Latest news with #Davidvs.Goliath
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
The White Lotus creator Mike White is returning to to iconic reality TV show
'The White Lotus' creator Mike White is returning for 'Survivor 50' The 54-year-old writer and director - who competed on the reality show's 'David vs. Goliath' season in 2018 - will be back to help the CBS franchise mark its 50th anniversary alongside 23 other returning players. On Wednesday (28.05.25), host and executive producer Jeff Probst told 'CBS Mornings': "Mike, after he finished playing, said, 'I want to play again'. 'When 'White Lotus' hit, and I thought, 'Well, he'll never play again.' "But he kept texting and saying, 'Look, I'm serious. If you ever do anything where you have returning players, I want to play again.' So we're happy to have Mike.' Before 'Survivor' in 2018, Mike was best known for his work as a screenwriter on the likes of 'School of Rock', 'Nacho Libre' and 'Pitch Perfect 3'. Three years after he made it to the end of the intense reality show, he found success as the creator, writer and director of anthology thriller series 'The White Lotus'. He's cast a number of his fellow 'Survivor' alumni in the HBO series, which could endear him to the other contestants in the upcoming 50th season. In 2021, Mike - who also appeared on 'The Amazing Race' in 2009 - opened up about his love for reality TV, and insisted taking part in Survivor' in 2018 wasn't done as a joke. He told The New Yorker magazine: "'Survivor' is the only show I really devotedly watch, even though I get frustrated with it. 'Part of my job and my way of life is studying people and analyzing motivation and character. I still feel like, even on the most contrived reality show, the people are human and they're more interesting than some of the most well-scripted drama. "And for me, as a writer of drama, I aspire to do what reality television already does. To create characters that are surprising and dimensional and do weird shit and capture your attention.' However, at the time he didn't expect Jeff to want him back on board for another stint. he said: "Probst is like, 'Let's be real—you're never going to go on the show again'. I was like, 'Really? Why?' "We are friends. We've become more friends since I was on the show, and he's an impressive guy. I think the fact that we've become close is probably why he says that. "I don't know. I don't think they want the Hollywood Goliath who knows Probst to win a season. "Now that Probst knows I can get to the end, I don't think he wants there to be a chance of that happening again.'
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The White Lotus fans terrified season 4 will be delayed after major announcement
The White Lotus creator Mike White is returning to his roots with reality series Survivor for the 50th (all-star) season – but fans have one concern. The acclaimed showrunner may be best known these days for his deadly critiques of the mega-rich in his luxury resort series on HBO but we all have an origin story. For those not in the know, get ready for a bonkers piece of Mike White lore. In 2018, Mike appeared on the 37th season, David vs. Goliath, and landed an agonising second place. This time we have no doubt he'll be going for the crown as he method acts his show out, for a second time. The long-running US reality series strands contestants on a deserted island where they compete in a series of challenges for the chance to win $1million (£742k). Survivor 50 is scheduled to film in Fiji in early June but some White Lotus fans fear this means the worst for the season four of the show. 'Welp White Lotus will be back in 4 years,' X user Eli wrote. 'We never getting white lotus s4,' thecprincess added. 'What about s4 of white lotus,' Niki asked. 'Don't you have a 4th season of the white lotus to be writing and directing,' gingy echoed. 'Writers will do literally anything to procrastinate when they're on deadline,' Tom Smyth agreed. Others, however, are already seeing the vision. 'Iconic tbh couldn't be more excited he was genuinely so much fun to watch on his season,' Lauren Leti reflected. 'The way he lives his life fascinates me. love you Mike White!!!!,' kevyoh echoed. 'Mike White's method writing is commendable,' whalienboi wrote. 'Oh I just know he will be farming for great arcs for the next The White Lotus season. Real Mike White fans know there would be no White Lotus without Survivor,' halimertugrul shared. 'He clearly needs some inspiration for White Lotus season 4,' Euanmcgrath agreed. 