After 40 years, Survivor will have a full cast of all winning players for the most anticipated season yet, titled Winners at War. At the end of the season 39 reunion episode, host Jeff Probst announced the new title of the season with a featured trailer. The cast will consist of 20 returning players all ready to win this coveted title. In addition, to make stakes even higher and entice cast members to play a second time, the prize will double from a $1 million dollar check to $2 million.
The season will bring back the element, Edge of Extinction, which has been used previously. This element is used when voted-off cast members are brought to a deserted island outside of the ongoing game with a chance to get back in the competition. In addition, a new feature of the game has been created, called “Fire Tokens,” which can be used to win certain advantages and comfort items.
According to Us Weekly, back in season 38 Jeff Probst said the show “Can’t do all winners simply because it wouldn’t work. As a producer, I would never suggest it. I would say it’s not a good idea.” The idea was called a dream and something that CBS executives have spoken about for some time. However, they were always aware that some winners might not want to play again, which lead to lingering doubt. Though, with the crowds cheering when Probst revealed the theme of the season, it was clear this was the right choice for all Survivor fans.
Coming off of season 39, Survivor: Island of the Idols, castaway Dan Spilo was removed for inappropriate touching reported by tribe mate Kellee Kim, then by a producer. CBS has now released changes for how the game will be conducted after this incident occurred. For future seasons, the statement from CBS read, “The producers are reviewing elements of the show to further support appropriate interaction, including how the players live during, as well as after they are eliminated from, the competition.” The network shares they will be more strict and direct with cast members during orientation to ensure they understand the rules regarding sexual harassment and personal space between players.
All star players, Rob Mariano and Sandra Diaz-Twine, are iconic figures known by all survivor fans. Just coming off of their role as mentors to new players on season 39, the two will also be competing again on the new season. Mariano, previously won Survivor: Redemption Island in 2011. Diaz-Twine, who has the title of the only player to win two times, won on Survivor: Pearl Islands in 2003 and Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains in 2010. To name more returning favorites, Wendell Holland, Tony Vlachos, Ben Driebergen, Ethan Zohn, Nick Wilson, Parvati Shallow, Sarah Lacina, Sophie Clarke, Natalie Anderson, Michele Fitzgerald, Kim Spradlin, Denise Stapley, Danni Boatwright, Amber Mariano, Yul Kwon, and Tyson Apostol will be playing again for the $2 million dollar prize and title of sole survivor.
Season 40 of Survivor premieres Wednesday, February 12, at 8pm EST on CBS.