‘Survivor 50’ Preview: Cast, Tribes, Gameplay and More
This year marks a milestone for reality competition — Survivor returns with its 50th season, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more fan-driven than ever. Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans premieres Wednesday, February 25, at 8pm ET on CBS, and for the first time in the show’s history, nearly every twist, advantage, and game mechanic was decided by fan voting.
Filmed in Fiji over 26 days with 24 returning all-star players, this anniversary edition blends beloved faces from across the show’s 25-year history with fresh strategic clashes and unpredictable gameplay. Whether you’re rooting for familiar favorites or betting on new alliances, this is Survivor as a celebration of legacy and unpredictability.
Before the torches are lit and the first challenge begins, let’s meet the cast who’ll carry Survivor 50 forward. Check your DISH guide for the channel of your local CBS affiliate. Not a DISH subscriber? Follow this link to find the best offer and subscribe to DISH today!
Meet the Cast of Survivor: 50
This season features 24 returning players from across the franchise’s run — from early legends to more recent competitors. The contestants have been split into three tribes of eight players – four men and four women in each. Here’s a look at the makeup of the tribes:
Cila Tribe
Jenna Lewis-Dougherty (Borneo, All-Stars)
A pioneer from the very first season of Survivor, Jenna returns from Borneo and All-Stars, ready to prove veteran instincts still matter in modern play.
Ozzy Lusth (Cook Islands, Micronesia, South Pacific, Game Changers)
A four-time competitor and challenge beast, Ozzy’s return promises big moves and even bigger waves.
Christian Hubicki (David vs. Goliath)
Known for his strategic mind and “narrative warfare,” Christian’s approach this season blends humor and calculated manipulation.
Cirie Fields (Panama, Micronesia, Heroes vs. Villains, Game Changers)
A strategic legend known for her sharp social game, Cirie returns with a reputation as one of the best never to win — and she’s poised to change that.
Additional Teammates:
- Savannah Louie (Survivor 49)
- Joe Hunter (Survivor 48)
- Emily Flippen (Survivor 45)
- Rick Devens (Edge of Extinction)
Vatu Tribe
Colby Donaldson (The Australian Outback, All-Stars, Heroes vs. Villains)
One of the most beloved competitors from Australian Outback and Heroes vs. Villains, Colby brings physical prowess and fan energy this time around.
Quintavius “Q” Burdette (Survivor 46)
After a chaotic and memorable run on Season 46, Q returns with a new strategic edge and a mission to leave everything on the island.
Aubry Bracco (Kaoh Rong, Game Changers, Edge of Extinction)
A fan favorite with multiple deep runs, Aubry’s combination of challenge skill and strategic savvy makes her one to watch.
Rizo Velovic (Survivor 49)
Representing the new era, Season 49’s runner-up Rizo Velovic and winner Savannah Louie come back with momentum and the confidence of recent champions.
Additional Teammates:
- Genevieve Mushaluk (Survivor 47)
- Angelina Keeley (David vs. Goliath)
- Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick (Palau, Guatemala, Heroes vs. Villains)
- Kyle Fraser (Survivor 48)
Kalo Tribe
Mike White (David vs. Goliath)
Yes, it's that Mike White. Creator of HBO smash The White Lotus, Mike brings a blend of personal reflection and unpredictable strategy that made his past Survivor stint unforgettable.
Chrissy Hofbeck (Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers)
Beloved for her heart and competitiveness, Chrissy returns with a blend of social strength and challenge grit.
Benjamin "Coach" Wade (Tocantins, Heroes vs. Villains, South Pacific)
The reformed "Dragon Slayer," "Coach" Wade competed in three straight years from 2009-11. He looks to improve on his second place finish in his most recent appearance in South Pacific.
Dee Valladares (Survivor 45)
The winner of Surivor 45, Valladares went on to appear in The Challenge: Vets & New Threats. She wasn't the only member of the game show two-timer club: Her Survivor 45 castmate Drew Basile went on to appear on Jeopardy!, even making it to the Tournament of Champions.
Additional Teammates:
- Jonathan Young (Survivor 42)
- Kamilla Karthigesu (Survivor 48)
- Charlie Davis (Survivor 46)
- Tiffany Ervin (Survivor 46)
What’s New This Season
As the title suggests, this season puts aspects of the game in the hands of the fans. Over several weeks of voting during Survivor 48, viewers chose game elements. from tribe configuration to twists and advantages, that shape how Season 50 plays out.
In addition, CBS launched a national scavenger hunt featuring 50 hidden immunity idols — one in each state — giving fans a chance to engage in Survivor strategy in real life and even win a trip to the live finale.
How to Watch 'Survivor 50' With DISH
Following the three-hour premiere, episodes will continue to air Wednesdays at 8pm ET throughout the season. Be sure to set your DVR to record the full season, so you never miss a tribal council or immunity challenge. Check your DISH guide for your local CBS channel number and watch live or on demand.
Survivor has always tested the human spirit, but this season turns the franchise’s greatest strength into a full-on celebration. Brace for social dynamics, power moves, and nostalgic rivalries as Survivor 50 delivers competition worthy of its legacy.
As it’s been from the beginning: outwit, outplay, outlast. But this time, let the fans decide!
