Next year,Survivorwill debut its 50th season and will celebrate the landmark edition of the series byfeaturing 18 returning castaways.Last February, hostJeff Probstannounced that 100 remaining contestants were still being considered for season 50, but two of the show’s most beloved players recently discovered they would not be selected.Survivor: CagayanalumSpencer BledsoeandSurvivor 44finalistCarolyn Wigerare thelatest names to be dropped from season 50,and they’re not happy about it.
Both former contestants publicly aired their frustrations after being told they would not be one of the 18 castaways chosen, claiming they were toldthey already had a reserved spot.Leaving Bledsoe and Wiger off season 50 might be a decision that Probst andSurvivorcome to regret, given the rare connection they formed with the audience overtime, and the anticipation that would’ve built around seeing if either contestant could finally emerge victorious.
Bledsoe Deserved One Last Chance
Bledsoe competed on bothSurvivor: CagayanandSurvivor: Cambodia — Second Chance,wherehe impressively lasted over 35 days on the show during both occasions. Fans had already fallen in love with Bledsoe during his initial stint in the competition, as he was the blueprint for the ultimate youth strategist, and paved the way for younger players to have the courage to showcase their smarts and confidence.At just 21-years-old,Bledsoe finished fourth during his time onCagayan,being eliminated before the final Tribal Council, which made the result of his time onCambodiaeven more heartbreaking. Due to his popularity during season 28,Survivorquickly brought Bledsoe back for theirSecond Chanceedition of the series, where the fan favorite would finish as the runner-up.Survivor 50could’ve been Bledsoe’s final chance to bring home the million-dollar prize in addition to finally satisfying fans who just wanted to see the 32-year-old reign victorious.
This Key Element Needs to be Voted Back in by Fans for ‘Survivor 50’
Give the fans what they really want!
Following his rejection, Bledsoespoke out about being excluded fromSurvivor 50,claiming he was led to believe that he would return for a third time and explained that he was supposedly a “lock” for the show since last August. After learning about hisSurvivor 50status,Bledsoe called out Probst, saying, “We have lives,“and revealed that he is in the process of creating his own reality series titledHealing from Survivor,which will focus on contestants' journeys after playing on the competition show. Despite his recent animosity withSurvivor,Bledsoe would’ve been an engaging storyline heading into season 50 due to coming up short twice, but unfortunately, it seems like fans may never witness one of their favorite contestants play the game again.
‘Survivor’ Needed to Capitalize on Wiger’s Popularity
Wiger is arguably themost popular contestant from the “New Era” ofSurvivor,having been one of the most unique, comical and relatable players in the last five years. The 38-year-old didn’t shy away from highlighting herself as a misfit and somebody who struggles to fit in, but embraced it and grew a loyal following throughout her time on season 44. However, this past January, Wiger brought the same energy toThe TraitorsSeason 3,whereshe had a similar experience of being outcast and underestimated,but used it to her advantage. The drug councilor finished runner-up onSurvivor 44,but also demonstrated longevity as her time as a Traitor in Scotland, proving to be a strategic player who could outlast her competitors on both reality shows.
Similarly to Bledsoe, Wiger had the opportunity to prove doubters wrong with the potential to be onSurvivor 50,but unfortunately will not have the opportunity to be crowned champion anytime soon. After learning she wouldn’t compete on the milestone season, Wigerwas said to be “furious” about the decisionand took to social media to inform her fans about the news, asking if anyone had a contact forSurvivor AustraliaorDeal or No Deal Island.Survivornot electing to feature Wiger onSurvivor 50is a choice that may come back to haunt them, as she not only remains a more familiar face to newer fans, but would have the ability to draw-in crossover viewers who fell in love with her onThe Traitors.It’s important to includeSurvivoricons on season 50, likeBoston Rob MarianoorSandra Diaz-Twine,but featuringmore recent fan-favorites would appeal to the newer audience,and that’s what Wiger brings to the table.
It remains to be seen which 18 castaways are chosen forSurvivor 50,but Probst and his team atCBSwill likely need to finalize their decision soon with filming set to begin this summer. In addition, with many fans already voicing their concerns about Bledsoe and Wiger not being part of season 50,Survivorwill need to ensure that the contestants they choose are worthy of another chance,instead of former winners or castaways who have played multiple times.For the first time ever,Survivoris putting the game in “The Hands of the Fans,“where the audience can vote on rules, challenges and tribe dynamics for season 50. Unfortunately, voting for cast members isn’t an available option, or else both Bledsoe and Wiger might’ve had a chance of making their return.Survivoris available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.
