‘Survivor 50’: Everything to Know About the Historic Season (and How Fans Can Get Involved!)

Now that Survivor season 49 has come to an end, fans have a lot to look forward to when it comes to the show’s next installment.

Twenty-four Survivor all-stars are returning for the upcoming historic 50th season of the CBS competition series, where the past players will be pit against one another. During the Dec. 17 season 49 finale, fans finally got the first look at what’s to come when the first trailer for Survivor season 50 aired.

“Here’s what we realized early on, that casting Survivor 50 was kind of like casting the ultimate all-time movie,” Survivor host Jeff Probst said during a May 28 appearance on CBS Mornings. “And you think about all the actors that are alive today that you could put in that movie, but there’s only so many roles, and we wanted 50 to be a little taste of everything.”

Fans will also be able to get involved in the upcoming season like never before with the Survivor 50 Challenge, the series announced on Dec. 17. Immunity idols will be hidden in all 50 states, and those who can find them will be given the chance to win a grand prize.

So, who is returning for Survivor season 50, and when will the highly anticipated game premiere? Here’s everything to know about the upcoming landmark 50th season of Survivor.

Who is in the cast of Survivor season 50?

Fan favorites spanning the entire history of Survivor are back for the series’ milestone 50th season.

There will be 24 players competing on season 50, making it the show’s largest cast ever. Probst exclusively announced the participating contestants on the May 28 episode of CBS Mornings.

Returning players include Jenna Lewis-Dougherty from the very first season, Cirie Fields and Ozzy Lusth — both competing for their fifth time — along with season 45 winner Dee Valladares and season 48 winner Kyle Fraser. See the cast list below:

• Jenna Lewis-Dougherty: Season 1 (Borneo)
• Colby Donaldson: Seasons 2 (The Australian Outback), 8 (All-Stars), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains)
• Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick: Seasons 10 (Palau), 11 (Guatemala), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains)
• Cirie Fields: Seasons 12 (Panama-Exile Island), 16 (Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains), 34 (Game Changers)
• Ozzy Lusth: Seasons 13 (Cook Islands), 16 (Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites), 23 (South Pacific), 34 (Game Changers)
• Benjamin “Coach” Wade: Seasons 18 (Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains), 23 (South Pacific)
• Aubry Bracco: Seasons 32 (Kaôh Rōng – Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty), 34 (Game Changers), 38 (Edge of Extinction)
• Chrissy Hofbeck: Season 35 (Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers)
• Christian Hubicki: Season 37 (David vs. Goliath)
• Angelina Keeley: Season 37 (David vs. Goliath)
• Mike White: Season 37 (David vs. Goliath)
• Rick Devens: Season 38 (Edge of Extinction)
• Jonathan Young: Season 42
• Dee Valladares: Season 45
• Emily Flippen: Season 45
• Q Burdette: Season 46
• Tiffany Ervin: Season 46
• Charlie Davis: Season 46
• Genevieve Mushaluk: Season 47
• Kamilla Karthigesu: Season 48
• Kyle Fraser: Season 48
• Joseph Hunter: Season 48

Additionally, two players from season 49 will join the cast.

What is the theme of Survivor season 50?

Viewers will influence the upcoming season, since the theme for Survivor 50 is “In the Hands of the Fans.”

“From the very first season, Survivor has been evolving. Now, for our 50th season, it’s time for the next evolution,” Probst said in a statement. “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans is unlike anything we’ve done before. For the first time ever, our loyal fans will take control — deciding key elements of the game, from twists to idols to advantages. I can’t wait to see what the fans choose for our returning players!”

During season 48, viewers voted on elements of the upcoming milestone season, helping decide on everything from the tribe colors to choosing to keep the fire-making challenge and hidden immunity idols. They also decided whether to have the “Live Finale and Reunion Show in L.A. — or Keep the Winner Reveal and Aftershow in the Jungles of Fiji.”

Where was Survivor season 50 filmed?

Survivor season 50 was filmed in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, the same location the series has been set since season 33.

When will Survivor season 50 premiere?

Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans will premiere on Feb. 25, 2026 on CBS.

Where can I watch Survivor?

Survivor season 50 will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. All seasons of Survivor are also available to stream on Paramount+.