Jeff Probst says the only thing "Survivor" fans can expect from Season 51 is "permanent uncertainty."
The Wednesday, Sept. 23, premiere kicks off what the longtime host has coined as "the open era" following the milestone 50th season, which concluded in May.
With the end of "the New Era," Probst has hyped up the "Open Era," where he said "every twist, every idol, every advantage in the series’ history may come into play in any order and without warning."
After hosting 24 returning castaways last season, the CBS reality-competition series has welcomed 21 new players to compete in the ultimate game of social strategy and physical competition. Over 26 days, they will battle the elements, form alliances, find advantages and vote each other out until
one is named the sole survivor and wins the $1 million prize.
Here's what to know about the Season 51 premiere.
This story will be updated as the episode airs.
'Survivor' Season 51 cast
07:49 PM ET, September 23 2026, Anthony RobledoThe 21 first-time players competing in "Survivor 51" include:
- Aaliyah Puglia, 24: Chef from Gloucester City, N.J.
- Alexis Levine, 34: Criminal defense attorney from Atlanta, Ga.
- An “Thien An” Nguyen, 24: Medical student from Fort Worth, Texas
- Ana Sani, 34: Voice actress from Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
- Angelica “Jelly” Loblack, 29: Sociology professor from Garland, Texas, and Midwest City, Okla.
- Brady Booker, 27: Pro wrestler from La Salle, Ill.
- Carter Krull, 24: Livestock farmer from Rock Rapids, Iowa
- Cristian Chavez, 26: Head of HR from Salt Lake City, Utah
- Danny “Kilby” Kilby, 30: Game designer from Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada
- Devin Way, 33: Actor from Lufkin, Texas
- Eric Macksoud, 34: Mental health counselor from Lincoln, R.I.
- Jenna Doore, 30: Wedding photographer from Perrysburg, Ohio
- Kristin Flickinger, 49: Crisis management from Ketchum, Idaho
- Lewis Kelly, 28: Farmer from Dublin, Ireland
- Linnea Capobianco, 25: Entrepreneur from Kearny, N.J.
- Maggie Nestor, 40: Farmer from Middleway, W.Va.
- Mike Pinsky, 32: Baseball executive from New York City, N.Y.
- Ori Jean-Charles, 27: Personal trainer from Spring Valley, N.Y.
- Patt Cannaday, 33: Federal prosecutor from Tampa, Florida
- Rob Antonson, 40: Airline gate agent from Johnston, R.I.
- Sharonda Cox, 34: Resident OBGYN from Pompano Beach, Fla.
What time is 'Survivor' on tonight?
07:49 PM ET, September 23 2026, Anthony Robledo"Survivor" Season 51 is commences with a special two-hour episode on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and will stream live on Paramount+ for Premium plan subscribers.
For Paramount+ Essential subscribers, the episode will be available to stream the next day.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Survivor 51' premiere live updates - See what's new in the 'Open Era'
