Jeff Probst: ‘Survivor 50’ will be ‘in the hands of the fans,’ and the all-star cast will ‘represent the entire series’
Jeff Probst announced on Saturday that Survivor 50 will officially be subtitled In the Hands of the Fans. And yes, that means you will have all the power.
While at a special premiere event for Survivor 48 at the Chelsea Factory in New York City, the four-time Emmy-winning host revealed that the show's viewers will control several aspects of the upcoming 50th anniversary season, due out in February 2026. Specifically, they'll have a say in these three potentially game-changing topics:
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Starting on Feb. 26, the premiere date for Survivor 48, fans can vote at CBS over multiple rounds on the key elements that will shape Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans for its all-star players. The results of the audience vote will push the show into new territory and impact the contestants like never before. All voting will conclude prior to the start of filming this summer, and the returning castaways won't know which ways the fans have voted until they are competing in Fiji.
Probst confirmed that production has whittled down the number of potential players for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans to about 50, from the 700 or so that have competed since the year 2000. Choosing only about 18 to 20 of those to "represent the entire series" in Season 50 will be one of the hardest things they've ever done.
The last time people at home had so much control was in the lead-up to Survivor: Second Chance (Season 31), when the audience got to choose which 20 players from a roster of 32 would return to the island. That edition was won by firefighter Jeremy Collins, who was most recently seen on Season 3 of The Traitors.
In addition, CBS and Fiji Airways are teaming up to award five lucky fan “tribes” — comprising groups of friends and loved ones — with trips to Fiji to watch the filming of Season 50. More details below. All of these various celebrations are designed to honor Survivor viewers for their loyalty throughout the past 25 years.
Probst announced, “From the very first season, Survivor has been evolving. Now, for our 50th season, it’s time for the next evolution. 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!”
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The host-showrunner was joined on the panel by challenge producer John Kirhoffer, advantage producer Jimmy Quigley, and game consultant Elan Lee. It was moderated by Jay Wolff, the host-producer of Survivor's "On Fire" podcast. The team talked about how they keep the show fresh after 25 years on the air, and Probst admitted that the worst twist they ever did was the hourglass advantage that let one player "change the course of history." At the end of the panel, Probst and Lee unveiled a brand new card game, "Survivor: The Tribe Has Spoken," which will be released soon and was specifically designed with fans in mind.
Dozens of Survivor players were in attendance at the special event, including winners Sandra Diaz-Twine (Pearl Islands and Heroes vs. Villains), Tony Vlachos (Cagayan and Winners at War), Wendell Holland (Ghost Island), and Yamil ‘Yam Yam’ Arocho (Survivor 44). They were joined by 15 of the 18 current castaways from Season 48 (all but Charity Nelms, Saiounia "Sai" Hughley, and Justin Pioppi), plus Cirie Fields, Rob Cesternino, Jonathan Penner, Kellie Nalbandian, Mike Turner, Eliza Orlins, Katurah Topps, Brice Izyah, Xander Hastings, Tiffany Seely, Josh Canfield, James Jones, Sue Smey, Andy Rueda, Solomon "Sol" Yi, and Brandon Donlon, and Big Brother contestants Isabel "Izzy" Gleicher and Jared Fields.
Alumni joined fans in playing some of the show's iconic challenges, such as spelling "IMMUNITY" on a tipsy board, a beanbag toss, balancing balls on discs, and a slide puzzle. Hors d'oeuvres and island-themed cocktails were served before and after the screening of the two-hour Season 48 premiere. Gold Derby spotted Sandra running around just seconds before showtime, trying to find a seat. And Cirie was on hand to introduce the episode, proving that there's no hard feelings from Probst for her taking other reality TV gigs on the side, like Big Brother and The Traitors.
The official logo for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans was also unveiled on Saturday evening, and it's essentially a mirror image of the original generic jungle image used for Season 1: Borneo. Compare the logos above and below.
Direct from CBS, the Fiji trip packages for the five winning “tribes” will include the following:
Roundtrip Fiji Airways airfare and ground transportation for each “tribe” member.
Four nights of accommodations at a luxurious ocean-front resort.
Exposure to the rich Fijian culture while exploring stunning local destinations.
A VIP tour of the Survivor Islands (including the filming locations for tribal council and the challenge beaches), the exclusive opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at life on Survivor during the filming of Season 50, a meet-and-greet with Jeff Probst and Survivor swag. (Winners will not appear on the show, but their journeys and experiences will be documented on video for promotional opportunities for the 50th season.) Full details and official rules.
This article was updated with new information at 7:15 p.m. PT.
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