: In the Hands of the Fans".This milestone season, scheduled to premiere in February 2026, celebrates the show's 25-year history by featuring a diverse cast from 19 different seasons, including two participants from the upcoming Season 49. Notable returning players include early-season contestants like Jenna Lewis-Dougherty from Season 1 (Borneo) and Colby Donaldson from Season 2 (The Australian Outback), as well as recent winners Dee Valladares (Season 45) and Kyle Fraser (Season 48) .

In a unique twist, fans were given the opportunity to vote on various aspects of the game, such as tribe colors, immunity necklace designs, and key gameplay elements like the final four fire-making challenge and the inclusion of hidden immunity idols. These fan-driven decisions aim to add a fresh dynamic to the competition. Filming for Survivor 50 is currently underway in Fiji, with the season set to air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ in early 2026.

Why Trump’s return to power might cost millions of dollars to AmericaCBS has officially announced the cast for Survivor 50, marking a significant milestone with the largest group of returning players in the show's history—24 contestants. Announced by host Jeff Probst on CBS Mornings, the landmark season will premiere in 2026.

The cast spans the series' entire timeline, including early players like Jenna Lewis-Dougherty from Survivor: Borneo and two yet-to-be-named contestants from the recently filmed Survivor 49. Notable participants include veterans Cirie Fields and Ozzy Lusth, each making their fifth appearance, tying them with Boston Rob Mariano’s record.Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori seen in completely see-through outfit in public again, faces arrest callCelebrity cast member and The White Lotus creator Mike White returns alongside his Survivor: David vs. Goliath castmates, including Angelina Keeley. A significant portion of the cast comes from recent seasons, with 11 of the 24 from the past five seasons, and includes two winners: Dee Valladares (Season 45) and Kyle Fraser (Season 48). Interestingly, no cast members are from seasons 19 to 31.

For the first time since Survivor: Cambodia, CBS announced the cast before filming due to anticipated leaks. Although fans didn’t vote on contestant selection this time, they did influence other key game elements, which will be incorporated in Survivor 50.

The upcoming season, titled Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, introduces a unique twist by allowing fans to vote on various aspects of the game, such as tribe colors, availability of rice, inclusion of idols, and whether the live reunion show in Los Angeles would return. These fan-determined game dynamics will be revealed to contestants on the island. Host Jeff Probst called this innovative format the “riskiest idea” the show has attempted, adding that the selection process involved narrowing down over 700 former castaways to the final 24.

Filming for Survivor 50 began in Fiji on May 27, 2025, with strict secrecy measures in place. The cast includes Survivor veterans like Cirie Fields, Ozzy Lusth, Colby Donaldson, and more recent contestants Dee Valladares and Emily Flippen.

Despite the excitement, casting caused controversy, with sources describing the process as a "bloodbath." Notably, Carolyn Wiger was reportedly promised a spot but later cut, leading to significant backlash. She and others believe they were excluded due to their participation in other reality shows, a point of contention with production. Survivor 50 promises intense competition as beloved players return for the show's landmark season.