Why Boston Rob Mariano, Parvati Shallow and More Weren't Asked Back for Survivor Season 50

"In the seasons prior to 41, it was a different game," Jeff explained of the twist that began after Covid in 2021. "Every single element contributes to shaping the game and thus, the gameplay. I can't say this enough. When we birthed Survivor 41, we birthed a new game."

"It is still fundamentally the same format, but we changed a lot of dynamics and we forced a different pace," he continued. "You are playing hard out of the gate in the new era because you have to." 

Among the most significant changes is a shorter game: Castaways now compete for 26 days instead of 39.

"Let's just remember seasons before 41 did not have things like a Beware Advantage or a Journey or the Shot in the Dark," Jeff said of the new twists in the game. "All of that changes the nature of the game."

So come season 50, it'll be a true face-off between old school and new school players.

"What's going to be interesting about 50 is somebody like Jeremy or Colby who have played many times, but they played a slower pace," he teased. "Not an easier or more difficult game, but a different pace because of the game design. How's that going to work?"

See for yourself when season 50 premieres in 2026. Until then, keep reading to see who is returning to the beaches of Fiji.