Everyone on Survivor 50 has something to prove. Even former winners. Jeff Probst shared a bold declaration from Season 45 winner Dee Valladares‘ casting interview with TV Insider on set in Fiji.
“Dee said, ‘What I’m here to prove is I’m going to be the first back-to-back winner,’” Probst revealed back in June. Other players told us they have a score to settle with themselves.
Alums such as Colby Donaldson and Ozzy Lusth want to shed their “hero” characters and play as their authentic selves. Aubry Bracco wants to love the game again after a difficult run in Edge of Extinction. Rizo Velovic, who came back to Fiji 10 days after Season 49 wrapped filming, noted when he was asked to return that he wants to become a legend. Mike White wants people to see that Survivor is still iconic TV. Cirie Fields wants to prove she can finally win.
On set in Fiji, before the game began, we asked them all to tell us why they deserved to be back for this milestone moment. Here are their pitches.
Survivor 50, Premieres Wednesday, February 25, 8/7c, CBS
For more inside scoop on Survivor 50 from the set, pick up a copy of TV Guide Magazine’s Survivor at 50 Special Collector’s Issue, available for preorder now at Survivor.TVGM2026.com and on newsstands on February 6.