The 40th season of our favorite reality show, Survivor, finally premiered on February 12, 2020. In the most epic season yet, fans get to tune into this seasons' theme: Winners at War. With 20 returning winners, this season has no newbies and definitely no one that doesn't know how to become the Sole Survivor.
With some players returning from years ago, and some from only a few seasons back, there are tons of favorite players to go around from all previous 39 seasons. Of course, fans are not always happy with who gets voted the grand prize, and it shouldn't be surprising that not all these returning winners were our favorite. Here are five players that we totally missed, and five we really didn't.
Didn't Miss: Danni Boatwright
Danni played all the way back in season 11 for Survivor: Guatemala. Danni has a lot to prove, and she certainly falls in the "old school" group for playing only once, but also because it was in the early seasons of the show.
While it will be interesting to see how Danni plays against the newest winners and some classic favorites, she isn't one of the most loved winners from the show's history. With no bad blood, fans simply would've been more excited over a few other Sole Survivors.
Missed: Tyson Apostol
This hilarious and wholesome player has played three times. He won his third time around, for Survivor: Blood vs. Water in season 27. Tyson is a fan favorite, and he certainly keeps people entertained while simultaneously keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Tyson has played his fair share of seasons, but lovers of this show will never tire of seeing his smiling face. With a heart of gold, this player proves he comes to play and has fun doing it.
Didn't Miss: Sandra Diaz-Twine
While there are definitely some die-hard Sandra fans out there, most lovers of this show will agree that she can be a lot to handle and that her bullying tactic isn't super lovable. She has played three times, returned as a mentor, and she's the only player in history to have won twice.
Sandra's strategy is pretty diabolical, and it's hard to love her inflated ego and low blows all the time. If there's one reason fans are excited for this queen to return, it's so a bunch of winners can vote her out of the game once again.
Missed: Ben Driebergen
This cowboy stole everyone's hearts during his season, where he won Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers. Although he's only played once, Ben is definitely a face that all fans of the show remember.
His heart, competitive spirit, and social game is enough to have fans loving this castaway. Totally well-rounded, this player not only has a chance to win again, but he also is well-loved for his humor and drive by all viewers of the show.
Didn't Miss: Michele Fitzgerald
Michelle wasn't hated, and she certainly wasn't a bad player. Still, she's the first to admit that not all fans were happy she took home the win in season 32 for Survivor: Kaôh Rōng.
This castaway might not have made too many fans excited when they saw her on the boat, but there is also no bad blood between viewers and this contestant. She has a lot to prove, and maybe she'll steal everyone's hearts in her attempt to do so.
Missed: Yul Kwon
It has been years since Yul last played the game. In fact, he's only played once and took home the title of Sole Survivor for Survivor: Cook Islands in season 13. Yul definitely uses his brain to play this game, and it's pretty entertaining for fans to see how calculative and logical this castaway is.
Of course, viewers also only got to see this strategic mastermind play once, so it's more than exciting to have him back on the island for a second time around.
Didn't Miss: Denise Stapley
This castaway won season 25, Survivor: Philippines. While there wasn't much bad blood about her taking home the crown, it's likely safe to say that she isn't exactly a crowd favorite.
Denise certainly stands a chance at winning, and it will be interesting for fans to watch her play again. However, she also wasn't the person viewers were most excited to see joining the season. Of course, she can always change their' minds.
Missed: Parvati Shallow
This bombshell has become the epitome of a female villain. Season 40 will be her fifth time playing the game, and she won her second season during Survivor: Fans vs Favorites.
Parvati is tough as nails, and certainly has strategy and intelligence coming in waves. Parvati has played her definite share of seasons, but fans might just never tire of her competitive spirit and cunning personality. It's hard not to love this powerful woman, and fans are sure she'll prove herself once again.
Didn't Miss: Tony Vlachos
Again, there are definitely fans out there who love the mischievous game that Tony offers. However, this villain might be a bit too much for most fans to handle. He has played twice and won his first season on Survivor: Cagayan, season 28.
While Tony's wild antics and manipulative strategies helped him become the Sole Survivor of his season, fans might have been cringing when they heard he was coming back for another attempt. There's little chance he'll calm down his game, but at least he'll stir the pot for some entertainment.
Missed: Nick Wilson
This one-time player barely had enough time in the spotlight. Although he won his season, season 37, for Survivor: David vs. Goliath, fans have definitely been wanting to see more of this player. The most recent winner in this season, it will be interesting to see if the "new school" player will triumph.
Statistically, Nick Wilson is one of the best male castaways to ever play the game, and fans are more than excited to see him back to play for another season. Of course, he might also have a decent chance at taking home another title.