Prepare for a season of shattered alliances, jaw-dropping blindsides, and survival at its most primal. Survivor 48 returns to the unforgiving islands of Fiji, where 18 new castaways will battle for the title of Sole Survivor and the $1 million prize. This season introduces a brutal twist: “Double Tribal Council”, forcing two tribes to vote out players simultaneously at every elimination, amplifying paranoia and strategy. Host Jeff Probst teases, “Trust will be extinct by Day 3.” The cast includes a rodeo clown, a cybersecurity genius, a wildfire firefighter, and a former Olympic hopeful—all ready to outwit, outplay, and outlast in challenges that push physical endurance and psychological grit to the limit.
Amidst lush jungles and crashing waves, the game evolves with “The Vault”, a hidden island structure where players can risk their safety for game-changing advantages… or devastating curses. Probst warns, “This isn’t Survivor your parents watched. These players are ruthless.” From day-one betrayals to underdog triumphs.
Behind the Scenes: Meet the Cast of Survivor Season 48
Jeff Probst (Host)
Jeff Probst, born November 4, 1961, in Wichita, Kansas, is the iconic face of Survivor, having hosted the show since its 2000 debut. A four-time Emmy winner, Probst’s trademark blend of empathy and interrogation has made tribal council must-see TV. Beyond Survivor, he’s directed films like Kiss Me (2014) and champions youth storytelling through his nonprofit, The Generation Good Project.
Probst’s role as showrunner since Season 41 has deepened his influence, with fans debating his “game-changing” twists. For Season 48, he vows to “break players mentally” with challenges inspired by global survival myths. His mantra? “The game is alive—and it’s hungry.”
‘Survivor’ Season 48: Meet the 18 Castaways
Stephanie Berger (28) – Rodeo Clown | Cheyenne, Wyoming
A fearless entertainer who dodges bulls for a living, Stephanie thrives under pressure. She’s a master of reading crowds—and opponents. “I’ll be the tribe’s court jester… until I stab ’em in the back,” she grins.
Her strategy? Use humor to lower guards, then strike. Off-screen, she advocates for animal welfare and runs a rodeo school for at-risk teens.
Shauhin Davari (33) – Cybersecurity Analyst | San Jose, California
A logic-driven strategist, Shauhin decrypts firewalls by day and plans to decrypt alliances by night. “I see Survivor as a human firewall—find the weak points, exploit them,” he says.
A chess champion and former debate team captain, he’ll prioritize puzzles over physicality. His weakness? “I overthink everything.”
Eva Erickson (25) – Wilderness Guide | Anchorage, Alaska
Raised in Alaska’s backcountry, Eva can build a shelter in 10 minutes and identify edible plants blindfolded. “Nature doesn’t care about your resume. Neither do I,” she states.
A silent assassin, she’ll avoid the spotlight early but dominate post-merge. Her pet peeve? “Whiners.”
Kyle Fraser (31) – Wildfire Firefighter | Boulder, Colorado
Kyle’s job battling infernos prepared him for high-stakes decisions. “In fire and Survivor, hesitation kills,” he says. A team player with a hidden ruthless streak.
He’s donating part of any winnings to wildfire relief efforts. Challenge prediction: He’ll crush anything involving endurance.
Mitch Guerra (45) – Ex-Marine Drill Instructor | San Diego, California
Mitch’s mantra: “Pain is weakness leaving the body.” A no-nonsense leader, he’ll clash with lazy tribemates but could become a loyal ally.
His Achilles’ heel? “I hate liars. And this game is built on lies.”
Saiounia “Sai” Hughley (22) – College Soccer Star | Atlanta, Georgia
A Division I athlete with a cutthroat streak, Sai plans to leverage her charm and athleticism. “I’ll flirt, fight, or fake-cry to win,” she admits.
Her secret weapon? A 4.0 GPA in psychology. “I’ll psychoanalyze everyone at camp.”
Joe Hunter (50) – Lobster Fisherman | Portland, Maine
A salty, straight-talking New Englander, Joe’s survival skills are unmatched. “I’ve survived nor’easters and divorces. Bring it on,” he laughs.
His downfall? Zero patience for “millennial snowflakes.” Expect fireworks at camp.
Kamilla Karthigesu (29) – Immigration Lawyer | Toronto, Canada
Kamilla, a Sri Lankan-Canadian, negotiates asylum cases by day and plans to negotiate her way to the million. “I’ll weaponize my empathy,” she says.
A social chameleon, she’ll play the “mom friend” role… until the merge.
David Kinne (37) – Broadway Stage Manager | New York, NY
David’s used to directing divas—perfect prep for managing egos on the island. “I’ll orchestrate blindsides like a Tony-winning drama,” he smirks.
His kryptonite? Lack of coffee. “I’m a monster before my morning brew.”
Thomas Krottinger (26) – TikTok Survivalist | Austin, Texas
With 2M followers, Thomas’s viral bushcraft videos made him a fan fave pre-season. “Real survival isn’t likes—it’s staying alive,” he says.
His target? Big threats like Kyle. “I’ll be the underdog… until I’m not.”
Kevin Leung (34) – Michelin-Star Chef | Chicago, Illinois
Kevin’s knife skills extend beyond the kitchen. “I’ll cook, flirt, and slit throats—metaphorically,” he jokes. Expect him to control the food supply.
His flaw? “I can’t resist a strategic gamble.”
Cedrek McFadden (42) – Baptist Preacher | Birmingham, Alabama
Cedrek’s pulpit charisma translates to camp leadership. “I’ll preach unity… while plotting your demise,” he winces.
A moral dilemma looms: Will he lie for the win? “God forgives. Jeff Probst doesn’t.”
Charity Nelms (23) – Miss Nevada USA 2024 | Las Vegas, Nevada
Don’t let the tiara fool you—Charity’s a cutthroat pageant queen. “I’ve smiled through sabotaged gowns. I’ll smile through your blindside,” she says.
Her strategy: Flirt, form a girls’ alliance, then flip.
Justin Pioppi (30) – Divorce Attorney | Miami, Florida
Justin’s job is tearing families apart—ideal for breaking up alliances. “I’ll gaslight, gatekeep, and girlboss my way to the end,” he jokes.
Vulnerability: “I can’t swim. Don’t tell my tribe.”
Bianca Roses (27) – NASA Engineer | Houston, Texas
Bianca calculates rocket trajectories by day and plans to calculate vote splits by night. “I’ll treat this like a physics problem,” she says.
Her threat level? High. Can she hide her IQ? Unlikely.
Chrissy Sarnowsky (38) – Single Mom/MMA Coach | Phoenix, Arizona
Chrissy’s a scrappy fighter who trains UFC prospects. “I’ll mother the tribe… then armbar them into submission,” she laughs.
Her motivation? “I’m winning that cash for my kids. Try to stop me.”
Star Toomey (19) – College Student/Influencer | Los Angeles, California
The season’s youngest castaway, Star’s Gen-Z savvy could outflip veterans. “I’ve built brands online. Now I’ll brand myself as a winner,” she says.
Prediction: Either first boot or shocking finalist.
Mary Zheng (36) – Venture Capitalist | Seattle, Washington
Mary invests in startups and plans to invest in alliances with high ROI. “I’ll be the silent CEO pulling strings,” she says.
Her red flag? Zero outdoor experience. “I’ll just buy a raincoat.”
Why Watch?
With this mix of brains, brawn, and chaos, Survivor 48 could be the most unpredictable season yet. Tune on February 26, 2025, on CBS—and remember: Fire represents life.
