The cast of Survivor’s highly anticipated 50th season was officially announced on CBS Mornings on May 28, featuring a slate of returning players from across the show’s 25-year history.
Among the most notable returns are Survivor: Borneo alumni Mike White and Jenna Lewis-Dougherty, who both appeared in the franchise’s first season in 2000. The milestone season, titled Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, is set to premiere in February 2026 and will take place once again on the beaches of Fiji.
The season will also include two contestants from the upcoming Season 49, which premieres this fall, rounding out a cast carefully selected to represent the legacy and evolution of the iconic reality competition series.
Cast Includes Franchise Icons and Recent Fan Favorites
Survivor 50 is being billed as a true celebration of the franchise’s long-running impact, with a mix of returning legends, mid-era strategists, and breakout stars from the past few years. The current cast includes:
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Colby Donaldson (Seasons 2, 8, 20)
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Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick (Seasons 10, 11, 20)
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Cirie Fields (Seasons 12, 16, 20, 34)
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Ozzy Lusth (Seasons 13, 16, 23, 34)
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Benjamin “Coach” Wade (Seasons 18, 20, 23)
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Aubry Bracco (Seasons 32, 34, 38)
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Chrissy Hofbeck (Season 35)
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Christian Hubicki (Season 37)
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Angelina Keeley (Season 37)
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Rick Devens (Season 38)
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Jonathan Young (Season 42)
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Dee Valladares (Season 45 winner)
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Emily Flippen (Season 45)
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Q Burdette, Tiffany Ervin, Charlie Davis (Season 46)
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Genevieve Mushaluk (Season 47)
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Kamilla Karthigesu, Kyle Fraser (winner), Joseph Hunter (Season 48)
Two mystery contestants from Season 49 will complete the lineup.
A Fan-Driven Season
The twist for Season 50 is that many elements of the game have been left in the hands of Survivor’s loyal fanbase. In the months leading up to the announcement, fans voted on key components of the upcoming season — including whether to retain controversial twists like the final four fire-making challenge, the presence of hidden immunity idols, and even aesthetic details like tribe colors and necklace designs.
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“From the very first season, Survivor has been evolving. Now, for our 50th season, it’s time for the next evolution,” longtime host and executive producer Jeff Probst said in a statement. “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans is unlike anything we’ve done before. I can’t wait to see what the fans choose for our returning players.”
How the Cast Was Revealed
In the lead-up to the announcement, the show’s official social media accounts teased the reveal by posting cryptic hints — not of the castaways themselves, but the seasons they originally played in. This sparked speculation and excitement online, as fans pieced together which returning favorites might be headed back to Fiji.
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The final reveal confirmed that players from Seasons 1 through 48 would be represented.
Fan Reactions Pour In
Fans took to social media immediately after the announcement, celebrating the return of iconic players like Cirie Fields, Ozzy Lusth, and Colby Donaldson. Others called out how the cast is full of recent competitors rather than a bigger mix of legacy contestants.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) hilariously commented on Mike White’s return, “Keep me in the game and I’ll cast you on White Lotus season 4”
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Another fan posted, “Putting 11 people from seasons 45-49 on the biggest season of all time is so insanely stupid.”
“Keep me in the game and I’ll cast you on White Lotus season 4” https://t.co/0yEwJmBxHO
— Blu (@_blureaper) May 28, 2025
cirie fields was on season 1 of the traitors, 25 of big brother and now 50 of #Survivor. she needs to be on the 75th season of the amazing race and the 100th season of the challenge to truly complete it all #Survivor50 pic.twitter.com/GQLgnCT1Jh
— luke (@fansvfavourites) May 28, 2025
putting 11 people from seasons 45-49 on the biggest season of all time is so insanely stupid #survivor50 pic.twitter.com/zD5Tye3Azm
— blonde 🤍 (@rooting4blondes) May 28, 2025
Looking Ahead to Season 50
With a premiere slated for February 2026, production on Survivor 50 is expected to begin later this year. Details about the format — including whether the fans’ votes eliminated or retained specific game elements — will be revealed closer to air.
As the show enters its landmark season, fans and players alike are gearing up for what could be one of the most unpredictable and nostalgic games yet.