'He's going to win because he can just offer people jobs on the white lotus if they agree to work with him,' sarahjenkinsxo posed as a theory. 'The way he's gonna glide his way to the final three just because he bribes everyone with a cameo on The White Lotus,' _iamaliyah_ agreed. Executive producer and host Jeff Probst told CBS Mornings just how keen the Emmy-winning creator was ready to fight for his (metaphorical) life again. He said: 'Mike, after he finished playing, said, 'I want to play again,' When White Lotus hit, and I thought, 'Well, he'll never play again.' 'But he kept texting and saying, 'Look, I'm serious. If you ever do anything where you have returning players, I want to play again.' So we're happy to have Mike.' The reality series enthusiast has long been a fan of Survivor and, aptly, has used it as a study of the human psyche – something that has no doubt filtered down into the shows he creates. What's more, he has even recruited former Survivor contestants for cameos on the White Lotus including Angela Keeley and Kara Kay in season two. And in season three, Natalie Cole, Carl Boudreaux and Christian Hubicki, rock up as guests on the Thailand resort. In an interview with The New Yorker in 2021 the former Amazing Race contestant spoke about how Survivor is the only show he 'devotedly watches'. The School of Rock star added: 'Part of my job and my way of life is studying people and analysing motivation and character. 'I still feel like, even on the most contrived reality show, the people are human and they're more interesting than some of the most well-scripted drama. More Trending 'And for me, as a writer of drama, I aspire to do what reality television already does. To create characters that are surprising and dimensional and do weird shit and capture your attention.' After an intense culling process (cut down from 200 names, according to Jeff) there are a total of 23 cast members joining Mike on the island. This includes season one's Jenna Lewis-Dougherty, season 10's Stephenie Lagrossa Kendrick, season 18's Benjamin 'Coach' Wade, season 12's Cirie Fields, season 13's Ozzy Lusth, and season 32's Aubry Bracco, season two's Colby Donaldson and Season 46's Q. View More » There are also two mystery contestants yet to be announced. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: And Just Like That series 3 is slowly fixing the show's biggest problem MORE: WWE champion Lyra Valkyria reveals star's horror injury was 'worst she's ever seen' MORE: The new Harry Potter child stars have confirmed my worst fears
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Who is in the cast of Survivor 50? Memphis castaway set to compete in Fiji once again
Season 50 of the hit reality show "Survivor" is set to air in 2026, but unlike seasons past, we already know some of the castaways, including one from Memphis. Quintavius "Q" Burdette who competed to be the "lone survivor" on Season 46 of the show, is headed back to Fiji to compete with other previous castaways against each other in group and individual challenges for the title of "sole survivor" and the $1 million cash prize that comes with it. For 25 years, "Survivor" has entertained millions as groups of sometimes 20 competed to be the lone survivor. And to celebrate the 50th season, some of the original cast members are making their way back to the beaches of Fiji for "Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans". But for "Survivor" 50 there will be a bit of a twist, with the fans holding the power to decide some of the key elements of gameplay prior to filming, including whether to have hidden immunity idols available for players and if there will be a final four fire-making challenge. Here's everything to know about "Survivor" 50 and Tennessee's connection to the show. "Survivor," hosted by Jeff Probst, has been on the air since 2000. The list for Survivor 50 is fairly long and there are still two members expected to be tapped from season 49 after it airs in the fall of 2025, according to reports from multiple media and entertainment outlets. But here's who Probst named on May 28 during an interview on "CBS Mornings", and which season/s they appeared in. (Note seasons 33 to present have all been filmed in Fiji.) Aubry Bracco: Seasons 32 (Kaôh Rōng – Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty), 34 (Game Changers), 38 (Edge of Extinction) Q Burdette: Season 46 Charlie Davis: Season 46 Rick Devens: Season 38 (Edge of Extinction) Colby Donaldson: Seasons 2 (The Australian Outback), 8 (All-Stars), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains) Jenna Lewis-Dougherty: Season 1 (Borneo), 8 (All-Stars) Tiffany Ervin: Season 46 Cirie