The “Survivor 50” cast was announced Wednesday – and one legend was noticeably absent.
The 50th installment of the reality series, titled “In the Hands of the Fans” will feature 24 returning players from past seasons of the franchise. However, Rob Mariano (“Boston Rob”) is not one of them.
The five-time player and one-time winner took to Instagram to explain why he said no to another go-around on the beaches of Fiji.
“Wow!!! I got all of your DM‘s and messages so so many thank you all!! But literally don’t be mad,” he wrote. “‘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!”
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Rob, who met his wife, Amber Mariano, on the “All-Stars” edition of the series, is still grateful for the impact “Survivor” has had on his life.
“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!!!”
Though his “Survivor” career may be over – his reality television career definitely isn’t. Earlier this year, Mariano starred in the third season of Peacock’s “The Traitors” and in 2024 was on the first season of “Deal or No Deal Island.”
It’s also rumored he will be making an appearance on “Dancing With The Stars” this fall with Traitors co-star Dylan Efron, but no official announcement has been made.
The omission of Mariano from the “Survivor 50” cast, and fans’ subsequent response, is just one example of the mixed reaction to the cast announcement. While the return of “The White Lotus” creator Mike White and fan favorites like Cirie Fields and Emily Flippen had fans buzzing, others were disappointed that “50” predominantly features castaways from the past nine seasons.
“Survivor 50” will premiere on CBS in Spring 2026. The anniversary season promises to “push the series into uncharted territory and impact the players like never before.”
For the first time, 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.
