For nearly two decades, Survivor has shown us legendary players with a gift for the game, as they vote their competition out on the way to the million-dollar prize. For its 39th season, the hit reality show is bringing in a new twist—two of those legends will “mentor” the newest crop of Survivor players. They’ll teach the castaways everything they know about the game on the mysterious Island of the Idols. Survivor: Island of the Idols will see players of the present learn from players of the past in the hope of guaranteeing a better future for themselves.

Read on to find out everything we know so far about season 39, including when Survivor starts, who is in the cast, when and where season 39 was filmed, a few spoilers and much more.

What’s the release date for Survivor Island of the Idols?

Survivor: Island of the Idols premieres Wednesday, September 25 with a special 90-minute episode at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

Related: Survivor Season 40: Everything You Need to Know

What’s the theme of Survivor Season 39?

Survivor: Island of the Idols will involve the contestants periodically visiting the titular location. There, they’ll be greeted by legends of the game, who will be serving as “mentors” rather than players this season. They’ll put their cadet through “Survivor boot camp,” teaching an important lesson about how to succeed in the game.

Who are the Survivor winners returning for Season 39?

(Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment)

“Boston” Rob Mariano—Marquesas, All-Stars (runner-up), Heroes vs. Villains, Redemption Island (winner)

“Boston” Rob has had quite the journey over the course of nearly two decades of Survivor. With tactics straight from The Godfather, he’s served as one of the show’s most natural leaders across his four seasons. Rob memorably lost at the end of Survivor: All-Stars, but won fellow finalist Amber Brkich’s hand in marriage. Fourteen seasons later, Rob was able to get a victory of his own in one of the most dominant games the show has seen.

(Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment)

Sandra Diaz-Twine—Pearl Islands (winner), Heroes vs. Villains (winner), Game Changers

The self-proclaimed “queen” of Survivor is to date the only person to win the final jury vote twice. She’s mastered a game of self-preservation using one key motto: “As long as it ain’t me.” Her games have not been without conflict, as she formed rivalries with infamous Survivor villains like Jon “Fairplay” Dalton and Russell Hantz. But she’s vanquished her foes every time, earning her two titles.

Read Parade.com’s interviews with Rob and Sandra

Watch the first few minutes of the Season 39 premiere!

The clip below depicts the opening minutes of the 90-minute Island of the Idols premiere, airing September 25 at 8 p.m. on CBS. It focuses on the two mentors and gives a sneak peek of how the titular twist will work. Obscuring the actual visitors to the island, we see Rob and Sandra sit down with them to talk through several Survivor lessons, including the art of perception, calculated risk, and staying calm under pressure.

(Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment)

Who are the 20 new Survivor castaways for Island of the Idols?

CBS released the full list of 20 new castaways for Survivor Season 39 on September 9. Parade.com had the opportunity to be on set for Survivor’s 39th season, chatting with the castaways one more time before they officially delve into 39 days of starvation, strategy and social politics. We’re sharing at least one preseason interview a day, going by first name alphabetically by tribe. Click each player’s name to read our full interviews.

Read Jeff Probst and Matt Van Wagenen’s thoughts on the cast

The 48-year-old is a veteran of the entertainment industry, a manager whose day-to-day includes juggling relationships with a diverse array of clients. Dan started his career around the same time that Survivor began, and hopes that his people skills can earn him a success in the game parallel to his real life.

With his slim athletic build and shoulder-length curly hair, the 23-year-old grad student is a dead ringer for three-time player Joe Anglim. Wanting to shed his “beachy” look, he’s ready to climb over his competitors—and hopefully, a coconut tree too—on his way to the million-dollar prize.

The 33-year-old has an athletic build with an academic mind, a New Jersey origin within a New England lifestyle, and a sensitive soul to boot. Jamal feels that mentality has sufficiently prepared him for Survivor, along with an intense study that the admissions counselor hopes will get him into the collegiate winners’ circle.

The 59-year-old Floridian has not only a sturdy family tree, but also leads a “beach family” of lifeguards every day. Janet has shown remarkable tenacity in her 41 years in the lifeguard chair, rebuilding her life after a failed marriage and overcoming obstacles to become one of the few female chief lifeguards in the state.

