The 50th edition of Survivor is enlisting the help of a new tribe — the show’s viewers — to help determine how the game plays out.
Host and executive producer Jeff Probst announced Saturday that the CBS competition’s 50th season, slated to air in February 2026, will be guided partly by votes from viewers. The show is calling the theme “In the Hands of the Fans.”
“From the very first season, Survivor has been evolving. Now, for our 50th season, it’s time for the next evolution,” Probst said in a statement. “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans is unlike anything we’ve done before. For the first time ever, our loyal fans will take control — deciding key elements of the game, from twists to idols to advantages. I can’t wait to see what the fans choose for our returning players.”
Viewers will be able to vote on certain elements of the season, including whether idols will be part of the game, if the final four’s traditional fire-making challenge stays or goes and whether to have live finale and reunion show in Los Angeles or on location in Fiji. Voting will open when season 48 of Survivor premieres Feb. 26 on CBS.
All voting will be completed before season 50 begins filming, as Survivor stages its competition months before the show hits the air.
In addition to fan voting, CBS and Fiji Airways are sponsoring a sweepstakes in which five groups of fans will be flown to Fiji during filming of the 50th season.
“Honoring the fans with the power to shape the 50th season of Survivor is a game changer for the fans and the show,” said Mike Benson, president and chief marketing officer at CBS. “In that spirit, CBS is launching its first-ever full year of celebrations for fans — and future fans — leading up to Survivor 50, commencing with dream Survivor-focused Fiji trips for five groups of fans thanks to our partnership with Fiji Airways, which will also debut a Survivor 50-branded Fiji Airways jet.”
