Meet the Cast of Survivor 48: Bios, Insights, and First Impressions (2025)
Behind each competitor’s journey is a mix of grit, strategy, and personal triumph.
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Survivor 48: Introducing the 2025 Cast
Survivor celebrates a remarkable milestone in 2025 as it launches its 48th season and marks 25 years since the series redefined reality competition television. This season, a dynamic group of 18 new players from across the United States will test their endurance, strategy, and social wit in the Fijian islands, hoping to outwit, outplay, and outlast for the $1 million prize. The new cast comes from all walks of life—stunt performers, teachers-turned-attorneys, small business owners, and more—reflecting the evolving mosaic of Survivor’s contestant pool.
Season Overview: What Makes Survivor 48 Special?
Marking a quarter century on air, Survivor 48 ushers in fresh energy and perspective with players who balance the show’s competitive legacy with personal stories of resilience, self-discovery, and ambition. For the first time, viewers will see contestants like a stunt performer eager for adventure, a pizzeria owner with a big personality, and the game’s first player with a speech impediment—demonstrating the show’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inspiring narratives.
- Premiere Date: February 26, 2025 (Two-hour premiere)
- Location: Fiji (traditional Survivor location since season 33)
- Number of Contestants: 18 (divided into three tribes)
- Milestone: Survivor celebrates 25 years on CBS in 2025
The Tribes of Survivor 48
The 18 contestants are divided into three starting tribes, each with distinctive personalities and skill sets. The tribes—Civa (Orange), Yanu (Blue), and Nami (Purple)—set the stage for early alliances, rivalries, and the battle for advantage in the game.
| Civa Tribe (Orange) | Yanu Tribe (Blue) | Nami Tribe (Purple) |
|---|---|---|
| David Kinne Kamilla Karthigesu Kyle Fraser Mitch Guerra Charity Nelms Chrissy Sarnowsky | Kevin Leung Mary Zheng Cedrek McFadden Sai Hughley Justin Pioppi Stephanie Berger | Thomas Krottinger Star Toomey Joe Hunter Eva Erickson Shauhin Davari Bianca Roses |
Meet the Contestants: Bios and Backgrounds
Below, get to know each of the 18 Survivor 48 castaways, with brief bios, key life experiences, and what unique qualities they’re bringing to the island. These personal stories shape both their game and the season’s larger narrative.
Civa Tribe (Orange)
- David Kinne (39, Long Beach, CA – Stunt Performer)
- Known for his physicality and bold personality; did not grow up a Survivor fan but applied for the challenge, adventure, and self-validation.
- Brought confidence gained from years as a stuntman, seeks to test himself in new ways.
- Aims to leverage physical skill, adaptable social game, and a certain “arrogance” to win the million dollars and pursue his dream of becoming a pilot.
- Three words: Passionate, Daring, Curious.
- Kamilla Karthigesu
- Background: Details about Kamilla are closely held, adding an air of mystery.
- She has been described as resourceful and incredibly determined in preseason coverage.
- Fans are curious about her capacity to adapt strategically in the early game.
- Kyle Fraser (31, Brooklyn, NY – Attorney, Former Teacher)
- Formerly a teacher at both affluent and at-risk institutions, which shaped his “people first” game philosophy.
- Hopes his “impulsivity” doesn’t undermine his social play, but embraces risk-taking as part of his strategy.
- Describes himself as adaptable and adept with various personalities, attributes his empathy and awareness to teaching experience.
- Committed to taking bold moves, even if they put a target on his back.
- Mitch Guerra
- Known for being analytical, strategic, and willing to make unconventional moves.
- Comes into Survivor with a background in competitive environments.
- Hopes to leverage keen observation and quiet determination to navigate precarious alliances.
- Charity Nelms (34, Ex-Ministry Student, Flight Attendant/Personal Trainer)
- Lost 100 pounds and became a fitness advocate; emphasizes body positivity and perseverance.
- Wants to bring both spirituality and ambition to her game, with a flair for motivational communication.
- Aims to play a “villainous” game while still forming deep connections with fellow castaways.
- Chrissy Sarnowsky
- Described as relatable and down-to-earth; background information highlights experience in group dynamics from active sport and community work.
- Poised to be a social connector and harmonizer for the Civa tribe.
Yanu Tribe (Blue)
- Kevin Leung
- Brings strategic awareness and a thoughtful approach to social play.
- Leverages cross-cultural background to find common ground with diverse personalities.
- Mary Zheng
- Background in the arts and communication; expected to apply outside-the-box thinking to puzzles and group strategy.
- Keen on adapting quickly to shifting alliances.
- Cedrek McFadden
- Described as both analytical and intuitive; plans to build alliances by understanding each player’s deeper motivation.
- Keen student of human behavior, seeks to play both above and below the radar.
- Sai Hughley
- Known for strong interpersonal skills and the ability to listen, making them a go-to for gathering social intel on the tribe.
- Hopes to remain adaptable and avoid being targeted too early.
- Justin Pioppi
- Self-described risk-taker with a background in athletics and business.
