CBS confirms Boston Rob and Russell return for 'Survivor: Redemption Island'

How will the two loved and hated Villains impact strategy?

By Daniel Fienberg Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 11:31 AM

Rob Mariano or "Boston Rob"

Credit: CBS

On Thursday (Jan. 13) morning, CBS confirmed the worst-kept secret in all of reality television: "Boston" Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz are the two former castaways who will appear on "Survivor: Redemption Island."

Don't believe the poorness of the secret-keeping? Check out my interview with "Survivor" host Jeff Probst from last summer.

In any case, what we already knew to be true is true: The upcoming 22nd season of "Survivor" will feature the fourth appearance by Boston Rob and the third appearance (all in four seasons) for Russell.

Boston Rob's most successful "Survivor" experience was a second-place finish on "Survivor: All-Stars," which at least connected him to future wife Amber Brkich. He was eliminated far earlier on "Survivor: Marquesas" and "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains." Rob & Amber later did two seasons of duty on "Amazing Race," filmed their marriage for a two-hour CBS special and starred in the poker-based "Against the Odds" for Fox Reality Channel. Boston Rob also served as the Player Operator on UPN's short-lived "The Player."

Russell, meanwhile, made it to the Finals on both "Survivor: Samoa" and "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains," but after losing jury votes on each show, he cursed the game strategy for favoring the making of friends over manipulation and overall control.

Both men butted heads on "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains" when they were categorized as Villains.

"Survivor: Redemption Island" will premiere on Wednesday, February 16.

Check out the other 16 contestants who will probably try to get rid of Boston Rob and Russell as quickly as possible.

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Daniel Fienberg
Executive Editor

A long-time member of the TCA Board and a longer-time blogger of "American Idol," Dan Fienberg writes about TV, except for when he writes about movies or sometimes writes about the Red Sox. But never music. He would sound stupid talking about music.

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Adam B.

You left out TONTINE. Oh, wait.
January 13, 2011 at 12:48PM EST Reply to Comment
- dan For exactly that reason! I just like to make sure I remember "Player's Club." Most people leave that one out...
  
  -Daniel
  January 13, 2011 at 12:56PM EST
April

Go Boston Rob!
January 13, 2011 at 4:12PM EST Reply to Comment
Mulderism

Oh for #$% sake...

Did they really need to bring those guys back? Jesus, if you want to bring back former players why not get ones that have only done it once. Is Rob going to try really hard? Russell? They're probably sick of the game by now. They were on it a year ago for $%#$% sake.

Bad move Mark Burnett. Do you really so desperate for ratings?
January 13, 2011 at 11:34PM EST Reply to Comment
Elevation

Team Russell!
January 14, 2011 at 1:52AM EST Reply to Comment

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CBS confirms Boston Rob and Russell return for 'Survivor: Redemption Island'