Fields: Seasons 12 (Panama-Exile Island), 16 (Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains), 34 (Game Changers) Emily Flippen: Season 45 Kyle Fraser: Season 48 Chrissy Hofbeck: Season 35 (Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers) Christian Hubicki: Season 37 (David vs. Goliath) Joseph Hunter: Season 48 Kamilla Karthigesu: Season 48 Angelina Keeley: Season 37 (David vs. Goliath) Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick: Seasons 10 (Palau), 11 (Guatemala), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains) Ozzy Lusth: Seasons 13 (Cook Islands), 16 (Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites), 23 (South Pacific), 34 (Game Changers) Genevieve Mushaluk: Season 47 Dee Valladares: Season 45 Benjamin "Coach" Wade: Seasons 18 (Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains), 23 (South Pacific) Mike White: Season 37 (David vs. Goliath) Jonathan Young: Season 42 Burdette is a Mississippi native who now calls Memphis home. A graduate of Ole Miss, he was a wide receiver on the football team and ran track and field, competing from 2012 to 2015. Burdette grew up in Senatobia, Mississippi as one of 17 children. He first appeared on "Survivor" Season 46 in 2024 and was voted off of the island after 23 days. The 50th season is set to premiere in February 2026 with long-running host Probst still at the helm, according to CBS. There have been 19 contestants from Tennessee. Of these, only one person has won and two have come in second. The list is based on the place the contestants finished in their individual seasons. Finished in first place: Tina Wesson (Australian Outback) from Knoxville, she also came in 18th during the All-Stars season and fourth in Blood vs. Waters. Finished in second place: Gavin Whitson (Edge of Extinction) from Erwin, Sam Phalen of Nashville (Season 47) Finished in fourth place: Tamara Johnson-George (Tocantins) from Nashville Finished in fifth place: Baylor Wilson (San Juan del Sur) from Nashville and Julie Alley (Season 45) from Brentwood Finished in sixth place: Erik Huffman (China) from Nashville and Quintavius Burdette (Season 46) from Memphis Finished in seventh place: Matt Elrod (Redemption Island) from Nashville Finished in ninth place: Whitney Duncan (South Pacific) from Nashville Finished in tenth place: Gretchen Cordy (Borneo) from Clarksville Finished in twelfth place: Libby Vincek (Ghost Island) from Nashville and Dwight Moore (Season 43) from Collierville Finished in thirteenth place: Travis Sampson (Vanuatu) from Blountville and Hali Ford (Game Changers) from Knoxville Finished in fifteenth place: Tanya Vance (Thailand) from Kingsport, Ryan Shoulders (Pearl Islands) from Clarksville, Melinda Hyder (Panama) from Sevierville, and Jessica Figuera (Millennials vs. Gen. X) from Nashville Episodes will be available to stream on Paramount+, live and on-demand for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after an episode airs. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: 'Survivor' 50 cast: Tennessean set to return to Fiji. Here's when
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The White Lotus creator Mike White returns to Survivor for season 50 after beloved 2018 appearance
The White Lotus creator, Mike White, will be among the 24 players returning to Survivor for the milestone 50th season. On Wednesday, the show's host and executive producer, Jeff Probst, announced on CBS Mornings the full cast of the reality show's forthcoming season, filled with fan-favorites, in light of the season's theme being 'In the Hands of the Fans.' While the season does not premiere until February 2026, it will feature former contestants dating back to Survivor's first season back in 2000 and even contestants from season 49, which does not premiere until this upcoming fall. Survivor follows a group of contestants who are split into 'tribes' on an island based on the show's theme. In addition to their attempt to survive on the island by creating their own shelters and foraging for their food, the contestants must also compete in a series of both mental and physical challenges. Contestants are progressively eliminated by way of popular vote each week until one remains and is crowned the Sole Survivor, who wins the $1 million prize. Prior to White's success with his hit HBO show The White Lotus, he competed on Survivor's 37th season, which was titled David vs. Goliath. He had finished in second place. 'Mike, after he finished playing, said, 'I want to play again,'' Probst recalled on CBS Mornings. 'When White Lotus hit, and I thought, 'Well, he'll never play again.' But he kept texting and saying, 'Look, I'm serious. If you ever do anything where you have returning players, I want to play again.' So we're happy to have Mike.' This is a breaking story and is being updated
