Almost 26 years ago, a new reality TV show titled “Survivor” debuted. Contestants were placed on a remote tropical island, split into two “tribes,” and competed in challenges, all while trying to survive on their own and having to vote someone off the island after each challenge. 

This year, “Survivor” reached its 50th season, which has been titled “In the Hands of the Fans.” Jeff Probst, the host of “Survivor,” celebrated by inviting 24 players from previous seasons to return and compete for a prize of $1 million and the title of “Sole Survivor.” 

The season also includes new twists, such as inviting celebrities like musician Zac Brown and YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson, also known as Mr. Beast, onto the island. Fans were also able to vote on aspects of the game before the season began filming. 

This season has gained more viewership than those that aired over the past four years, with many old fans returning to watch the monumental season. But fans had differentiated opinions when Probst first announced the cast of the 50th season last year. 

The lineup includes returnees such as Cirie Fields and Ozzy Lusth, who are considered to be among the most iconic castaways. The lineup also features many “new era” players, referring to players from seasons 41 to 49. 

Many fans relied on social media to complain about the inclusion of so many new era players, who make up half of the cast. Among those fans was social media influencer “Zachary Reality” on Instagram, who commented on the video posted of the cast announcement. 

“I guess I just wanna know the strategy in casting SO many people from the 40s when the fans made it SO clear we didn’t want that,” Zachary said on Instagram. His comment gained 2,000 likes. 

Amanda Graziani, a freshman studying criminal justice at the university, has seen every season of “Survivor” and is currently watching season 50. 

“There’s too many people from new school,” Graziani said. “Some of those people I don’t even know, and I’ve been watching forever.” 

Despite her complaints concerning the cast, Graziani felt differently about the released episodes so far. 

“I think they’re actually pretty entertaining. I’ve actually enjoyed them so far. The old school people are there, which is why I like it more,” Graziani said.

The excitement for the 50th season of “Survivor” has been building for years. Fans’ criticism comes from their love for the show, and they want what Probst called a season of “celebration” to truly feel like it by celebrating the fans, as was promised.

They want to see that “Survivor” producers listened to the show’s viewers by creating a season with an entertaining cast, drama and a feeling reminiscent of old school “Survivor.”