After the finale of “Survivor 48” in May, there’s plenty more seasons of the Emmy Award-winning reality survival competition series in the pipeline, with the premieres of “Survivor 49” and “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans” slated to debut on CBS in September 2025 and February 2026 respectively.
Though the upcoming anniversary season already promises to be one of the franchise’s most legendary, with the likes of four-time players Cirie Fields and Ozzy Lusth returning for their record fifth appearances on “Survivor,” tying the record currently held by Rob “Boston Rob” Mariano, it is far from the end of the longrunning CBS staple.
’Survivor 51’ Casting Process Begins July 28
In June, longtime host and “Survivor” executive producer Jeff Probst confirmed that the show would be returning to Fiji to film Seasons 51 and 52. Now, Emmy-winning casting director Jesse Tannenbaum has revealed that CBS will begin casting the upcoming seasons from Monday, July 28.
CBSTannenbaum, who works as a casting director not only for “Survivor,” but also for “The Amazing Race” and “Big Brother,” first shared the announcement on his Instagram Story on July 22.
From next week, fans who think they’ve got what it takes to outwit a group of complete strangers, outplay in a series of increasingly difficult physical and mental challenges, and outlast the harsh realities of being marooned on a remote island, are welcomed to submit their applications to join the cast of “Survivor 51” and “Survivor 52.”
“We are actively casting so please apply today if you want a chance to be on Season 51,” wrote CBS Casting in a separate post, calling on “Super Fans, First Timers (and everyone in between) to send in their audition tapes as soon as possible.
Whether you’ve been waiting years to get on the show, or if you’ve only just become ready for your very own “Survivor” journey, now’s your chance to make it a reality! Still on the fence? Here’s everything you need to know about “Survivor 51’s” casting, filming and release.
How Can I Apply to Join the Cast of ‘Survivor 51’?
Prospective “Survivor” players can apply for their chance to become a castaway on Season 51 as soon as Monday, July 28. From then, applicants will not only have to complete an extensive online application form, but also submit an audition tape.
Application videos should be no longer than three minutes in length, and should feature eligible contestants introducing themselves, their lives, and their desire to play “Survivor.” While there’s no one way to make a convincing audition tape, former players have offered applicants plenty of advice on how to catch the eye of casting directors like Tannenbaum.
Think you’ve got what it takes to outwit, outplay and outlast to earn the title of “Sole Survivor” and a $1 million grand prize? Interested parties can find out more about applying to join the cast of Season 51 here.
When Does ‘Survivor 51’ Begin Filming?
According to CBS, “Survivor 51’ is currently slated to begin filming in mid-April 2026. Jeff Probst similarly confirmed that the season would once again be returning to Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, where the show has filmed exclusively since Season 33.
“Survivor” casting similarly shared that filming is set to wrap in mid-May 2026, around the same time that “Survivor 50” In the Hands of the Fans” will crown its winner. All in all, the time commitment for players joining the cast of Season 51 will be 46 days, including travel to and from Fiji, a week-long pregame stay at Ponderosa, and the new-era standard 26-day competition itself.
When Will ‘Survivor 51’ Air on CBS?
With the upcoming season only in the early stages of production, a set premiere date for “Survivor 51” is likely a long way off. Assuming that the show follows the premiere schedules of other odd-numbered seasons, the series will likely return to CBS screens in September 2026 and air its finale just before Christmas.
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CBS Begins the Search for New ‘Survivor’ Castaways – Are You Ready to Outwit, Outplay and Outlast?