Survivor, the iconic CBS reality competition, has enthralled audiences for decades. As it gears up for its 49th season, the show is actively seeking new contestants to participate in its thrilling social and physical challenges. Aspiring players can seize the opportunity to apply by submitting their auditions through the official CBS casting website.
A comprehensive overview of the application process was detailed in a February 2025 article from Backstage, featuring insights from casting director Jesse Tannenbaum and his team. They elaborated on what casting producers seek and offered valuable advice for those aiming to join the ranks of Survivor contestants.
This article also uncovered fascinating details about the filming locations, upcoming production schedules, and narratives from past participants regarding their audition experiences. Among those insights was an important perspective shared by showrunner and host Jeff Probst, who emphasized the value of authenticity during the casting process.
“You don’t have to be anything other than who you are. It sounds so simple, but it’s the absolute truth,” Jeff shared.
The audition procedure requires more than just a video submission. Candidates must demonstrate their understanding of the game, showcase their unique personalities, and prepare for rigorous screening rounds.
The Application Journey for Survivor Contestants
The casting team is now prioritizing fans who possess a deep understanding of Survivor. As outlined by casting producer Jodi Wincheski in a YouTube clip from August 2021, many applicants tend to submit brief TikTok videos, which often fall short of the mark.
“We want to get to know who you are. We want to hear about your life. We want to see your facial expressions when you tell a story,” he shared.
This approach diverges from previous seasons where contestants were often spotted and approached directly. Now, participation is strictly via online applications or open casting calls. Selected individuals then undergo an internal pitching process led by casting producers.
During pitching meetings, the casting team discusses their chosen candidates, ensuring consensus on who progresses. Ultimately, Jesse Tannenbaum makes the final decision on applicants, who will then have interviews via Zoom with Jeff Probst and executive producer Matt Van Wagenen.
The application volume is substantial. According to People magazine, during the 2022 casting cycle, over 16,000 audition tapes were submitted. Out of those, only 24 progressed to the final in-person stages, with just 18 ultimately chosen to compete on the show. Tannenbaum described this process as intricate and emotionally engaging, as casting directors often form attachments to applicants, even those who do not make the final cut.
“It’s hard because we get invested in their stories,” he said.
Brandon Donlon, a contestant from Survivor season 45, shared with Entertainment Weekly in September 2023 that he had applied every year since he became eligible. He finally gained the casting team’s notice after attending an open call for Big Brother, which prepared him for the Survivor audition process.
Key Details on Filming Locations, Schedules, and Audition Insights
Since its 33rd season, Survivor has been filmed in the picturesque Mamanuca Islands of Fiji. Probst has praised Fiji’s support and logistical advantages, affirming that the location perfectly meets the show’s diverse needs. In an exclusive Entertainment Weekly interview in November 2022, he emphasized the importance of authenticity in candidates.
“Putting on a front doesn’t work anyway, as our process is designed to sniff out anyone who isn’t being authentic,”he said.
For the upcoming 49th season, filming is slated to occur between mid-April and mid-May 2025, affording applicants a limited timeframe to complete applications and navigate the audition process. Former Survivor contestant Malcolm Freberg advised in a June 2021 Business Insider interview:
“It’s not about what you’re saying at all. It’s about how you’re saying it,” he explained.
Furthermore, Probst cautioned against mimicking past contestants; essential traits include captivating storytelling, camera comfort, and a thorough grasp of the game dynamics—elements that casting panels prioritize in their search for future Survivor stars.
View episodes of Survivor 48, which are currently available for streaming on CBS.