{"id":307411,"date":"2026-02-24T08:29:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T08:29:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/307411\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T08:29:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T08:29:23","slug":"mike-white-returns-plus-a-season-1-favorite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/307411\/","title":{"rendered":"Mike White returns, plus a Season 1 favorite"},"content":{"rendered":"

Survivor is back and bigger than ever: The super-size 50th season of the hit reality show is the largest yet, with a whopping 24 fan favorites from previous games seeking to outwit, outlast and outplay their competitors.<\/p>\n

This season, titled Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, will see the group divided into three tribes, each starting with eight players before whittling down their numbers at each tribal council. And with the players already well aware of each other\u2019s approach to game play<\/a> (with the exception of the Season 49 competitors, who played back-to-back games) these aspiring Sole Survivors are entering the island with many preconceived ideas about their fellow competitors. That includes who they want booted ASAP.<\/p>\n

Among the players this year are The White Lotus creator Mike White<\/a>, marking his second time seeking out the Sole Survivor crown. Meanwhile, Jenna Lewis-Dougherty, who appeared on the first season of the show in 2000, as well as Season 8\u2019s all-star season, will also compete. So, too, will Cirie Fields, who has appeared on four previous seasons of the show \u2014\u00a0and went on to win the first season of The Traitors and compete on Big Brother.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a rundown of all the players.<\/p>\n

The Cila Tribe\"Cila<\/p>\n

Cila Tribe: Joe Hunter, Savannah Louie, Christian Hubicki, Cirie Fields, Ozzy Lusth, Emily Flippen, Rick Devens and Jenna Lewis-Dougherty.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)Rick Devans\"Rick<\/p>\n

Rick Devens.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: Edge of Extinction<\/p>\n

Though he only played one season of the show, Devens is deeply rooted in the Survivor fandom as host of the show\u2019s official podcast On Fire.<\/p>\n

Jenna Lewis-Dougherty\"Jenna<\/p>\n

Jenna Lewis-Dougherty.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous seasons: Borneo, All-Stars<\/p>\n

Lewis-Dougherty was a part of the very first season of Survivor back in 2000, becoming the second tribal council member when she exited the game in eighth place. She returned for the show\u2019s All-Stars season in 2004, when she finished in third place.<\/p>\n

Cirie Fields\"Cirie<\/p>\n

Cirie Fields.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous seasons: Panama, Micronesia, Heroes vs. Villains, Game Changers<\/p>\n

Prior to the current season of Survivor, Fields appeared on four seasons of the U.S. version. Last year, she represented her home country on Australian Survivor. Fields, however, has yet to earn the title of Sole Survivor.<\/p>\n

\u201cCirie scares me because she\u2019s so good,\u201d Jonathan Young told the Hollywood Reporter<\/a> of Fields. \u201cShe\u2019s like a mom out here. Everybody respects Cirie, but I think everybody fears Cirie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emily Flippen\"Emily<\/p>\n

Emily Flippen.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: Season 45<\/p>\n

Flippen, a financial analyst, came in seventh place during her one Survivor game. She told THR she\u2019s concerned about the brawnier players, such as Young, who tend to be protected early on.<\/p>\n

Christian Hubicki\"Christian<\/p>\n

Christian Hubicki.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: David vs. Goliath\u00a0<\/p>\n

Hubicki, who placed seventh on his season, is a robotics professor, and once recited his master\u2019s thesis during an immunity challenge<\/a> to stay focused.<\/p>\n

Joe Hunter\"Joe<\/p>\n

Joe Hunter.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: Survivor 48<\/p>\n

Hunter, who went viral for assisting fellow player Eva Erickson during an autistic \u201cepisode<\/a>\u201d on her season, finished third after playing a compassionate game.<\/p>\n

Savannah Louie\"Savannah<\/p>\n

Savannah Louie.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Louie is one of the few Sole Survivors competing this season, having taken home the $1 million prize on the 49th season. She is also one of the two players this season to play back-to-back games, something that could be an advantage to her.<\/p>\n

