Our super early ‘Survivor 50’ predictions: Mike White is ‘going home first,’ and Kamilla Karthigesu …

Survivor 50 Cast Reveal: Reality Derby’s Expert Predictions on the 50th Season

Welcome to Reality Derby, Gold Derby’s weekly deep dive into reality TV, hosted by senior editors Marcus James Dixon and Denton Davidson. In this episode, they discuss the highly anticipated cast reveal for Survivor 50, which features 24 contestants split evenly between 12 “old school” veterans and 12 “new school” players.

Both Dixon and Davidson agree that fan favorite Mike White is likely to be the first voted out. Davidson predicts, “He’s going home first. No one’s going to give him a million dollars!” White, a three-time Emmy winner for HBO’s The White Lotus, has a history of strong gameplay, having finished second in Survivor Season 37. Dixon adds, “Maybe everyone’s jealous of him.”

The hosts also share opinions on other returning players. Davidson is a fan of Aubry Bracco, but notes she is playing for the fourth time. Cirie Fields and Ozzy Lusth are back for their record fifth seasons, though Davidson feels Ozzy lacks his former spark and that Cirie’s momentum may have waned after recent reality show wins.

Original Season 1 contestant Jenna Lewis-Dougherty marks the 25th anniversary representation, much to Dixon’s delight. For early winner predictions, Davidson favors Aubry Bracco, while Dixon roots for underdog Kamilla Karthigesu, especially with her ally Kyle Fraser, Season 48 winner, in the mix.

The 50th season subtitle, In the Hands of the Fans, reflects viewer involvement in decisions like tribe buffs, game advantages, and finale format. The possibility of tribes divided by “old school” versus “new school” players is a popular theory, though Davidson notes this could create an unfair advantage for the newer contestants.

Survivor 49 premieres this fall on CBS, with Survivor 50 set to debut in spring 2026.