’s been a mix of clever survival, luck, and grit keeping them in the game.
The Remaining Contestants
With the field down to just three, it’s all about who can keep their wits, energy, and sanity in check. The end of this season is going to be a doozy. Kelsey, Nathan, and Katie have each found their own ways to survive, but honestly, we know the desert isn’t done testing them yet. Here’s where they stand going into Episode 9.
- Kelsey Loper has been running on fumes. By Day 21, she admitted she was too exhausted to even draw her bowstring. Hunting was off the table for a few days while she tried to rest, but with her warthog jerky stash dwindling, she joked about starving once it was gone. The fatigue (both physical and mental) is starting to hit hard.
- Nathan Olsen was all about building his rock shelter, but the Karoo had other plans. While pouring fill, part of it collapsed… a frustrating blow when you’re already low on energy. Still, Nathan’s not one to throw in the towel easily, and he’s determined to rebuild.
- Katie Rydge has taken everything the desert’s thrown at her (flooding, failed fishing, and even a monkey stealing her cozy hat) and kept going. She’s stayed upbeat and resourceful, adapting to whatever comes her way.
It seems like each contestant has learned from the early exits around them and is trying to outlast the others in this brutal desert.
Want to see who fans think will win “Alone” Season 12? Check out our cast predictions here.
Episode 9: “The Promised Land”
In this week’s episode, Kelsey needs to find that balance between resting and finding food. Nathan’s priority will be getting his shelter back in shape while keeping himself fed. And Katie? She’ll keep playing the long game… using her adaptability to stretch her resources and energy.
The stakes are high, the conditions are brutal, and the mind games are real. Tune in to “Alone” tonight to see who makes it through the next round in the Karoo Desert as these survivalists show everyone what determination really looks like.
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‘Alone’ Season 12 Recap & Episode 9 Spoilers