Survivorhas been a franchise that has leaned on its history.The reality competition showhas evolved tremendously over the past two decades, introducing and adapting many of its game mechanics. While the skeleton ofSurvivorhas remained consistent, what has kept the show alive arethe players that have kept the brilliant social experiment refreshing.WithSurvivorcareening toward a landmark 50th season, it’s time to bring back players for an All-Star season. What type of returning player season should it be?Another round of second chances sounds perfect!
Reality television fans are passionate about their shows. AndSurvivorfans are some of the most boisterous about their favorite show. When the program first aired in the United States, the format ofSurvivorwas so revolutionary that it caught the eyes of eventual life-long fans.Survivoris a game of strategy and social prowess, but one of the major draws of the show is the players who play it. It’s one of the greatest social experiments that finds a group of individuals who are tasked to essentially build a society and survive by eliminating their competitors. Between alliances and rivalries, and the lack of human resources and needs,SurvivordeliversLord of the Fliesin reality television form.
With a new dynamic of castaways each season, no two seasons ofSurvivorwill ever be the same.But every season, some players make an impact. So much so, they are invited to return and play the game again. Sometimes three or four times! Of the 697 individuals to have playedSurvivor,105 have played at least a second time.Survivorfans love seeing their favorites return! And yet, sinceSurvivor 41in 2021, onlyBruce Perreaulthas been invited for a second chance. WithSurvivor’s 50th season likely and predictably to be a returning legend format,Survivorshould explore one all returning player season first. And it should borrow theSurvivor: Cambodiaformat, where the fans could vote for the players they believed deserved a second chance at winning.
A reality show where a group of contestants are stranded in a remote location with little more than the clothes on their back. The lone survivor of this contest takes home a million dollars.
A Second Chance Season of ‘Survivor’ is Essential
In 2015,Survivor’s 31st season journeyed to the beautiful locale of Cambodia for a remarkable season. Toward the close ofSurvivor: World’s Apart, 32Survivorplayers who did not win their season were announced for their second chance at victory. The public was invited to vote for which of these players they wanted to see return, similar to howBig Brotherconducted the casting for their first All-Star season. The players were asked to plead their case via social media, offering an exciting and unique interaction between the players and the fans. After theSurvivor: World’s Apartlive reunion,the official cast of twenty was revealed, and were immediately whisked away to Cambodia to go film.Consisting of a well-balanced cast of recent favorites, like ultimate winnerJeremy CollinsfromSurvivor: San Juan del Sur,Joe AnglimfromSurvivor: World’s Apart, andSurvivor: Cagayan’sTasha Fox, Spencer Bledsoe, andKass McQuillen, and original legends like the very first runner-up,Kelly WiglesworthofSurvivor: Borneofame, fans were granted the opportunity to essential watch and old school vs new school battle for a wildly exciting season.
The Dangers of Injuries on ‘Survivor’
In the 46 seasons of Survivor, fans have been witness to some dangerous injuries that forced castaways to exit the game.
The success ofSurvivor: Cambodia, which is paired with the subtitle “Second Chance,” received a warm welcome and a desire to explore this edition again.The last timeSurvivorhad a full season of returning players was for their 40th season,Survivor: Winners at War, which featured an entire lot of winners. Before that, there was a six-season gap between a full returning player season withSurvivor: Game Changers. ThoughSurvivor: Edge of Extinctiondid welcome a quartet of former faces to indulge in the game once again.In the New Era ofSurvivor, casting a beautifully inclusive and diverse group of players has helped to define the past few seasons. Keeping that initiative in mind, shouldSurvivorexplore an inclusive and diverse cast, they have a wealth of players to select from who deserve a second chance. And from there, it’s time to let the fans have their say. Balancing a cast with old-school icons and new-generation stars could allow a second, second chanceseason to flourish.
The New Era of ‘Survivor’ Has a Wealth of Players to Choose From
The New Era ofSurvivoris still that same game that fans know and love, buta focus on the individuals has come into focus much more.Exploring backstories and motivations to win, the New Era ofSurvivorhas watched how the physical component of the game is no longer as essential, compared to being a strong strategic and social player. Of the five winners in the New Era, each winner’s social game has been indicated as to why it assisted in the jury’s vote for them. For example,Yam Yam Arocho, who will likely be asked to play again for the legendary 50th anniversary season, had one of the most remarkable social games. A season later,Dee Valladaresused a combination of her witty social game as well as her strength to take home the title of SoleSurvivor. These winners played against some formidable opponents that would be great to see take on another season. The New Era ofSurvivorhas a wealth of players to choose from, and fans would clamor to see these faces again.
