The long-awaited premiere of “Survivor,” season 50 began with a request from the host Jeff Probst to the 24 returning castaways: to give it their all and more.
In the opening episode, at least, that request was not issue. The episode included a medical evacuation, the discovery of an immunity idol, skillful fire-making and numerous plot twists.
After the show’s first immunity challenge, the Cila tribe was sent to tribal council where season one and season eight player, returning player Jenna Lewis-Dougherty, who appeared on the first season of the long-running series, was sent home.
In addition to Lewis-Dougherty, season 48 winner Kyle Fraser was medically evacuated at the end of the episode after hurting his ankle during the immunity challenge. The show’s medic determined the injury to be a possible ruptured achilles tendon, so he had to part ways with the Vatu tribe.
The three-hour premiere aired on CBS on Wednesday night, Feb. 25. The mix of old and new era players was welcomed to Fiji to compete for the $1 million prize. This time “Survivor” fans are deciding key aspects of the show rather than the production team.
“I want to be diabolical and laugh while I’m doing it,” season 35 player Chrissy Hofbeck said.
Season four player Genevieve Mushaluk, of the Vatu tribe, found “the Billie Eilish boomerang Idol,” an idol from singer-songwriter Billie Eilish. The idol stated Mushaluk had to send it to a player on a different tribe, however, if that player gets voted off with it in their possession, it will be returned. Mushaluk decided to send the idol to Ozzy Lusth on the Cila tribe, who has competed on four previous seasons.
Season 49 winner Savannah Louie also received a fan-driven advantage, “secret block-a-vote,” after winning in a side challenge against Colby Donaldson, who appeared on three previous seasons.
Here’s more on the “Survivor” season 50 premiere and how to watch next week.
Who was the first player to be voted off ‘Survivor’ last night?
After the Cila tribe lost the immunity challenge, Jenna Lewis-Dougherty did not hesitate to put Cirie Fields’ name on the chopping block because she is a large social threat, and lost the challenge for the tribe. Lusth was quick to defend Fields and suggested voting out Lewis-Dougherty instead.
In the end, five votes were cast for Lewis-Dougherty and one for Fields making Lewis-Dougherty the first person voted off season 50.
Was a hidden immunity idol found on ‘Survivor’ last night?
Yes. Mushaluk found “the Billie Eilish boomerang Idol,” an idol from singer-songwriter Billie Eilish. Per the idol’s rules, Mushaluk sent the idol to Lusth on the Cila tribe.
Lusth later found the idol in his bag. The gifted idol was Lusth’s second advantage obtained. Earlier, he swapped camp supplies on Exile Island for an extra vote after losing a side challenge against Q Burdette and Benjamin “Coach” Wade.
‘Survivor’ season 50 premiere: Other notable events
Here are some other moments of note during episode one of “Survivor,” season 50:
When is the next episode of ‘Survivor’?
Fans may tune in for episode two of “Survivor” season 50 at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4.
What channel is ‘Survivor’ on?
“Survivor” may be watched on broadcast TV each week on any CBS station. Fans may also watch “Survivor,” live on Paramount+ Premium plan starting at $8.99 per month. Other Paramount+ plans will make the episode available the next day, so on Thursday’s each week.
Hulu + Live TV and Fubo TV also stream “Survivor,” starting at $73.99 per month for Fubo, and $89.99 per month for Hulu, after the free trials.
Watch on Fubo
What are the tribes for ‘Survivor’ 50?
There are 24 castaways in season 50, who all have made previous appearances multiple times, dating back to season one. Here’s how the tribes have been divided for “Survivor” season 50:
Who are the returning players on Cila tribe (orange buffs)
Who are the returning players on Kalo tribe (teal buffs)
Who are the returning players on Vatu tribe (magenta buffs)
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Who got voted off ‘Survivor’ last night? Who’s left, what happened
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
