Ahead of season 49, Jeff revealed that season 50—also starring fan favorites like Ozzy Lusth, Aubry Bracco and Rick Devens—would present a new twist: Fans get to decide key game elements, including immunity idols, advantages and the divisive fire-making challenge.
And indeed, Jeff revealed those twists to the shocked faces of the castaways in the trailer, telling them, "The fans voted on things that impact this game."
As for why Survivor decided to shake up the game and give a voice to the fans?
“I wanted the game to go into the future,” Jeff told Men’s Journal in September, “but there might be fans that want it to go backwards.”
“Either way, it’ll dictate 51,” he continued. “First, we’ll play 50 and see the fan reaction to it, and then we’ll sort of decide where do we go from here.”
And Jeff is open to whether fans want to “go back old school” or “go bursting into the future.”
“It was going to be really fun to go whichever way they wanted,” he concluded. “We’re always trying to evolve. It’s a fun puzzle every single time.”
So who will outwit, outplay and outlast all the others? Only time will tell when Survivor season 50 premieres Feb. 25, 2026. While waiting for Jeff to say, “Survivors ready,” go ahead and scroll to see all the stars competing next season…
Seasons 12 (PANAMA-EXILE ISLAND), 16 (MICRONESIA – FANS VS. FAVORITES), 20 (HEROES VS. VILLAINS), 34 (GAME CHANGERS)
Seasons 13 (COOK ISLANDS), 16 (MICRONESIA – FANS VS. FAVORITES), 23 (SOUTH PACIFIC), 34 (GAME CHANGERS)
Seasons 18 (TOCANTINS – THE BRAZILIAN HIGHLANDS), 20 (HEROES VS. VILLAINS), 23 (SOUTH PACIFIC)
Seasons 10 (PALAU), 11 (GUATEMALA), 20 (HEROES VS. VILLAINS)
Seasons 1 (BORNEO), 8 (ALL-STARS)
Seasons 2 (THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK), 8 (ALL-STARS), 20 (HEROES VS. VILLAINS)
Seasons 32 (KAÔH RONG – BRAINS VS. BRAWN VS. BEAUTY), 34 (GAME CHANGERS), 38 (EDGE OF EXTINCTION)
Season 35 (HEROES VS. HEALERS VS. HUSTLERS)
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