Understanding What’s Vindictive and What’s Strategy on ‘Survivor’
In a series known for its villains, this season shows what happens when gameplay becomes too personal.
While a greatSurvivorplayer is well-rounded, excelling at all the attributes that assist in the victory, certain players of the New Era dominated one aspect of the game which assisted in their defeat.Survivormay not add a theme to their future seasons, some players deserve a second chance thanks to their brains or brawn.There are a plethora of smart players whose fans have watched outsmart their fellow tribemates.OnSurvivor 42, a duo of geniuses played perhaps a little too hard, controlling the tribal dynamics until the minority alliances caught on, finding them difficult to beat later on in the game.Omar ZaheerandHai Giangboth played spectacular games, molding moves behind the scenes. Unfortunately for both players, their eliminations were orchestrated by the players on the outside, thanks to fluid solo ventures as individual players.Survivor 44was easily one of the strongest seasons, if not the strongest, in the New Era. With extraordinary characters to cheer on,Survivor 44, also had some gamers in the mix. After a strong alliance carried her into the merge,Frannie Marinfound herself in a solid position thanks to the new bonds she made, as well as some immunity victories on her side.
Kaleb Gebrewold Can Go All The Way on ‘Survivor’
While building a fantastic resume, the moment she did not have immunity, the numbers were no longer on her side, and even some of her alliance members turned on her. She surprised herself in the game, and fans felt optimism watching Frannie play again. She might have a target on her back should she remain, but her ability to showcase many feats in the game would make her a great ally. One of the biggest plays wasKaleb Gebrewold’s successful Shot in the Dark duringSurvivor 45. Bringing a multitude of strengths to his game, the merged tribe knew he was dangerous, and thankfully, luck was on his side. With such a strong play in his favor, a return to the game is almost certainly a possibility.
ForKarla Cruz Godoy, to describe her game, brilliance would be an understatement. She was a great social player who found in the individual portion of the game that she also happened to be a physically dominating player as well. A victory onSurvivor 43wasn’t on her side, but her ability to be unafraid of any challenge in front of her makes her a prime candidate for a return. One of the most physically capable players in the New Era wasSurvivor 41’sXander Hastings. In a season where new mechanics and elements were thrown directly at the castaways, Xander’s strength was his ability to adapt and maneuver his physical strength to the wayside to play a more strategic game. His game was one of self-preservation. While other players were able to discuss the social aspects of their game, Xander focused on a more old-school mentality, aiding in his zero-vote final Tribal Council.
‘Survivor’ 46 Is Going Old School
This new cast of players are ready to play dirty to win!
Like in every single season of every reality competition program, fans will always find that a certain player was robbed.Whether it’s robbed of victory or robbed of continuing in the game due to some sort of outside influence, having a handful of players that fit that parameter is ripe for a second chance.To begin, like Xander, his fellow tribemateTiffany Seelynavigated the multiple new elements ofSurvivor. She helped assist in the successful negating of the Knowledge is Power advantage, but fell victim to circumstance, being voted out in hopes of flushing out others' immunity idols.
Tiffany showed true potential and tenacity to play, earning her a chance for a second chance. As in the New Era ofSurvivor, storytelling has been an absolute element week after week.Survivor 43showcased the empowering story ofJesse Lopez, a man who turned his life around following a stint in juvenile detention, earning a PhD in political science in the process. Poised to win the entire thing, Jesse was robbed of a surefire victory following defeat in the Final Four Fire-Making Challenge. Given another chance to play, Jesse would be a force to be reckoned with. Many players discussed will be from the merged portion of the game, but forSurvivor 44’sClaire Rafson, her status as a robbed player came from her inability to actually play the game.
Kellie Nalbandian Has Potential to Win on ‘Survivor’
Her strategy, partially alongside with her tribe, was to have her sit out of challenges to have the strongest makeup competing. Thus, when her tribe lost their first Immunity Challenge, she was the scapegoat when attempting to push the strongest tribe forward. Claire is essentially a game changer as a rule was put into place the following season, forcing tribes to be unallowed to sit out the same player in consecutive challenges.Survivor 45was Dee dominated. And many players fell by the wayside thanks to her immaculate gameplay. Two robbed queens of Dee’s defeat wereKaturah ToppsandKellie Nalbandian. Both women had great potential to win the game, but following a Tribal blindside for Kellie and a voting blunder by Katurah, their games ended too early. Should they return, they bring a fire and passion to win the next time around.
Venus Shows Why Introverts Have It Hard on ‘Survivor’
Being Quiet Means Being Targeted in this Cutthroat Game.
