‘Survivor Cambodia: Second Chance’ Gives 20 Former Castaways Another Shot at Redemption

The Tribe Has Spoken

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If at first they didn’t succeed, 20 former Survivor castaways now have a chance to try again. For the 31st installment of the CBS reality franchise, Survivor Cambodia: Second Chance, producers allowed the fans to vote for who deserved another crack to compete for the million-dollar prize—and America did not disappoint, according to host and executive producer Jeff Probst. “It’s a giant risk to take the single most important element of your show—the players—and turn it over to an audience to decide,” Probst says. “But they got it so right.”

One of those marquee names is Kelly Wiglesworth (above), the 37-year-old former river guide who lost to Richard Hatch in the first season in 2000. Although the game of Survivor has changed dramatically over the years thanks to hidden immunity idols and blindsides, Probst says he did not see much of a change in Wiglesworth’s strategy this time around. “What surprised me the most from Kelly was her very calm approach,” he says. “I thought she might come out of the gate quickly and get an alliance going. I was shocked by her confidence in being so patient.”

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The contestants will also face a weekly test of redemption through the various challenges, which have all been recycled from past seasons. And every hidden immunity idol will have a different look and design to it, making players question whether or not each idol is real. “As a result, we have an evolution in the game that changes the way relationships are utilized,” Probst says. “This season is definitely going to go down as a very unique one in terms of how the players play.”

Survivor Cambodia, returns Wednesday, Sept. 23, 8/7c, CBS