- Eager to make bold moves and possibly be a “big character” for this season.
- Keen to prove that he can balance ambition with loyalty.
- Stephanie Berger
- First boot of the season; her brief but impactful appearance emphasized the challenges of blending in while expressing a bold personality.
- Interviewed about her struggle to not let assertiveness be perceived as overbearing.
- Wanted to demonstrate strength while still finding inroads for alliances.
Nami Tribe (Purple)
- Thomas Krottinger
- Background in the performing arts or teaching, strong communication skills.
- Likely to be a strategic narrator and alliance builder.
- Star Toomey
- Described as whimsical, energetic, expected to inject humor and positivity into the tribe dynamic.
- Aims to be underestimated, using charm as a strategic tool.
- Joe Hunter
- Has a reputation for working hard and putting team before self, likely to be a backbone in tribe challenges.
- Vies for the dual roles of physical provider and subtle strategic force.
- Eva Erickson
- Background in communication or counseling, with a knack for group mediation.
- Positions herself as a peacekeeper and information gatherer for critical tribal decisions.
- Shauhin Davari
- Brings an international perspective and deep appreciation for human diversity.
- Hopes to parlay world experience into relationship building and game awareness.
- Bianca Roses
- The first Survivor player with a speech impediment—breaking barriers for representation.
- Passionate about advocacy and showing that communication challenges don’t limit strategic or social contribution.
- Her presence is already seen as inspiring to viewers and competitors alike.
Key Trends and Early Dynamics
- The season’s cast features a blend of devoted Survivor fans and newcomers, creating a dynamic where game-savvy strategies collide with authentic fresh perspectives.
- Contestants bring varied life stories—weight loss transformations, career pivots, overcoming adversity—which are primed to shape alliances and social hierarchies early on.
- Tribe composition skews toward a mix of strategic thinkers, challenge performers, social connectors, and classic underdogs. Early speculation centers on which tribe will gel most quickly and avoid the first tribal council.
- The inclusion of a contestant with a speech impediment is widely celebrated as a step toward greater inclusivity and inspiration for fans and fellow castaways alike.
What to Watch For This Season
- Physical vs. Social vs. Strategic Play: With a stuntman, fitness coaches, and hardcore fans in the mix, the tension between brute strength, coalition-building, and creative decision-making could be heightened.
- Game Twists: While details are closely guarded by producers, fans anticipate twists designed to:
- Disrupt early power structures
- Force adaptation among players less familiar with traditional Survivor gameplay
- Spotlight personal stories, such as first-time representation and major life transformations
Spotlight: Notable Players and Their Stories
Several castaways have already generated buzz in pre-season interviews and coverage:
- David Kinne: His late-to-Survivor journey brings fresh eyes to strategy, backed by a high-risk, high-reward attitude.
- Kyle Fraser: Combines legal expertise with classroom empathy, positioning him as a multifaceted player—part strategist, part social chameleon.
- Charity Nelms: Her fitness journey and willingness to embrace a “villainous” identity could make her a fan favorite or prime target, depending on first impressions.
- Bianca Roses: Making Survivor history, her presence brings critical visibility to the experience of contestants with disabilities.
- Stephanie Berger: Although the first to leave the game, her reflections on visibility and social agility offer lessons for future contestants and fans alike.
FAQs About Survivor 48
Q: Who are the tribes in Survivor 48?
A: The three starting tribes for Survivor 48 are Civa (Orange), Yanu (Blue), and Nami (Purple), each with six players from diverse backgrounds.
Q: What is unique about this season’s cast?
A: The cast includes the show’s first contestant with a speech impediment, a stunt performer, several players from non-traditional Survivor backgrounds, and others representing a wide spectrum of life experiences and professions—fitting for the series’ 25th anniversary.
Q: When does Survivor 48 premiere?
A: Survivor 48 premieres on CBS with a special two-hour episode on February 26, 2025.
Q: Who is the first player eliminated?
A: Stephanie Berger was the first contestant to be voted out, reflecting on both the challenges of standing out and blending in during her brief stay.
Q: How does this season honor Survivor’s legacy?
A: By featuring a cast that bridges classic Survivor archetypes with new faces and underrepresented stories, Survivor 48 both celebrates its storied past and looks forward to a more inclusive, diverse future.
What Fans Are Saying
Reception to the Survivor 48 cast reveal and previews has been positive, with particular excitement around:
- The balance between returning archetypes (superfans, physical powerhouses) and true game “rookies”
- Increased representation, particularly with the inclusion of a player with a speech difference
- Anticipation for how diverse backgrounds translate into unique gameplay strategies
- The show’s ongoing ability to surprise and entertain after 25 years
Final Thoughts on Survivor 48’s Cast
This milestone season promises not just classic Survivor gameplay, but a reflection of contemporary storytelling and representation. Each contestant brings more than just a winning ambition—they carry the histories, aspirations, and quirks that guarantee season 48 will be both unpredictable and memorable. As always, expect shifting alliances, dramatic blindsides, and the kind of once-in-a-lifetime moments that only Survivor can deliver!
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