The Survivor 50 Cast Has Been Revealed And I Have Very Mixed Feelings: Full Breakdown
The much anticipated cast for Survivor 50 has finally been revealed. We've had rumors and leaks for months, but Jeff Probst officially announced the cast (in a pretty cool fashion) earlier on CBS Mornings. There's a lot of mixed feelings from the Survivor fandom on this cast. I myself am not sure totally how I feel. My initial was reaction is that I am a little bit underwhelmed. There's some rumored names (Penner, Amanda Kimmel) who were left off that I would've liked to see. There's some people playing who I have no interest in seeing again. But there are a lot of cool returnees I'm excited about. And honestly as I wrote this blog and went through every name one by one, it did get me a lot more excited than I originally was.
Initially, I loved the idea of 50 being a true "Legends" season. The biggest names in Survivor history competing against each other one final time. Boston Rob, Tony, Sandra, Parvati, Cirie, Russell Hantz, JT, Amanda Kimmel, Cochran etc. But I understand that a lot of them just played against each other in Season 40 and there could've been a feeling of "this again?" And it became clear in recent months that this wouldn't be the route Survivor took. Which is understandable. That would've worked better if 50 was the last season ever, but thankfully it seems like that's not the case.
That being said, it does feel like having 12 people from Season 41 on is just too much. If 50 is supposed to represent all eras of the show, it feels weird to have 50% of the cast come from just the last 9 of 49 seasons. Especially when you consider the fact that the "new era" features some of the worst seasons in the show's history.
So while my initial gut reaction was disappointment to see so many new era names, I do also get that new legends to be made. And that can't really happen until they've played multiple times. And there's a lot of great players from Seasons 35-39, and 41-48 who haven't had the chance to return yet. Some of them can cement their legend status with a good performance here. And then in like Season 60 we will be begging for them to come back. So I understand why there's so many new era players but that doesn't mean I have to be happy about it. I think the fact that Jesse and Carolyn aren't on the list is insane. They are the two players from the new era I most wanted to see back. And there's 12 new era slots so it's not like there wasn't room for them. How someone like Tiffany got chosen over them is mind boggling.
My fear is that this will turn into a Game Changers type season. Where it's just kind of a weird mix of people with no rhyme or reason and it ends up being a huge letdown. SO many people are excited for Season 50 that I really hope Survivor doesn't blow all the attention they are getting. I do love that it's 24 people though. Seems like a lot to get done in 26 days but hey Surviving Barstool Season 4 had 24 people in 8 days and we got through that.
I'm very interested to see what the tribe divisions will be. A lot of people think it will be Old Era (pre-40) vs. New Era (post-40) since it's 12 and 12. But I personally don't want to see that. I think one of the cool things about this season will be seeing people from such different eras interact with each other. Like Colby and Q almost feel like they were on different shows. I'd love to see Coach and Emily have a conversation. I also think a really fascinating element will be if some of the new era superfans will have some like idol worshipping going on when they're competing against legends like Cirie, Ozzy, and Coach. So I hope we get that starting from the beginning of the game. I think it will either be 3 tribes of 8 with the two losing tribes of each immunity challenge going to tribal. Or 4 tribes of 6 with 2 tribes immune and 2 going to tribal. I don't think it's possible to start with just two tribes because you need to be eliminating a lot of people early on with a cast this big and just 26 days unless they extend it.
I'm going to break down each cast member one by one and discuss how I feel about each returning.
Jenna (Borneo, All-Stars)
I'm glad we have a representative from the inaugural season that changed television forever. She wouldn't have been at the top of my list (would've been sick seeing Greg back), but I'm fine with this. She also had a strong run on All-Stars, finishing 3rd to the Rob and Amber duo. The concern is that a lot of these players from old seasons weren't great strategists and have sometimes been eaten alive in newer seasons by more strategic players. But I think there's hope she can buck that trend.
Colby (Australia, All-Stars, Heroes vs. Villains)
Great choice. Look, I get the argument that we don't need to see him play again. We already saw an old and grouchy Colby in Heroes vs. Villains. But Colby is a true Survivor legend. He was the show's first true hero and challenge beast, and is still probably one of the most well-known players to a casual or een non-Survivor fan. The guy made it to a Curb episode! He can be a draw for people who only watched Survivor early on then stopped. I don't think he'll be a great player, but maybe he's adapted from his Heroes vs. Villains game when James called him "Superman in a fat suit." He won't be the young challenge beast he once was. But what does 51-year-old Colby's game look like? I'm excited to find out.
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Stephenie (Palau, Guatemala, Heroes vs. Villains)
Another choice I like a lot. She was the only player to ever end up on a solo tribe in Palau, came back for a second place finish in Guatemala, then had a disappointing showing in HvV after a shoulder injury early on, coming in 19th. But she was one of the first female legends in the show, and was also one of my earliest childhood crushes. I think she has the ability to adapt to new era strategy. I'm all for true old school players returning so I'm happy about this.
