Survivor Season 49 premieres on CBS with 18 new castaways in Fiji

Survivor returns to television Wednesday, Sept. 24, with a two hour season premiere of Season 49 on CBS, bringing 18 new castaways to Fiji and reuniting longtime host Jeff Probst with the series for his 25th year. The installment, filmed in the Mamanuca Islands, will air at 8 p.m. Eastern and then continue with roughly 90 minute episodes, producers and reports said.

Season 49 sends players ranging in age from mid 20s to early 50s into the familiar island setting to compete for the franchise's million dollar prize. The new cast includes a mix of professions, from a former Marvel executive to a correctional officer and a rocket scientist, reflecting the show's ongoing emphasis on character and gameplay over celebrity casting. Two alternates, Jason Treul and Michelle McChukwujekwu, were added to the cast roughly 12 hours before filming after two originally selected contestants were removed for violating pregame rules, reports said.

For viewers without traditional cable, there are multiple streaming options. New episodes will be available live on CBS and can be streamed on Paramount. Paramount Premium subscribers can watch live as the show airs, while Paramount Essential subscribers...