I’ve been a Survivor fan since day one, so the fact that the landmark 50th season has a Lubbock connection makes this one feel a little more special than usual.

I’ll also admit something that probably applies to a lot of longtime fans: once a season ends, most of the competitors evaporate from my brain. Why waste valuable mental storage on torch-snuffed trivia? During the season, though, I’m all in—tracking alliances, knowing who’s who, and occasionally Googling a contestant’s backstory just to add some context.

Why Season 50 Is a Good Jumping-On Point

If you’ve drifted away from Survivor over the years, season 50 might be the perfect time to jump back in. It won’t be overloaded with faces from the earliest seasons, but producers are sprinkling in a handful of true old-school players to give longtime fans something familiar to latch onto. That balance makes it easier for casual viewers and nostalgic fans alike to find someone to root for without feeling lost.

Lubbock’s Survivor Legacy

One of those old-school players comes from season two, The Australian Outback. That’s where Lubbock—and Texas Tech fans—first met Colby Donaldson, who famously finished as the runner-up after an all-time debated final decision that handed the win to Tina Wesson. Colby went on to appear in two more seasons of Survivor, cementing his place as one of the franchise’s most recognizable early-era players.

Donaldson is a 1996 graduate of Texas Tech University, and while his time in Lubbock may have been relatively brief, the Red Raider connection stuck. Over the years, he’s shared plenty of Lubbock stories and even branched out beyond reality TV, including a short run on the post-Friends sitcom Joey.

A Built-In Favorite

That Texas Tech tie-in makes Colby an easy early favorite before tribes form and storylines take over. Whether he makes a deep run or not, it’s fun to have a hometown-adjacent reason to care right from the premiere.

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Survivor 50 debuts on February 25th, and for Lubbock viewers, that’s one more reason to tune in with a little extra pride.

Welcome To Lubbock

Gallery Credit: Nessmania

Lubbock’s Best Appetizers: Must-Try Starters at Local Restaurants

Discover some of the best appetizers in Lubbock, from shareable starters and classic favorites to unique dishes locals love to order. This photo gallery highlights must-try appetizers from popular Lubbock restaurants, perfect for your next night out or casual meal.

Gallery Credit: Renee Raven