Of course,a second chance season needs some fan favorites and loveable underdogs.One of the greatest storylines coming from the New Era isSurvivor 45’sEmily Flippen. Just when the initially cold-blooded member of the Lulu Tribe seemed down and out, she had a personal epiphany, turned her social game around, and evolved as aSurvivorplayer and person. Emily would come back again as a changed woman. PlayingSurvivor, you may find a lifelong friend, or forge a relationship that ends as a rivalry. And two of those options are perfect for a second chance. OnSeason 41,Shan SmithandRicard Foyeseemed thick as thieves. In a game for one million dollars, betrayal is ingrained in the minds of true players. Shan and her theme song were a strong contender to win it all, so when the opportunity came to eliminate her from the game, Ricard took advantage of the situation and split her up from the person who took his spot in the duo. It was a friendship that turned into a civil rivalry, and an opportunity to see how they battle each other again would be must-see TV.
One of the greatest alliances inSurvivorhistory came onSurvivor 44with the extraordinary Tika 3, comprised of winner Yam Yam Arocho,Carson Garrett, andCarolyn Wigler, they formed a beautiful friendship within their undeniable alliance, getting them all to the final four. With Yam Yam already reaching Survivor glory,it’s time for Carson and Carolyn to join him in the winner’s circle. Their bond has gone beyond the game, as both happen to be recipients of the Sia Award, the unofficial prize the pop star gives following each season. The biggest question would be if the pair could and would play as a pair again or agree to play as individuals. Carson and Carolyn are fan favorites that deserve to be on our screens again.
The Lost New School Generation of ‘Survivor’ Has Amazing Players Who Need to Play Again
The seasons followingSurvivor: Heroes vs Villains, the franchise’s 20th season, marked the new school generation of the game. There were a handful of seasons that featured returning players, but many new faces from the seasons in the 20s and 30s made a name of their own. With many already having their second chance at the game, there are still a plethora of possibilities. To begin, two participants almost got their second chance, but outside forces pulled them away. First,Chelsea MeissnerofSurvivor: One Worldhad an opportunity to join the cast ofSurvivor: Cambodia, but the voting was not in her favor. As a strong presence in the female-drivenSurvivor: One World,seeing her back would be empowering. Originally a castaway onSurvivor: Philippines,RC Saint-Amouralmost had her second chance onSurvivor: Blood vs Water, having been cast with her father. Due to a pre-game health emergency, RC and her dad were unable to play. This might be her time to try again.
Similarly to the New Era,robbed players have dominated the New School generation.Some players were due to their own vices, others thanks to a once-in-a-franchise moment. To begin,Domenick Abbatewas literally a single vote away from victory. OnSurvivor: Ghost Island, aSurvivorfirst occurred where there was a literal tie from the jury for the winner. WithLaurel Johnsonreceiving no votes as a finalist, she automatically became a jury member, casting the final vote forWendell Hollandover Domenick. Perhaps without Wendall in his way, Domenick could become victorious in a different circumstance.Survivor: Island of the Idolswas one of the more controversial seasons, and one for all the wrong reasons.
After a series of inappropriate touching from a particular player plagued the game,Kellee Kimwas villainized for speaking out about the actions, causing her to be on the outs of the merged tribe. As an already strategic player, eliminated with two idols in her pocket, Kellee was a victim of circumstance and deserves a fresh slate to play. Recently appearing on the Netflix seriesSquid Games: The Challenge,Jessica “Figgy” Figueroacould have been aSurvivorcontender, but she robbed herself of a chance to play due to an unfortunate showmance withTaylor Stocker. Without a distraction by her side, Figgy can show that she is a strong physical and mental player who should not be underestimated.
Jay Starrett Missed His Chance on ‘Survivor’
New SchoolSurvivorwent quite heavily into themed seasons, some of which were much more successful than the others. By splitting up the tribes by personal attributes, players' games were put under the microscope as they had to break beyond their stereotypes. But even for those who didn’t play on a Brains vs Brawn vs Beauty season,there is a batch of brains and brawn who should be considered again.In the realm of strength,Hayden Moss, the winner ofBig Brother 12, appeared onSurvivor: Blood vs Wateralongside his then-girlfriendKat Edorsson, originally fromSurvivor: One World. Once she didn’t make the merge, Hayden was greatly aided by not having a crutch and had great potential for victory, but foolish gameplay by his fellow first-time players in the merge was his ultimate downfall. A powerhouse woman fromSurvivor: Kaoh Rongwas the mightyCydney Gillon.
