With Survivor 50 over and done with, rumors have already been swirling that Survivor may have a returning players season closer than we think. Survivor 50 was the first returnee season in nine seasons. Plenty of things have changed since then, including the ushering in of a new era of Survivor, there are many choices production should consider when figuring out the cast.
To give myself some rules and not go free-for-all, I limited myself to only choosing five from the pre-new era of Survivor, and five from the new era. I also tried to make this list have somewhat of a realistic chance of happening. Someone who I wanted to include, but I just think their time has passed, is Sean Rector from Survivor: Marquesas, the fourth season of the franchise. Additionally, I didn’t choose any previous winners and stuck the returners to those players who have only played once. Now that that’s out of the way, here is who I would like to see return to play Survivor again.
Pre-New Era Returners
Cydney Gillon (Survivor: Kaôh Rōng)
Cydney was an intimidating force on Survivor: Kaôh Rong. Her physique was bar none, and her dynamic social abilities made her a triple threat. She wasn’t voted out of the game necessarily, but instead, lost in fire-making during the final four tribal council. It’s a crime that Gillon has not returned to compete again. It was rumored that she was asked to play for Survivor 50, but she was ultimately cut. In the new age of Survivor, Cydney would definitely fit in. I believe she’s the perfect blend to balance the old- and new-era styles of gaming. It’s about time Cydney gets her flowers.
Devon Pinto (Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers)
It feels rare to see people discuss Devon being a potential returnee, to the point where when I see someone mention him, I get excited. Devon should come back! He was a crucial part of his season, able to orchestrate multiple blindsides and was able to get all the way to the final four despite being a physical threat. His biggest mistake in the season was not trying to take Ben, the eventual winner, out earlier. I think he’s learned from his mistakes, and it would also be fun to see how his strategy would change. He can’t be the “dumb surfer bro” again. He’ll have to be more grounded in reality, and with all the time that has passed, I think he’s ready to show why he is one of the most underrated players to have played once.
Domenick Abbate (Survivor: Ghost Island)
It’s a travesty that Domenick has not been asked back. He finished in second place and is the first person to lose after a tie vote in the final tribal council. Losing by just one vote has to be devastating, and I’m sure he wants to right that. He’s been on reality TV since then, having appeared on The Challenge: USA, so I’m sure there is a big part of him that would come back. He’s a competition threat, strategically savvy, socially aware, and his final 6 idol bluff proved that. Also, Domenick is a funny and engaging character to watch play. It would be great to see Domenick play without Wendell, and I think if given the chance, he could make it just as far.
Davie Rickenbacker (Survivor: David vs. Goliath)
Davie lived up to the “David” tribe moniker. He was an underdog from the beginning, but quickly emerged as one of the fan favorites from what was an amazing season of Survivor. He was sneaky, good at competitions, is very knowledgeable at the game, and I mean, c’mon, who doesn’t love a good Survivor nerd type? Davie is someone I really wanted to be on the Survivor 50 cast, and he more than deserves his spot. Not only would he make for fun television, but he’d also be a real threat to win a season.
Victoria Baamonde (Survivor: Edge of Extinction)
While Survivor: Edge of Extinction isn’t exactly the most…beloved season, in my estimation, Victoria is one of the highlights. She masterminded one of the biggest blindsides of the season, getting rid of one of the four returning vets, Aubry. That move looks even better in hindsight since Aubry went on to win Survivor 50. Victoria is not the most out-there player; she’s more under the radar. However, she was always with the numbers, knew she didn’t have to be too flashy, and positioned herself flawlessly to the final six. She’s one of those players that I truly feel, if she were given another chance, would surprise people and make it to the end. Additionally, I think she would fit really nicely with the fast-paced, new era gameplay.
New Era Returners
Shantel “Shan” Smith (Survivor 41)
Survivor 41 ushered in the new era of the franchise, and right off the bat, our first true villain of the era emerged. She’s cutthroat and is the exact type of player we need more of in today’s game. Her strategic ability, up until her eventual blindside, was superb. Her only problem, which is what cost her, was getting a smidge too cocky and not realizing how she was coming across. On a returner’s season, Shan would definitely have to change some aspects of her game to hide her threat level, but I still believe she could do very well. Plus, don’t we miss Shan’s confessional prowess?
Omar Zaheer (Survivor 42)
As far as new era representatives, Omar stands the test of time as one of the best strategic players of his era. He controlled much of the post-merge and was so dominant. He’s so good with his words and can make people feel comfortable with him at the snap of a finger. There is no doubt he should, and I think he will be on a future season of Survivor. Plus, he’s been on TV since then, having been on “The Traitors Canada” season three. He’s gotten more experience, and I think he will use that to his betterment on his next go-around.
Carolyn Wiger (Survivor 44)
Carolyn is one of the marquee faces of the new era. She is probably the biggest character the franchise has ever seen, period. She’s a huge name not just in the Survivor world, but also in reality television, as she was just a Traitor on “The Traitors US” season three. If Carolyn doesn’t get a second run in Fiji, that would be a travesty and such a waste of potential. She may not have the tools to necessarily win the whole thing, but she has the tools to create great television and be a hero.
Andy Rueda (Survivor 47)
Andy started Survivor 47 as a loose cannon and someone that many expected to be either the first boot or someone most of the fanbase wouldn’t adore. Instead, Andy started to slowly become more level-headed while still holding on to that crazy demeanor. He’s such a fun character and someone that I would say should be another lock to return. His style of gameplay is more than likely capped at a particular ceiling, but getting the chance to see his antics and how he develops as a player for a second time is intriguing.
Saiounia “Sai” Hughley (Survivor 48)
It’s undeniable that Sai played a messy and chaotic game, and because of that, I’m all for her playing again. Survivor 48 was not my cup of tea, to put it nicely, but Sai was one of the few bright spots. She was outgoing, always gaming, and played aggressively very quickly, something we don’t see too much of in recent seasons. She’s a type of player that would’ve been an amazing fit on any season before Survivor 41. Sai has the potential to be a modern-day legend in my eyes, so I’m hoping beyond belief that she gets her chance to shine once more. I also think she’s someone who would try her best to change her style of play. She’d try to lower the intensity and make more rational decisions from the jump instead. If given the chance, I could see her even be a Sole Survivor.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of one-time players I would love to see play again, but these 10 castaways I’m most hoping get the opportunity to prove themselves. Honorable mentions to Sophi Balerdi (Survivor 49) and Venus Vafa (Survivor 46), who just missed the cut. Fingers crossed it doesn’t take too long for Survivor to capitalize on the wide range of past contestants and give us a returnee season very soon!