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
In Survivor's 50th landmark season, 'The White Lotus' creator Mike White is all set to return. Check cast details
Emmy Award-winning creator of The White Lotus, Mike White, is set to return to Survivor for its landmark 50th season, as announced by host Jeff Probst on CBS Mornings. White, who previously secured second place in Season 37 (David vs. Goliath), will be among 24 returning contestants in this special edition titled " Survivor 50 : In the Hands of the Fans". This milestone season, scheduled to premiere in February 2026, celebrates the show's 25-year history by featuring a diverse cast from 19 different seasons, including two participants from the upcoming Season 49. Notable returning players include early-season contestants like Jenna Lewis-Dougherty from Season 1 (Borneo) and Colby Donaldson from Season 2 (The Australian Outback), as well as recent winners Dee Valladares (Season 45) and Kyle Fraser (Season 48) . In a unique twist, fans were given the opportunity to vote on various aspects of the game, such as tribe colors, immunity necklace designs, and key gameplay elements like the final four fire-making challenge and the inclusion of hidden immunity idols. These fan-driven decisions aim to add a fresh dynamic to the competition. Filming for Survivor 50 is currently underway in Fiji, with the season set to air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ in early 2026. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest today with in Shriram's ULIP Shriram Life Insurance Undo ALSO READ: Why Trump's return to power might cost millions of dollars to America Survivor 50 cast revealed CBS has officially announced the cast for Survivor 50, marking a significant milestone with the largest group of returning players in the show's history—24 contestants. Announced by host Jeff Probst on CBS Mornings, the landmark season will premiere in 2026. Live Events The cast spans the series' entire timeline, including early players like Jenna Lewis-Dougherty from Survivor: Borneo and two yet-to-be-named contestants from the recently filmed Survivor 49. Notable participants include veterans Cirie Fields and Ozzy Lusth, each making their fifth appearance, tying them with Boston Rob Mariano's record. ALSO READ: Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori seen in completely see-through outfit in public again, faces arrest call Celebrity cast member and The White Lotus creator Mike White returns alongside his Survivor: David vs. Goliath castmates, including Angelina Keeley. A significant portion of the cast comes from recent seasons, with 11 of the 24 from the past five seasons, and includes two winners: Dee Valladares (Season 45) and Kyle Fraser (Season 48). Interestingly, no cast members are from seasons 19 to 31. For the first time since Survivor: Cambodia, CBS announced the cast before filming due to anticipated leaks. Although fans didn't vote on contestant selection this time, they did influence other key game elements, which will be incorporated in Survivor 50. ALSO READ: Eye-watering price of meeting Trump in person revealed in latest MAGA money-making scheme The upcoming season, titled Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, introduces a unique twist by allowing fans to vote on various aspects of the game, such as tribe colors, availability of rice, inclusion of idols, and whether the live reunion show in Los Angeles would return. These fan-determined game dynamics will be revealed to contestants on the island. Host Jeff Probst called this innovative format the 'riskiest idea' the show has attempted, adding that the selection process involved narrowing down over 700 former castaways to the final 24. Filming for Survivor 50 began in Fiji on May 27, 2025, with strict secrecy measures in place. The cast includes Survivor veterans like Cirie Fields, Ozzy Lusth, Colby Donaldson, and more recent contestants Dee Valladares and Emily Flippen. Despite the excitement, casting caused controversy, with sources describing the process as a "bloodbath." Notably, Carolyn Wiger was reportedly promised a spot but later cut, leading to significant backlash. She and others believe they were excluded due to their participation in other reality shows, a point of contention with production. Survivor 50 promises intense competition as beloved players return for the show's landmark season.
