Survivor is returning with a bang for its monumental 50th season, aptly titled Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans. This season stands out for featuring an impressive roster of 24 fan-favorite contestants from previous seasons, each vying to outwit, outlast, and outplay their rivals in the ultimate quest for the title of Sole Survivor.
The contestants are strategically divided into three tribes, each commencing with eight players and facing elimination at tribal councils as the competition progresses. With many of the players already familiar with each other’s gameplay strategies—excluding those who participated in the back-to-back Season 49—the stage is set for intense rivalry from the start. Some contestants have made it clear that they have specific targets in mind for early elimination.
Notable players this season include Mike White, the creator of The White Lotus, who returns in search of the coveted Sole Survivor title. Jenna Lewis-Dougherty, a veteran from Survivor’s inaugural season in 2000 and a contestant in the All-Stars season, will also make her return. Cirie Fields, a seasoned contestant with appearances on four prior seasons, adds extra intrigue as she previously excelled as the champion of The Traitors and competed on Big Brother.
The tribes are comprised of:
The Cila Tribe features contestants like Cirie Fields, known for her strategic skills, and Rick Devens, a popular figure due to his affiliation with the Survivor podcast On Fire. Jenna Lewis-Dougherty, who has a rich history with the show, as well as Savannah Louie, the incoming Sole Survivor from Season 49, are also part of this dynamic group.
The Kalo Tribe includes Jonathan Young, a strong competitor and former bodyguard, alongside Mike White, who has expressed that participating in Survivor allows him a creative reset from his work on The White Lotus. Other notable players include former champions and fan favorites like Dee Valladares and Benjamin “Coach” Wade.
The Vatu Tribe, featuring the likes of Colby Donaldson, a classic fan favorite, and Kyle Fraser, the reigning champion from Season 48, brings a blend of veteran players and fresh faces. Together, they promise an exciting and unpredictable season filled with complex strategies and alliances.
As Survivor fans gear up for the highly anticipated premiere on Wednesday, February 25, at 8 p.m. on CBS and Paramount+, there’s a palpable excitement for what promises to be an exhilarating season that showcases the depth of the game’s history and brings back beloved players ready to once again fight for survival.