‘Survivor 50’ Players Call Out Biggest Threats Going Into Premiere

Returning players in the CBS reality competition reveal who they’re watching closely — and who they don’t want to play with in the landmark season starting this week. (Left to right, top): Jonathan Young, Savannah Louie, Joe Hunter, Tiffany Ervin, Mike White, Christian Hubicki, Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick, Genevieve Mushaluk, (Left to right, bottom): Benjamin "Coach" Wade, Dee Valladares, Jenna Lewis-Dougherty, Aubry Bracco, Angelina Keeley, Ozzy Lusth, Rizo Velovic, Charlie Davis, Kamilla Karthigesu, Q Burdette, Colby Donaldson, Emily Flippen, Rick Devens, Cirie Fields. Robert Voets/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Logo text The players of Survivor 50 haven’t set foot on the beach yet, but many already know who they want out. As the landmark season approaches — with its Wednesday premiere date (8 p.m. on CBS/Paramount+) — returning contestants aren’t waiting to size each other up. They’re identifying threats, predicting alliances and comparing reputations. The Hollywood Reporter spoke with all 24 castaways and posed one pointed question: Which player concerns you most because their game doesn’t align with yours? Their answers reveal the rivalries, suspicions and strategic fault lines forming long before the game begins. Related Stories TV 'Survivor' Coming to 'Words with Friends' and More Games for Season 50 TV The Missing Legends of 'Survivor 50': Castaways Reveal the Icons They Thought They'd Face *** Christian Hubicki: I have a hypothesis as to how this cast was put together and what everyone’s role are on the season from a Survivor standpoint. I think there are basically four categories of players divided among the 24 people. That’s six people — three men, three women. What are those four roles and what does this mean in terms of who I’m targeting? One role: challenge beasts. You can think of those off the top of your head: You got you Joe, your Ozzy, your Jonathan Young. Those are your three men. You got your Tiff, your Chrissy, and your Stephenie, those are your women. Chrissy got four immunity challenge wins. These are what people are known for, in part, from their seasons. Another category: witty confessionalists who are reliable narrators to tell the story. You wonder, where do I fall in these categories? That’s me, Mike White, that’s Rick. You got Aubry, Kamilla and Emily Flippen for the women. So I’m seeing these trios. This season is cast in trios, three tribes of eight. Another category: drama. You can imagine who is drama. That’s your Coach, that’s your Q, that’s your Angelina and, in my opinion, Jenna Lewis. And our two unknown mystery 49ers. That’s where they sit. I would go so far as to say while I don’t know why the Rizgod walks among us, I believe the reason is he’s cocky drama. I think that’s why he’s here. I don’t know much about Savannah, perhaps someone who will stir the pot and not take nonsense from people. Which leaves the final category: the threats, the people who do not stand out in any of these other categories. They are relatable people who are very good at this game. That makes them the most dangerous and with me. Charlie is a Harvard educated lawyer who runs marathons who’s charming, handsome and delightful. I stand out way too much against that. These six — Charlie, Kyle, Colby, Genevieve, Dee, Cirie — are the people who are on this island because they are well-equipped to win. Cirie Fields from season 50. Robert Voets/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. Cirie Fields: Joe and Kyle. My history has shown that alpha men are, for some reason, quick to target me and usually afraid of me. They don’t have to be, but it’s usually a certain type. Aras [Baskauskas] was an alpha man, but a warmer alpha man. When I played with Colby in Heroes vs Villains, he wouldn’t even look in my direction. I’m waving, doing back flips and everything. He would not look at me. Mike White: It’s hard to know off the bat, you have to vibe people out. But I feel that some people might feel like, “What’s this guy doing here?” Or think of me as a wild card. Some people might be trophy hunting, and I’d be a good head to put on the mantle. So maybe a guy like Charlie, who seems like he thinks he’s the smartest guy in the room — I could see him trying to go for me. Charlie Davis: The people I’m most concerned about are the old schoolers who are more about honor and integrity — they keep it simple, build an alliance and never turn on players. I think they’ll be out here hunting anyone who gives them the vibe of a strategist or a nerd. People in that bunch might be Colby or Coach. Although I don’t know about Coach. He might be a different brand. Charlie Da