Who will be returning for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans?

Previous appearances: Season 32 (Second place); Season 34 (Fifth place); Season 38 (16th place)

Aubry was an incredible strategist on her first few outings. It’ll be interesting to see if she can adapt to the fast-paced new era. She may be viewed as a threat due to her past performances, but compared to others on the cast, it’s possible she flies under the radar. 

Previous appearance: Season 46 (Sixth place)

Burdette is one of the biggest personalities this game has ever seen. Although he was not in charge the entire time during his season, his antics definitely had an impact on how the game played out. Q has a high chance of being targeted due to his commanding personality, which clashes with that of others on the cast who share similar demeanors. 

Previous appearance: Season 46 (Second place)

The self-declared Swiftie Charlie is a very strong contender for this landmark season. He played a well-rounded game his first time around, but came up just short of the win. Even with his high placement, Davis' social skills and strategic mind can help him navigate his threat level. He’ll be able to make others look more threatening, while aligning himself with the right people. He needs to capitalize on his moves to avoid a repeat of last time.

Previous appearance: Season 38 (Fourth place)

Devens was voted out fourth during his season. However, he returned at the merge due to the Edge of Extinction twist. Devens was always Public Enemy No. 1 during his time on the show. But, whether finding an idol/advantage, winning immunity, or capitalizing on his relationships, Devens made it all the way to the final four, where he lost the fire-making challenge to eventual winner Chris Underwood. 

Previous appearances: Season 2 (Second place); Season 8 (12th place); Season 20 (Fifth place)

While it’s been 30 seasons since his last appearance, Colby is a welcome return. He’s physically adept in the challenges, but might be left behind in the strategy department. The game has evolved over the last 15 years, and Donaldson may struggle to keep up. His loyal gameplay style may not fly in this cast, but there are a certain few castaways who have similar mindsets to his.

Previous appearance: Season 46 (Eighth place)

Tiffany is one of the biggest surprises named to this cast. While she was in the know for most of Season 46, her game was bogged down by her proximity to the aforementioned Q Burdette. With him again a castmate, it’s possible there could be a repeat of their first go-around. If Ervin is able to distance herself from Burdette, she has high potential. She has the wits to mastermind votes, but can’t let others get in her way.

Previous appearances: Season 12 (Fourth place); Season 16 (Third place); Season 20 (17th place); Season 34 (Sixth place)

Often regarded as the best to never win, Cirie played a great game in nearly all of her four attempts. During her Survivor debut, Fields finished fourth, two rounds after she masterminded the brilliant 3-2-1 plurality vote. She was third in Season 15, due to a twist that made it a final three, and was a part of the "Black Widow Brigade" alliance. Her worst showing came in Heroes vs. Villains (Season 20), where she went out pre-merge. Finally, with Game Changers, Fields was positioned to win, but went out in a historic tribal council, where everyone else played an idol, meaning only she could be voted out.

Previous appearance: Season 45 (Seventh place)

She started her run on Season 45 being more cynical compared to the rest of her castmates. Emily's outlook made her endearing in the eyes of her peers, but she changed as the season progressed. Flippen opened up more, and we saw her strategic side flourish. Had she been less obvious with her game moves, she might have gotten further. Emily definitely has the smarts to make it far, but that depends on if she can nail the social aspect of the game.

Previous appearance: Season 48 (Winner)

As one of two winners on this list, Kyle is entering this historic season as a significant threat. Per his own words, he’s "the best average guy." Fraser's well-rounded style of play is exactly what it takes to win, but he’s already done it once before. The other players know of his strategy, so it’ll be tough for him to find his footing. His close relationship with fellow 50 castmate Kamilla Karthigesu could also hinder his chances.

Previous appearance: Season 35 (Second place) 

A good player, Chrissy got overshadowed by a bigger personality on her season. Her turnaround from the first challenge was a great one, as she became a very competent player by the end. Hofbeck may be underestimated this season because of how things played out in 35. If Chrissy can get into a good alliance at the start, she can go far. Her physical, strategic, and social prowess are traits that point to her making a deep run.

Previous appearance: Season 37 (Seventh place)

A fan favorite, Christian definitely has the potential to go far again. He’s someone who plans three steps ahead, and can work his way into many different dynamics. Hubicki can roll with any crowd, and is an all-around good player. However, that may lead to his downfall, because they know he's a strong performers. Christian is likely the most intelligent person out there.