Cirie (Panama, Micronesia, Heroes vs. Villains, Game Changers)
Some people are complaining that Cirie has played too much and we don't need to see her play for a fifth time. I am NOT one of those people. I'd watch Cirie play over and over. She famously got off her couch as a mom to become one of the most strategically and socially dominant players ever, despite never winning. She's a true legend in every sense of the word. And I think Season 50 needs that. She also has some more recent notoriety from competing in Traitors and a bunch of other reality shows, so hopefully she can bring in some of those fans. (That's also why Carolyn was a no-brainer choice, but I digress). I'm pumped to see Cirie again. She may be an early target, but I'll be pulling for her to finally get that win.
Ozzy (Cook Islands, Micronesia, South Pacific, Game Changers)
The same people complaining about Cirie are complaining about Ozzy too. And I am once again not one of those people. As Jeff said in that video, he was the original Survivor "jungle boy" and one of the most dominant challenge beasts to ever play. He's another legend that I think Season 50 needs just from the perspective of drawing casual fans. While he has been disappointing in some of his returnee appearances, and is unlikely to be the challenge beast he once was, I'm still excited to have him back. Ozzy, Colby, and Jonathan all on the same season? Yeah feed me that. I do worry how he'll adapt to new era strategy, but I'm excited to watch it.
Coach (Tocantins, Heroes vs. Villains, South Pacific)
Once again, the same people complaining about Cirie and Ozzy are complaining about Coach. And I am once more not one of those people. Coach is another guy who's a true Survivor legend and one of the most notable contestants in the show's long history. To this day, he may be the most unique character to ever play. We saw transform from the quirky dragon slayer to a to the figurehead of an alliance in South Pacific, despite falling short in the jury vote. He's another guy where I'm really curious to see how his game adapts. He's reinvented himself before so perhaps he can do it again. Also just imagine like him and Q having a conversation? Sign me up.
Aubry (Kaoh Wrong, Game Changers, Edge Of Extinction)
This is probably my biggest disappointment out of the entire cast. I have never understood the Aubry obsession. She's a fine strategic player, but she's not someone I'm ever excited to see back. I don't consider her a legend by any means. I feel this is a spot that could've gone to Wentworth (played in a similar era, both played three times) and I would've much rather seen her back instead. This is now her FOURTH time playing which would imply she's one of the biggest names in Survivor history, and I personally don't consider her that at all. I do think she has a chance to do well though. She should be able to connect with both old and new era players. But I just don't get why she was picked. When there's only 12 slots of the first 39 seasons of the show, this is a massive disappointment.
Chrissy (Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers)
Now this I am excited for. I was a Chrissy stan in Season 35 and though she should've beat Ben at FTC. She's someone who probably would've been back sooner but hasn't had the chance. There's only been one returnee season since she's played (40) and that was for only winners. She was a strong strategic player who really broke that "mom" archetype a lot of women her age get. I think she can perform well this season too.
Christian (David vs. Goliath)
Probably the biggest no-brainer from that 35-39 era who hasn't had the chance to play again yet. He was a true David and really embodied the theme of the season. His challenge showdown against Alec is one for the record books. He was a good player and was also entertaining TV with his wildly unique and quirky personality. He can become a Cochran-like legend with a good performance here, but I think he'll have his work cut out for him. There may be a big target on his back early on. Still excited to see him play again though.
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Angelina (David vs. Goliath)
She's up there with Christian for obvious returnee. On paper she's very unlikable. She wasn't self-aware, was a bit delusional, and just overall was somewhat unpleasant to her cast mates. But it made for great TV and made her very engaging to watch. Nobody will forget her begging for Natalie's jacket after voting her out, or her rice negotiations. It will be interesting to see if she tones down her abrasive personality this time around. For the sake of TV, I hope not.
Mike White (David vs. Goliath, White Lotus)
I think this is the smartest casting choice of the entire list. When he originally played, Mike White was known as "that guy from School Of Rock" but he's now one of the most respected and best writers/directors in Hollywood after creating White Lotus. That show has a ton of loyal fans who worship him and I hope a lot of them will tune into Survivor because of him playing again. There could be a good chunk of people who have never watched the show before that tune in just to watch him play. He also was a good player in his first time around, finishing as runner-up. He could be a HUGE target early on, or people could want to work with him because 1. He's Mike White and 2. He'd have a hard time winning in the end because of his fame and riches. The more of Mike White we get the better the season will perform. I'm excited for this.
Rick Devens (Edge of Extinction)
Along with Christian and Angelina, he completes the obvious returnee trio from 35-39. Known for his humor and news anchor personality, he played an underdog game in EoE. He went to the Edge, came back, won challenges, played idols, but ultimately finished in 4th after Chris Underwood took him out in fire. Some consider him a fan favorite. Some consider him annoying. I don't have a strong opinion about him in either direction. I hated that season so much that I probably unfairly look at him in a different light because of it. But he is an obvious choice to return and was hands down the most memorable player from that season. He also be an early target in his return.