The 32-year-old New Yorker feels his life experience has made him perfect for Survivor, interacting with hundreds of clients from all walks of life as a personal injury lawyer. He even made his own “big move” in striking out and starting his own law firm seven years ago.

The 29-year-old comes to the island having just entered business school, which she enrolled in after pursuing a career in medicine. Kellee has been spending her time before the game poring over fantasy novels and is planning to be an open book herself to her competitors.

The 28-year-old nanny has lived through decisiveness, between moving from Michigan to California at just 17 and starting to pursue a career in journalism. Despite her bubbly and cheery exterior, she’s adamant to do anything to advance her position and make her mark on the season.

Molly has followed the beat of her own drummer since childhood, leading the 27-year-old on a journey that has transitioned careers and countries. After spending several years teaching, Molly elected to change classroom roles when she enrolled in law school before heeding the call for Survivor.

Feeling stuck in a finance job, the 36-year-old Noura Salman completely changed her outlook on life, now working as a health and wellness entrepreneur. Now that she knows what she’s like on the playground, she feels ready to enter the Survivor jungle gym, with eyes focused out and on that million-dollar prize.

Teacher Tommy prides himself on making his classroom fun and exciting for his 23 fourth-grade students. It’s a technique from Ron Clark, a renowned teacher and fellow Survivor alum. Now it’s Tommy’s turn at the lectern (or perhaps on top of it), as he plans to “get it done” for his family back home.

The 36-year-old gym owner has a lot of weight on his shoulders as he enters the game, playing for his wife, child, parents, and staff. But Aaron hopes to use his deceiving looks to craft a winning formula based on two variables: “Math and emotion.”

26-year-old Chelsea is brimming with energy to be playing Survivor, a dream that had finally become a reality after six dedicated years of applying. And now that she finally has her opportunity to play, the IMDB content creator is ready to add her credit alongside the franchise’s biggest players.

The 28-year-old Google salesman grew up on the basketball court, with the adaptability and wherewithal from his adolescence fostered a fighting spirit in Dean. It’s what made him power through a rough time in high school, transition from teaching in Florida to the New York tech scene, and ultimately apply for Survivor.

The 41-year-old Kentuckian stands small at 5’2″ with a big personality. Her outer shell of leadership and work ethic contains a softness inside and an uninhibited love for the people in her life. Elaine prides herself on her charitability in her day-to-day, and she’s ready to spear fish and opponents.

The 26-year-old is an Olympic swimmer and two-time medalist, appearing in the past three summer games. She comes to the island at a bit of a crossroads, having retired from the sport and looking for the next career to dive into. She’s ready to charge into the next 39 days willing to do anything for the gold.

The personal injury attorney is the first Indian-American contestant in Survivor history, bringing respect and pressure from her community. She arrives on the island with no discernable life path in front of her, hoping her time in Fiji will bring her clarity on her ultimate destination.

After an extremely taxing, confounding, and unbelievable series of events, 24-year-old Air Force veteran Missy comes to the island by way of her “Oprah year.” She brings with her a militaristic training coupled with a tranquil personality. And she’s eager to prove she’s a survivor, in every sense of the word.

Ronnie’s reads won the 36-year-old a World Series of Poker bracelet, as well as made him the record holder for most main event money finishes. But the Massachusetts man is more than cards, as his tough upbringing has put him in touch with his softer side, which he’s ready to bare out on the island.

Tom is the first Canadian to compete, as well as the oldest person to play in nearly a decade. Now a motivational speaker, he hopes to use his life experience to his advantage, leading by example, training his mind to remain calm under pressure, hoping to score every goal along the way.

The 27-year-old has lived a life of adaptation, going from an impoverished childhood to the halls of Stanford to teaching English in South Korea. He enters the game with a Hawaiian shirt and a sense of responsibility, hoping to inspire minorities from marginalized communities like he was from the show growing up.

When and where was season 39 filmed?

Survivor: Island of the Idols was filmed near the end of March 2019 in the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji. The show has been filming in that location since its 33rd season in 2016.