A member of the Brawn tribe originally, she made it to the final four but lost in the Fire-Making challenge. SinceSurvivor, she has kept up her fitness game as a professional fitness competitor. Anyone against her would easily be very afraid to go against her. One of the Millennials onSurvivor: Millennials vs Gen X,Jay Starrettwas a strong yet hot-headed player who formed bonds with some unlikely friends. Helping orchestrate some blindsides while winning Immunity Challenges along the way, was one mistake that doomed his opportunity to win. Having been a strong force now onThe Challenge, his second chance onSurvivorwould easily allow him redemption. With four individual Immunities to his name,Davie Rickenbackermay originally have been part of the David tribe, but he proved to be quite the Goliath. His strength in the challenges, paired with his successful Immunity Idol plays, kept him in the game longer than many desired. Davie deserves another try, knowing how good he can be.
Being smart onSurvivoris almost a necessity today. From the minute she stepped foot onSurvivor: Millennials vs Gen X,Hannah Shapirohad a target on her back simply for who she appeared to be. When she found some strategic leverage in the game, she secured a place in the finale but didn’t get credit for her game as the jury did not approve of when her moves were made. Hannah was a much better player than her fellow castaways gave her credit for, and thus another opportunity would help her prove the point. When it comes toRick Devens,Jeff Probsttook an immediate liking to the man he referred to as Devens. His time onSurvivor: Edge of Extinctionwas altered by the season’s twist, winning the Edge of Extinction challenge to return to the game. His aggressive gameplay and ability to be clutch in the Immunity Challenges secured him a spot in the Final Four, losing to eventual winnerChris Underwoodto face the jury.
Having been a co-host on the “On Fire with Jeff Probst” podcast, Devens is likely to be included in the bunch for a second chance. ForLauren-Ashley Beck,she smartly played a safe game in the middleonSurvivor: Island of the Idols. She attacked when she needed to, and thus, was deemed a potential to win, being taken out, once again, in the Fire-Making challenge. Given a second chance to play, Lauren would easily be able to play under the radar with bigger personalities having targets in front of her.
Even if Jeff doesn’t want villains,a good returning player season needs to include some players with villainous tendencies.Reed Kelly, one of the Broadway boyfriends fromSurvivor: San Juan del Sur, will forever be known for his infamous wicked stepmother speech at Final Tribal Council. Despite the way that the final Tribal is structured now, those speeches are few and far between, but Reed made his mark on the show, playing a great game in the process.Angelina Keelymay not be a historic villain on paper, but she certainly had antagonistic tendencies through her run onSurvivor: David vs Goliath. She will be remembered for her plea forNatalie Cole’s jacket, and her inability to secure a single jury vote, being seen as disingenuous. Should she return to the show, she would be the first cast member from fellow castawayMike White’s smash hit seriesThe White Lotusto playSurvivor! A goodSurvivorseason needs to have a wildcard present to keep things lively. With so many representatives fromSurvivor: Cagayanalready returning for their chance at winning, one of the best options left would beTrish Hegarty.
Much of her game was being the wing-woman for winnerTony Vlachos. With Trish playing on her own a second time around, she would be seen as a loyal player with an inability to know how she would tackle another go. But the biggest wildcardSurvivorcould ever pull would be a second chance from the queen of Edge of Extinction,Reem Daly. As the first person sent to the Edge, she was erratic and aggressive, but her ability to define the season by sticking it out on the Edge is more than enough reason to give her a real shot at playingSurvivoragain. She is a true game-changer.
Legends of Old School ‘Survivor’ Must Be Included
Survivor: Cambodiawas cast partially with the help of the fans. Butmany fans were left bewildered when two legends of old-schoolSurvivordidn’t make the cut.And to this day, some are still scratching their heads as to why. Left off the cast wereSurvivor: Africa’sTeresa “T-Bird” CooperandSurvivor: Panama’sShane Powers. The fans have been begging to see them return, hoping they will truly get their second chance to play. And these two legends would be perfect to bring back. In the realm of wildcard options,Natalie Bolton, part of the Black Widow Brigade onSurvivor: Micronesia, andShambo WatersofSurvivor: Samoa, would honor this generation ofSurvivorand remind fans why they love watching fun and fierce women play. Natalie and Shambo were both overshadowed by giant personalities, but a second time around could be just what they needed.
697 players have playedSurvivor. The options are limitless on who could potentially play again. No matter who gets the call, what is certain isthe fans want to see their favorites on their screens again.There is a reason why shows likeThe ChallengeandThe Traitorshave been fan favorites. They brought reality favorites together for another chance to shine on screen.Survivorcould opt for a celebrity edition, but fans would much prefer to see former castaways back on the beach. The New Era ofSurvivorhas provided viewers with almost everything, except a full returning player season.Make our dreams come true Jeff!
Survivor airs Wednesdays at 8:00pm on CBS. All seasons of Survivor are available to stream on Paramount+.