Previous appearance: Season 48 (Third place)

Joe played the most polarizing game of any competitor on this cast. His whole strategy was based on loyalty. Hunter was able to dominate in challenges, and brought to the end based on his loyalty, but couldn’t capitalize on it in the final tribal council. However, he's overly loyal game won’t fly this season due to the intense strategist present on the cast. Joe will need to adapt fast if he doesn’t want to be voted out early.

Previous appearance: Season 48 (Fourth place)

Kamilla played the game as a duo with the aforementioned Kyle Fraser in 48. We were also told by the jury that if she had been in the final three that season, she would’ve easily swept the jury. Karthigesu has the capability to win, but being seen as a duo with another huge target could be detrimental. It may be in Kamilla’s best interest to distance herself from Kyle, so as not to put any added pressure on herself. If Karthigesu can build a stable alliance early, she can go far.

Previous appearance: Survivor 37 (Third place)

Angelina was another major character on Season 37. Her negotiations with host Jeff Probst were great moments. Keeley is a very persuasive player, and one who could fly under the radar. Angelina has the capability of building good relationships, but she has to make sure she stays under control. Keeley got a bit restless at the end of her season, so if she can keep things in check, she could be a threat.

Previous appearances: Season 10 (Seventh place); Season 11 (Second place); Season 20 (19th place)

Stephanie has gotten a bit of everything from her time on the show. She’s been a pre-merger, a jury member, and a finalist. She’s also the only player to have been on a tribe of one. LaGrossa is an adaptable player, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen her in the game. She should be able to quicken her gameplay style to fit the rest of the cast, and maneuver herself into a good alliance. 

Previous appearances: Season 1 (Eighth place), Season 8 (Third place)

Jenna is the only member of this cast from the original season of Survivor. We haven’t seen her play in quite some time, which could lead to a bit of a culture shock for one of the show's most recognizable characters. She last played before the immunity idol was introduced, which is now an integral part of the game. In her last appearance, Lewis petitioned to get the previous winners out, which could spell trouble this time around. Jenna might be the most intriguing 50 castaway.

Previous appearances: Season 13 (Second place); Season 16 (Ninth place); Season 23 (Fourth place); Season 34 (12th place)

The original "challenge beast." Lusth was one vote away from tying, or winning Cook Islands (Season 13). He didn’t do much in Micronesia, but South Pacific (Season 23) was Ozzy’s game to win. If he had made the final tribal council, he would have won in a landslide. Unfortunately, Lusth lost the final-four immunity, and was voted out, unanimously. He returned once more in Season 34, but left early, thus putting a slight damper on his legacy. Until now.

Previous appearance: Season 47 (Fifth place)

A master strategist on her season, Genevieve was able to mastermind several votes, win some immunities, and go far in the game. Mushaluk is an emotional player, and realized that the game was more than what meets the eye. Her biggest issue was managing her threat level, as she became a huge target from the final 10 onwards. If Genevieve can play in the shadows a bit more, she'll have high winner potential.

Previous appearance: Season 45 (Winner)

As the other winner on this cast, Dee enters with a big target on her back. This is especially true because she played an incredibly dominant game on 45. Valladares was never a target, but was always calling the shots. If she can take a backseat to lower her threat level, she’s got a chance at a second win. That said, with everybody taking aim at her, Dee must be at her best come every turn.

Previous appearances: Season 18 (Fifth place); Season 20 (12th place); Season 23 (Second place)

The man known as "Coach," is another big personality. In his previous showings, "Coach" played by his rules, and tried to coerce people into doing his bidding. While he may try to do it again, this cast likely won’t buy into it. "Coach’s presence will be overwhelming and could definitely rub people the wrong way. He’s gonna need to tone things down, but that’s going to be tough from such huge personality.

Previous appearance: Season 37 (Second place)

One of the many pre-Survivor celebrities to play the game over the years. White is an incredibly personable player, and one that the others will definitely get along with. He may be a threat because of his career as the creator of The White Lotus, but as a player, he should be able to lie in the weeds when it comes to being a serious favorite -- at the start. White's social game is impressive, so if he gets in good at the beginning, he's got a chance.

Previous appearances: Season 42 (Fourth place)
Jonathan is probably the best physical competitor here. He certainly has the frame to get it done. His challenge performance is impressive, and he can surely carry his tribe like he did last time out. However, Young may be a one-trick pony, and play too similarly to his game on 42. He must work with others and not try to play such a loyal game in this landmark season.

Before we get to Season 50, Season 49 still has to air. Two contestants from this season will be returning for Season 50, but they have yet to be officially announced. The two rumored names are out there for intrepid Googlers, but those looking to avoid spoilers for the upcoming season will have to wait a few months for confirmation.