Wade told THR<\/a> that he doesn\u2019t have a \u201cgood vibe\u201d from the two Season 49 players for that reason. \u201cI don\u2019t know them but I\u2019m having flashbacks of Russell [Hantz] and how he came into Heroes vs. Villains and nobody knew how he played and he lied to us,\u201d Wade said. \u201cI have a fear of the two new players because they know all of us, and none of us know how they play.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ozzy Lusth\"Ozzy<\/p>\n

Ozzy Lusth.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous seasons: Cook Islands, Micronesia, South Pacific, Game Changers<\/p>\n

The strong competitor crushed many physical challenges during his four previous games, but lacked some of the other skills necessary to become Sole Survivor \u2014\u00a0he finished as the runner-up to his first season, which was Cook Islands, and in third place on South Pacific. <\/p>\n

The Kalo Tribe\"Kalo<\/p>\n

Kalo Tribe: Jonathan Young, Dee Valladares, Mike White, Kamilla Karthigesu, Charlie Davis, Tiffany Ervin, Benjamin “Coach” Wade and Chrissy Hofbeck.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)Charlie Davis\"Charlie<\/p>\n

Charlie Davis.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: Season 46<\/p>\n

Davis, Survivor\u2019s biggest Swiftie, played only once before, having been betrayed by his ally Maria in the final tribal council.<\/p>\n

Tiffany Ervin\"Tiffany<\/p>\n

Tiffany Ervin.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: Season 46<\/p>\n

Ervin previously finished in eighth place on Season 46, and previously told Entertainment Weekly<\/a>, she\u2019d love to return to the game before her Season 50 casting was announced.<\/p>\n

Chrissy Hofbeck\"Chrissy<\/p>\n

Chrissy Hofbeck.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers<\/p>\n

Hofbeck was a runner-up on her only season playing Survivor. She took home four different immunity challenges during her run.<\/p>\n

Kamilla Karthigesu \"Kamilla<\/p>\n

Kamilla Karthigesu.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: Season 48<\/p>\n

Karthigesu played just two seasons ago, but she\u2019s back, having previously gotten to the final episode of the series. That season was won by Kyle Fraser, who is also competing on Survivor this season.<\/p>\n

Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick told THR that Karthigesu is someone who \u201cconcerns\u201d her a lot in the game. \u201cShe prides herself on lying and likes to lie,\u201d she said, noting that she\u2019s a \u201chuge threat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dee Valladares\"Dee<\/p>\n

Dee Valladares.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: Season 45<\/p>\n

Entrepreneur Valladares took home the Sole Survivor trophy her first time playing, becoming the first Cuban-American to earn the win.<\/p>\n

Benjamin \u201cCoach\u201d Wade\"Benjamin<\/p>\n

Benjamin \u201cCoach\u201d Wade.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous seasons: Tocantins, Heroes vs. Villains, South Pacific<\/p>\n

The self-described \u201cDragon Slayer\u201d and former soccer coach returns to the game for the fourth time.<\/p>\n

Mike White\"Mike<\/p>\n

Mike White.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: David vs. Goliath\u00a0<\/p>\n

The writer, director and actor came in second place on the David vs. Goliath season. For anyone concerned that Season 4 of The White Lotus will take a creative dip due to White\u2019s focus on Survivor, he said it\u2019s actually the opposite<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo be totally honest, it’s one of the appeals of coming here is I need to stop thinking about The White Lotus,\u201d he told Entertainment Weekly. \u201cI love it, but I also feel like it’s a fire hose into my mouth of feedback on the show coming up. And I want the next season to be inspired. I want it to really be great and not just trying to fulfill another slot or something. And I think the only way it can be that is if I really get a reset.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jonathan Young\"Jonathan<\/p>\n

Jonathan Young.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: Season 42<\/p>\n

