'Survivor: Redemption Island' will feature two former castaways

You'll totally never guess who they are. OK. You probably will.

By Daniel Fienberg Monday, Jan 10, 2011 11:38 AM

The cast of Survivor: Redemption Island

Credit: CBS

On Monday (Jan. 10), CBS announced 16 of the 18 contestants who will be appearing on "Survivor: Redemption Island." In addition, CBS revealed that the final two contestants will be former castaways.

This presumably serves as a tacit confirmation that the big twist for "Survivor: Redemption Island" is exactly what fans thought it was and that CBS' decision to treat the twist as a surprise is just drawing out non-existent suspense.

We, however, will not spoil the identity of those two returning castaways, if you haven't heard already, though CBS promises that the announcement will be confirmed later this week (probably at the network's presentation to the Television Critics Association press tour).

"Survivor: Redemption Island" will premiere on Wednesday, February 16 and will introduce the Redemption Island twist used on other international "Survivor" formats. Of that twist, CBS explains "Each week at Tribal Council when a castaway is voted off, they will be sent to an isolated island called "Redemption Island," where they will live alone in exile. To stay on Redemption Island, they will need to compete in a duel against the next person eliminated at Tribal Council and sent to the Island. The winner of each duel earns the right to continue fighting for an opportunity to return to the game and the chance to compete for the title of Sole Survivor; the loser is sent home."

After dividing tribes by Old and Young last season, this season will return to standard tribal divisions as the 18 castaways are broken down as Ometepe and Zapatera tribes.

This isn't the first time "Survivor" has mingled established players with neophytes. Stephenie LaGrossa and Bobby Jon Drinkard were brought back from "Survivor: Palau" to play on "Survivor: Guatemala," while teams of fans were matched against series favorites for "Survivor: Micronesia."

We'll be posting a full photo gallery of the new "Survivor" stars in a bit.

Want More...

Survivor?

Check out everything there is including photos, reviews, videos.

Go There ►

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.

Related Searches: Survivor, Survivor: Redemption Island, Redemption Island

Next Article - Justin Bieber song, Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' to be performed on 'Glee'
Previous Article - Reports: Networks all reject David E. Kelley's 'Wonder Woman'

Elevation

Imagine if it was a swerve and the returning contestants were Kelly Purple and Dan from the last season.

January 10, 2011 at 7:22PM EST Reply to Comment
Mulderism

I hope it's not Russell, Rob or some other survivor back for the third time. I'd like to see someone totally unexpected that will play hard.

Actually, wouldn't it be cool if we the fans could vote for our own all-star fantasy tribes? The logistics would be difficult but if it could be pulled off that would be great.

Kind of ironic that this installment is called "Redemption Island". Let's hope the producers redeem themselves from last seasons low point.

I'll be here on Feb 16 ready to discuss.
January 10, 2011 at 11:14PM EST Reply to Comment
- osiskars sorry guy your nightmare just happened.. But I am really happy :D
  January 14, 2011 at 1:09PM EST

News From Our Partners

Follow HitFix:

Follow @HitFix

Get Instant Alerts on Breaking News

HitFix.com

Event Calendar

Movies

TV

Music

Videos

Photos

Awards

Riot

In Theaters

New to DVD

On Demand

New Music

'Survivor: Redemption Island' will feature two former castaways