“Survivor 48” is currently airing, but voting is already open for fans to have a say in the reality competition series’ 50th season.
Longtime “Survivor” host Jeff Probst revealed last month that fans will be able to influence the events of “Survivor 50” by casting a series of votes. The upcoming 50th season, which will feature a cast of returning players, is set to air in February 2026.
“From the very first season, ‘Survivor’ has been evolving. Now, for our 50th season, it’s time for the next evolution. ‘Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans’ is unlike anything we’ve done before,” Probst said in a statement last month, per TV Insider. “For the first time ever, our loyal fans will take control – deciding key elements of the game, from twists to idols to advantages.”
The first vote for “Survivor 50” took place on Wednesday, Feb. 26, the same night that “Survivor 48” premiered.
By going to survivor50cbs.votenow.tv, fans were able weigh in on tribe colors, whether castaways should be given rice or have to earn it, whether there should be a firemaking challenge or a vote at final four, and whether “Survivor 50” should have a live reunion in L.A. or a pre-taped aftershow in Fiji.
The first round of voting is now closed. A message on the CBS website says to “stay tuned” and “check back for the next vote.” Details about the next voting categories and when the next vote will take place have not yet been revealed.
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However, Probst already revealed one aspect of “Survivor 50” that viewers won’t get a say in: season length.
“Survivor” fans have long been asking for a return to 39-day seasons instead of the 26-day experience introduced in 2021 due to COVD-19. But Probst told Entertainment Weekly in February that “39 days isn’t even an option.”
“It’s simply a production situation,” he said. “We like this game, and I can tell you that even if we wanted to, we already have our leases [and] our land agreements with Mana Island [in Fiji].”
Probst also seemed hesitant about the idea of letting fans decide whether the season ends with a final two or a final three.
“I want to make the game difficult to win. [With a final three], you got to beat two people now. It’s a lot more complicated,” he said. “ I don’t understand why anybody would choose a final two. But again, just my opinion.”
“Survivor” airs on CBS and Paramount+ on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST. Episodes are available to stream on Paramount+ the next day.
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