The brawny Young \u2014 he\u2019s both an athlete and a bodyguard \u2014 is back, having previously finished in fourth place on his sole season.<\/p>\n

The Vatu Tribe\"Colby<\/p>\n

Vatu Tribe: Colby Donaldson, Genevieve Mushaluk, Rizo Velovic, Angelina Keeley, Q Burdette, Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick, Kyle Fraser and Aubry Bracco.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)Angelina Keeley\"Angelina<\/p>\n

Angelina Keeley.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: David vs. Goliath\u00a0<\/p>\n

Keeley is one of the three players from Season 37. She appeared in a cameo role<\/a> on the third season of The White Lotus in Thailand, thanks to her connection to White. Ahead of Season 50, Donaldson revealed to THR that he considers Keeley a \u201cbig threat\u201d to the other players.<\/p>\n

Aubry Bracco\"Aubry<\/p>\n

Aubry Bracco.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous seasons: Ka\u00f4h R\u014dng, Game Changers, Edge of Extinction<\/p>\n

Bracco, who debuted in the 32nd season subtitled Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty, used her wit to outplay her competitors throughout her three seasons. She was the runner-up of that initial game but failed to make it as far in her next two attempts.<\/p>\n

Q Burdette\"Q<\/p>\n

Q Burdette.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: Season 46<\/p>\n

Burdette, who fans may remember became the subject of another player\u2019s ire when he took home an Applebee\u2019s reward<\/a>, brought plenty of charm to the show. Ultimately, he came in sixth place.<\/p>\n

Colby Donaldson\"Colby<\/p>\n

Colby Donaldson.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous seasons: The Australian Outback, All-Stars, Heroes vs. Villains<\/p>\n

Donaldson, an early Survivor fan favorite, hasn\u2019t played the game in more than a decade, having come in fifth place \u2014 and the last \u201chero\u201d standing \u2014 on Heroes vs. Villains in 2010.<\/p>\n

Kyle Fraser\"Kyle<\/p>\n

Kyle Fraser.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: Season 48<\/p>\n

Fraser became Sole Survivor of Season 48, right ahead of his Season 50 competitor Karthigesu. The two had a secret alliance during the game, allowing them both to make it to the end.<\/p>\n

Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick\"Stephenie<\/p>\n

Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous seasons: Palau, Guatemala, Heroes vs. Villains<\/p>\n

Kendrick was the show\u2019s runner-up in Season 11, but wasn\u2019t so lucky her third time playing, as she was booted off early in Heroes & Villains \u2014 something she admitted she was quite salty over<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Genevieve Mushaluk\"Genevieve<\/p>\n

Genevieve Mushaluk.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: Season 47<\/p>\n

The corporate attorney was one of the villains of the 47th season, placing fifth and becoming a jury member. She told Entertainment Weekly<\/a> she\u2019d happily come back for another season: \u201cYou’ve got to say yes because it’s such an adventure,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Rizo Velovic\u00a0\"Rizo<\/p>\n

Rizo Velovic.<\/p>\n

(Robert Voets\/CBS)<\/p>\n

Previous season: Season 49<\/p>\n

Velovic is playing back-to-back games, with the so-called RizGod coming in fourth place on Season 49.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Watch Survivor Season 50 on CBS and Paramount+ on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Survivor is back and bigger than ever: The super-size 50th season of the hit reality show is the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":307412,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[86483,146,85,46,154468,154465,83269,154466,154467,23150,411],"class_list":{"0":"post-307411","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tv","8":"tag-cirie-fields","9":"tag-entertainment","10":"tag-il","11":"tag-israel","12":"tag-joe-hunter","13":"tag-jonathan-young","14":"tag-mike-white","15":"tag-previous-season","16":"tag-previous-seasons","17":"tag-survivor","18":"tag-tv"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307411","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=307411"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/307411\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/307412"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=307411"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=307411"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=307411"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}