Survivors ready!? The new season of one of the longest-running American reality TV programs returns on March 1 on CBS with a two-hour premiere. Since its debut in 2000,Survivorhas provided endless entertainment for its audience with shocking twists and brutal challenges as the contestants outwit, outplay, and outlast each other. It’s an amazing feat in itself that the show will be releasing its 44th season, with hopefully more surprises and seasons to come.
Like last season, Season 44 takes place on the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji and will cover a shortened 26 days of gameplay. This season will also begin with three different tribes called Tika, Ratu, and Soka. Their main representative colors are purple, orange, and green, respectively. Similar to the previous three seasons, the show has foregone a titular theme such as Heroes vs. Villains. Instead, they’ve adopted new gameplay elements that pose the concept of risk vs. reward that the contestants must consider. One such new element includes the introduction of “idol cages” where immunity idols are kept in bird cages located in each tribe camp. However, they can only be unlocked by solving clues to find the keys and require stealth to open them when the cages are out in the open for everyone to see.
This new season’s cast includes a very diverse mix of contestants from different backgrounds. With 18 new castaways who will battle it out for the $1 million prize and title of Sole Survivor, here’s a helpful guide to know the new contestants ofSurvivorSeason 44.
Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for Season 44 of Survivor, episodes 1-6.
Related:How ‘Survivor’ Has Outwitted, Outplayed and Outlasted Reality TV
Bruce Perreault - Tika (Purple) Tribe
The 46-year-old is from Warwick, Rhode Island, where he works as a realtor and insurance agent. Having been in the adoption system when he was younger,Bruce Perraultclaims that his upbringing taught him to be a “chameleon” that adapts to the environment, which is a key quality to have in the game ofSurvivor.
Sadly, Bruce had to be medically evacuated due to a head injury. The medical team was able to stabilize him after he fell unconscious, but after constant headaches, he was sent home.
Carolyn Wiger - Tika (Purple) Tribe
She’s 35 years old and lives in Hugo, Minnesota.Carolyn Wigerworks as a drug counselor after previously overcoming her own addiction. She states that previous experiences have prepared her for the harsh and scarce conditions that come with being stranded on the islands inSurvivor.
Carson Garrett - Tika (Purple) Tribe
He’s 20 years old and hails from Atlanta, Georgia.Carson Garrettis currently an engineering student at NASA. His gameplay can be built on his intelligence and the unassuming persona as a nerdy, “nice guy” that can lead to being an under-the-radar strategic player. Lucky for Carson, his game plan has been paying off. He has been extremely successful throughout this season by knowing when to take advantage when opportunities come. He’s definitely a person to keep an eye on this season.
Helen Li - Tika (Purple) Tribe
Helen Liis a 29-year-old living in San Francisco, California. She works as a product manager which enables her skills of persuasion and negotiation which are vital inSurvivor’s social game. Li’s small stature also paints her as someone who could be severely underestimated and play a lowkey game. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be for Helen. After a heartbreaking loss in episode 2, Tika was sent to their first tribal, where it seemed like Carolyn was going to get the boot, but in a shocking twist, Helen was voted out 3-2.
Sarah Wade - Tika (Purple) Tribe
The 27-year-old currently lives in Chicago, Illinois.Sarah Wadeis a management consultant, a job that involves a lot of relationship-building and interacting with different people in the corporate world. The same skills can easily apply to the social game ofSurvivor. With that said, Sarah was eliminated in episode 4. The Tika tribe got a new member in Josh, and it seemed like he was going to get the boot, but he was saved by his title, meaning Sarah had to go.
Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho - Tika (Purple) Tribe
He is 36 years old and lives in San Juan, Puerto Rico.Yamil Arochoruns his own beauty salon where his social skills can definitely help in the game with making allies and relationships.
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Brandon Cottom - Ratu (Orange) Tribe
He’s 30 years old and lives in Newton, Pennsylvania.Brandon Cottomworks as an account manager for a security firm but was previously an NFL fullback for the Seattle Seahawks during 2015-2018. This definitely sets him up as a physical asset in challenges and even as a solid team player for his tribe.
Jaime Lynn Ruiz - Ratu (Orange) Tribe
Jaime Lynn Ruizis 35 years old and comes from Mesa, Arizona. She works as a marketing consultant, gardening and food reviewing TikTok star, and a yogi. Being able to excel in meditation and yoga will definitely help her in the mental game and endurance of certain challenges.
Kane Fritzler - Ratu (Orange) Tribe
Kane Fritzleris a 25-year-old law student who lives in Saskatoon, Canada. Thanks to his background in law, he possesses the skills of negotiation and observation which can benefit him when forming alliances.
Lauren Harpe - Ratu (Orange) Tribe
Lauren Harpeis 31 years old and lives in Mont Belvieu, Texas, where she works as an elementary school teacher. She’s also a single parent, which she says has prepared her for facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges that may be inSurvivorand can be answered with strong resilience.
