Survivor type TV Show network CBS genre Reality Where to watch Close Streaming Options

Some locations on Survivor are more scenic and special than others. And not all Survivor twists are created equal, with some sizzling and some fizzling. But ultimately, the success or failure of each season really all comes down to casting. So if the upcoming Survivor: Kaôh Rōng (which debuts Wednesday on CBS) is going to take its place among the elite of Survivor seasons, it will be thanks to the folks playing it.

We already had host Jeff Probst give his take on some of the familiar faces going into season 32, like NBA champion Scot Pollard and former Big Brother contestant Caleb “Beast Mode Cowboy” Reynolds. But we also asked the hostmaster general to talk about some of the other players he thought we should keep an eye on.

“Debbie caught our attention from the moment we met her,” says Probst of the 49-year-old chemist. “She has more careers, more skills, and claims to have more knowledge about more things than anyone I have ever met in my entire life, including Elon Musk. How much of it is fully true and how deep her knowledge goes is a question to be answered. But I have zero doubt the audience will have a take on her very fast.”

Probst is also bullish on the cast’s two oldest contestants, including a 51-year-old Vietnamese gardener. “Tai is going to be someone the audience gravitates to very quickly. He’s a gardener who loves all living things and yet has chosen to play one of the nastiest games ever invented. He is also from Vietnam so he’s very comfortable in this part of the world and should be an early asset to his team. We also have Joe, a 72 year old former FBI agent/hostage negotiator. He’s an easy target because of his age and there isn’t anything he can do about it. But whether he lasts one day or all 39 — he’s an inspiring guy and he is in great shape for someone in their eighth decade of living.”

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I also asked the host about a few other contestants, including bodybuilder Cydney Gillon, because big bulky types have not always done well out in these conditions. “I think the toughest part for Cydney will be the lack of calories,” says Probst. “Every time we have had a super toned athlete they struggle more than anyone else because they are so used to devouring a lot of food. Cydney’s body is really a work of art. She is chiseled. I think she’ll be seen as valuable early on if for no other reason than she can truly carry her own weight.”

And then there is 31-year-old bounty hunter Kyle Jason, who describes his hobbies as “kicking in doors, getting tattoos and riding my motorcycle.” Is Kyle all bark or is there some bite there as well? “Kyle makes a big impression, and I think it’s a well-crafted presentation that works for him,” answers Probst. “His appearance could definitely lead to a first impression of a hard, scary guy. But he does have a very nurturing quality to him. The question is, which part of his personality will win out under the extreme conditions of this season? I also think Kyle is a guy who can come across as loyal without ever truly considering himself loyal to anyone.”

We’ll find out when Survivor: Kaôh Rōng premieres on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.