Is every Survivor season 39 days?

With the exception of its second season, every Survivor season has lasted for 39 days. The number of castaways has varied over the years, ranging from 16 to 20 individuals from all walks of life.

How do I watch Survivor season 39?

Survivor airs Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. Episodes will be made available the next day via the CBS All Access app.

What’s the new twist for season 39?

Every episode, a player will visit the “Island of the Idols.” Rob and Sandra, who will be living there the entire 39 days, will greet them and teach them a lesson applicable to Survivor. The curriculum will run the gamut from basic survival skills like fire making to complex strategies like maintaining a lie. Then, they’ll get an offer to put their skills to the test. If they succeed, they get an advantage they can take with them back into the game. If they fail, they lose something very important in the process. There will be heavy amounts of variation around the Island of the Idols this season, including how a person gets sent there, the tests and the prizes.

What are the season 39 statues?

Season 39 highlights the legendary status of its mentors with two giant statues of Rob and Sandra on the Island of the Idols. The idea came with the concept of a “Survivor Mount Rushmore,” with memorials to the all the great players from the show’s near-two-decade run. The two busts stand 20 feet high and are a creation of the show’s stellar art team. They are based on 3D models of the duo’s faces and crafted from wood and sheet metal. Giant Rob and Sandra will greet every player as they arrive at the Island of the Idols.

What was it like on Survivor island?

As part of preseason coverage for Survivor: Island of the Idols, Parade.com traveled to Fiji to experience the show being made in person. That included touring the tribe camps, participating in rehearsals for epic challenges, and attending a Tribal Council to see one player’s quest for the million dollars cut short.

What is the Survivor season 39 controversy?

In episode 13, contestant Dan Spilo was ejected from the show, following multiple incidents involving unwanted touching. His behavior had been featured in a handful of episodes earlier in the season with other castaways. A slate appearing shortly after Probst announced Dan’s elimination read, “Dan was removed from the game after a report of another incident, which happened off-camera and did not involve a player.” Dan was not given any final words nor a spot on the jury. In response to the situation, CBS and Survivor announced several new stipulations to the show moving forward that address harassment and inappropriate behavior.

Read more about Dan’s ejection from the game

Read more about the new Survivor guidelines

Watch the Survivor season 39 preview trailer

Who won Island of the Idols?

After a hard-fought 39 days, teacher Tommy Sheehan walked away with the million-dollar prize and the title of Sole Survivor on December 18. Despite never winning an Immunity Challenge or playing an idol or advantage, his relationships throughout the game bore fruit in the end, as he emerged victorious in an 8-2-0 jury vote.

Season 39 Exit and Bonus Interviews

Every week, Parade.com will speak with the player most recently voted off the island. Check back here each week for our Survivor exit interviews.

Episode 1 – Ronnie Bardah Goes From Big Blind to Blindsided

Episode 2 – Molly Byman Gets Played from the Outside In

Episode 3 – Vince Moua Goes from Stealthy to Stunned

Episode 4 – Chelsea Walker Gets Candid About Being Crushed

Episode 5 – Tom Laidlaw’s Game Gets Put on Ice

Episode 5 BONUS – Jamal Shipman Opens Up About Island of the Idols Race Discussion

Episode 6 – Jason Linden Gets a Losing Verdict

Episode 7 – Jack Nichting on Crucial Conversations and Emotional Revelations

Episode 8 – Kellee Kim on Speaking Up and Idol Idling

Episode 9 – Jamal Shipman Talks Losing Allies, Legacy Advantages and Listening

Episode 10- Aaron Meredith Goes from Bench Pressing to the Jury Bench

Missy Byrd on Going from Dope to Devastated

Episode 12 – Karishma Patel on Having Nine Lives and Unlimited Love

Episode 13 – Elaine Stott Gets Cut for Cutting Up

Finale – Tommy Sheehan Wins the Top Prize

Dean Kowalski Goes from Chill to Thrilled to Getting Grilled

Noura Salman on the “Noura Society” and Saying No

Lauren Beck’s Game Goes Up in Flame

Janet Carbin on Her Game Sinking and Her Heart Singing