Jonathan (42)
Just a bulking hulk of a man. Probably the most physically imposing player ever on the show. He won't ever become a master strategist or real threat to win, but I get having him back just for what he brings to the physical/challenge component of the game. Him competing against like Colby and Ozzy in individual immunity challenges would be cool to witness. I'm not sure where else his story arc can really go, but I'm not complaining much about this because I get it.
Emily (45)
She's one of the most obvious returnees from the new era. Her arc in 45 was truly a 180. She went from an outcast early who had no social game to finishing in 7th after some mentoring from Kaleb. I do feel like her arc is sort of completed already and I don't think she has a chance to win this season, but you never know. Perfectly fine with this choice.
Dee (45)
Our first winner returning for Season 50. Along with Kyle, she is probably the most dominant winner of the new era. Just played a really strong game from start to finish. I don't think she's like outstanding TV but she's a deserving player. With another deep run, she could reach legend status. But she will have a huge target on her back early that she'll need to shake.
Tiffany (46)
This is the biggest "?????????" choice of the entire cast. Similar to Candace in HvV or Sierra and Hali in Game Changers, this has a lot of people thinking "What the hell?" I barely remember Tiffany and she played just two seasons ago. She's most remembered for Q sinking her game, but I still don't get this choice. Maybe casting saw something in her that suggests she could be a better player her second time around. But I don't think there's a single person that is genuinely excited to see her back. That being said, she could make a deep run due to most people feeling this way and not viewing her as a threat.
Q (46)
Duh. Him, Carolyn, Jesse, and Andy would be the New Era four that I most wanted to see back. And Q is the only one we're getting. It's a no-brainer. One of the most fascinating players to ever step foot on the island and a true wild card in every sense of the word. The Q-skirt. "Big mistake." Denying Liz her beloved Applebee's. It all made for great television. He will likely be an early target due to his chaos, but I hope he lasts awhile for our sake.
Charlie (46)
This is one I'm definitely meh about. He seems like a nice, likable guy. He was a good player. He may have won if Maria didn't hold such a bitter grudge for no reason. But I'm not dying to see him play again. He's most remembered for loving Taylor Swift and his relationship with Maria. I think he will perform well this season because he's a good social player with a strategic mind and no target on his back. But I would've given this spot to Jesse or Andy if we're talking new era males. But hey, with a good performance here he can reach a higher status so we'll see what happens.
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Genevieve (47)
Yup. Easy choice. She is one of the best players of the new era. Not necessarily the most unique personality, but she was enjoyable to watch. She may have a target on her back, but I can see her making a deep run or winning the whole thing if she survives early. Just a really smart and well-rounded player.
Kamilla (48)
The first of three returning castaways from this past season. It's interesting because I think this season was pretty universally disliked by fans, so it feels odd that we're getting three players back. But I think they are three good choices. Kamilla is the player I most wanted to see back. She was smart, likable, and gave good confessionals. Her and Kyle's secret alliance was one of if not the biggest story of the season. I understand people saying "we just saw them play" but it'll be a year by the time Season 50 actually airs. Perfectly content with this selection.
Joe (48)
I think this is one where Jeff and the producers thought fans would like Joe a lot more than they actually did. I didn't hate Joe but a lot of the Survivor community grew tired of him and Eva. I think he's someone who will be interesting to see play again. He wasn't a huge fan of the show when he first played and was all about honor and integrity. Seeing him play without Eva, and with the knowledge that playing the honest game didn't win the jury vote, could hopefully lead to a whole new Joe. He could have Tony type potential if he plays more cutthroat. But that's a huge if.
Kyle (48)
The only other winner on the cast besides Dee. Kyle played a great all-around game and is one of the best players of the new era. Again, I get the feeling that we just saw him, but again I would say that it will be a year by the time 50 airs. He may have a huge target on his back since everyone just saw him win like last week, but I think he's savvy enough to figure it out. Zero complaints about him coming back.
Two Players From The Upcoming Season 49
These two names are leaked if you want to find them, but I'll leave them out for spoiler purposes. We don't know how well the players do, but we can infer they at least do pretty well if they're coming back for the biggest season ever. There's even an argument to be made that one might win. It would make sense if there's three tribes of three, there would be three winners to split up (Kyle, Dee, 49 winner). But hard to say for sure. Obviously it's impossible to be excited about two anonymous names right now. And it feels weird that 5 people are playing from the one we just saw and one we haven't seen yet. But on the flip side, if one or both of these players are fantastic TV, it could work as an awesome lead up for Season 50 similar to Russell Hantz in Samoa hyping up Season 20 HvV. Only time will tell.
And that rounds out our list. Honestly this was a helpful exercise because it got me more excited for the cast once I really thought about them all individually. Looking at the cast as a whole can feel underwhelming, but when you really break it down I think they did a pretty good job of getting a mix of players that will hopefully give us one of the greatest Survivor seasons of all time.
You can watch our full breakdown of the cast reveal in our new Snuffing Torches.