How Fans Will Shape Survivor Season 50 Through Their Own Voting Power
The upcoming 50th season of Survivor is set to engage fans more than ever before.
On Saturday, February 22, host Jeff Probst revealed that the latest installment of this iconic reality series will partly be shaped by the votes of viewers at home. “Since the very first season, Survivor has been evolving. Now, for our 50th season, it’s time for the next step,” Probst shared in an announcement.
“Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans is unlike anything we’ve tried in the past,” he added. “For the very first time, our dedicated fans will have a say in key game elements, including twists, idols, and advantages. I am eager to see what decisions fans will make for our returning contestants.”
This signifies that fans will have the opportunity to vote on various aspects of the game, such as whether idols will be featured, if the classic fire-making challenge will return, and more.
Voting will take place before the 50th season concludes filming.
In April 2024, Probst confirmed that this milestone season will feature some familiar faces. “I just had this idea,” he told the audience during a Survivor Q&A session that month.
“Survivor 50 is around the corner. The truth is, we are currently focused on shooting seasons 47 and 48, and then we’ll film 49. But we know 50 is ahead of us, so I wonder, should it be another season with new players, or should we make it a significant event?”
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“Embracing the idea of letting fans steer the game, I propose — and I can sense a few people from CBS gasping in disbelief — that we firmly decide that Survivor 50 will feature returning players,” he stated. “I cannot predict what will follow, but I am fairly certain of our commitment.”
The 50th season is slated to start filming around Memorial Day this year, marking the 25th anniversary of the show’s debut on CBS. It is scheduled to air in the spring of 2026.
This decision goes against Probst’s earlier statement that returning contestants would not appear until season 48. “Why would we want returning players?” he told Entertainment Weekly in February 2024. “Not yet. We have time. Let’s keep progressing. That’s my view for seasons 47 and 48. We’re already leaning into casting for upcoming seasons and enthusiasm is high.”
