“Survivor” announced its cast this week for the show’s 50th season, but not every fan was too pleased with who got invited to come back. While the return of “The White Lotus” creator Mike White and fan favorites like Cirie Fields and Ozzy Lusth generated excitement, the omission of iconic players like Rob Mariano (aka Boston Rob), Parvati Shallow and more left many fans scratching their heads as they wondered why so many players from older seasons of “Survivor” were not included.
Boston Rob, whose reality show career has flourished in recent years with appearances on “The Traitors” and more, has now taken to Instagram to explain his absence from “Survivor 50.” It turns out the show did ask him to return, but he made the decision to opt out in order to give other players their chance to return to the “Survivor” spotlight.
“Wow!!! I got all of your DM‘s and messages so so many thank you all!! But literally don’t be mad,” Boston Rob wrote in a message to fans. “‘Survivor’ and Jeff Probst early on they called and asked… I just felt like I have played so many times and I am truly fulfilled with my ‘Survivor’ journey. I wanted my spot to go to someone else that deserved another chance!”
“I’ve gotten so much out of ‘Survivor,’” he added. “It will always be a part of who I am! I’m eternally grateful. Like I said ..It’s gonna be OK. I feel like something good is coming!!!”
Boston Rob is one of “Survivor’s” most prolific contestants and the only one to compete on five seasons of the show. He debuted in Season 4, “Survivor: Marquesas,” and placed 10th, before returning for the first time in Season 8’s “Survivor: All-Stars” and being the runner-up. He appeared on “Survivors: Heroes vs. Villains” (13th place) and won “Survivor: Redemption” before serving as a mentor on “Survivor: Island.” His last appearance on the show was Season 40, “Survivor: Winners at War.”
“Survivor 50” will feature 24 returning players and will premiere on CBS in Spring 2026. The milestone anniversary season promises to “push the series into uncharted territory and impact the players like never before.” For the first time, the game is also being planned by the fans. Earlier this year, fans were able to vote on key elements of the game, including on whether there will be idols, whether fire making will remain and whether the live finale and reunion show will return in Los Angeles. The “Survivor 50” contestants will compete for a $1 million cash prize.
See the full “Survivor 50” cast here.
variety.com
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