Survivor 48: Meet the 18 Castaways — Premiere Wednesday, February 26
Survivor 48 premieres on CBS and Paramount+ with a two-hour season opener on Wednesday, February 26 at 8:00 PM ET/PT. After the premiere, the series moves to 90-minute weekly episodes beginning Wednesday, March 5 at 8:00 PM. Hosted by Emmy Award winner Jeff Probst, this season brings 18 new competitors to Fiji, where they will be divided into three tribes of six and face the physical and social challenges that have defined Survivor for nearly 25 years.
These 18 castaways represent a wide mix of ages, professions and backgrounds, united by one goal: to outwit, outplay and outlast their rivals to earn the title of Sole Survivor and the $1 million grand prize. Below are the official profiles for each player, presented with their hometowns, current residences and occupations.
The following are the 18 new castaways
Stephanie Berger is 38 and hails from New York City. Now living in Brooklyn, she works as a tech product lead and brings a strategic, product-focused perspective to the social and physical demands of the game.
Shauhin Davari, 38, grew up in the East Bay of California and now lives in Costa Mesa. As a debate professor, he brings communication skills and competitive experience that could translate well to strategy and negotiation on the island.
Eva Erickson is 24 and originally from Eagan, Minnesota. Currently based in Providence, Rhode Island, she is a PhD candidate whose analytical mindset and academic discipline may prove useful in the strategic aspects of the game.
Kyle Fraser, 31, grew up in Roanoke, Virginia and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. He works as an attorney and brings legal training and critical thinking to the social strategy and challenge play that define Survivor.
Mitch Guerra is 34 from Waco, Texas, where he still resides and works as a P.E. coach. His background in physical education suggests he may be a strong competitor in endurance and team-based challenges.
Saiounia “Sai” Hughley, 30, grew up in Philadelphia and now lives in Simi Valley, California. She works in marketing and may leverage persuasion and brand-awareness skills while navigating alliances and negotiations.
Joe Hunter is 45 and from Vacaville, California, now living in West Sacramento. As a fire captain, he brings leadership experience, crisis management skills and physical toughness to the competition.
Kamilla Karthigesu, 31, is originally from Toronto, Canada and currently resides in Foster City, California. She works as a software engineer and brings analytical problem-solving skills that could be an asset in puzzle and strategy challenges.
David Kinne is 39, from Long Beach, California and lives in Buena Park. As a stunt performer, his physical skills and fearlessness could make him a standout in demanding challenges.
Thomas Krottinger, 34, grew up in The Woodlands, Texas and now lives in Los Angeles. As a music executive, he may apply industry experience and networking skills to form alliances and read social dynamics.
Kevin Leung is 34 and from Fremont, California, now living in Livermore. He works as a finance manager and brings analytical decision-making and resource-management strengths to the Survivor environment.
Cedrek McFadden, 46, is from Columbia, South Carolina and now resides in Greenville. A practicing surgeon, he brings steady nerves, problem-solving under pressure and leadership qualities that could influence tribal dynamics.
Charity Nelms is 34 and originally from Monroe, Michigan. Now based in St. Petersburg, Florida, she works as a flight attendant and may use interpersonal skills and adaptability to navigate shifting alliances.
Justin Pioppi, 29, is from Winthrop, Massachusetts and remains there as a pizzeria manager. His hands-on work and community roots may influence his social game and practical approach to survival tasks.
Bianca Roses is 33, originally from West Orange, New Jersey and now living in Arlington, Virginia. As a PR consultant, she brings communication and persuasion skills that could shape alliances and jury management.
Chrissy Sarnowsky, 55, is from Chicago, where she continues to live and work as a fire lieutenant. Her experience in high-pressure situations and leadership could make her a stabilizing presence around camp.
Star Toomey is 28 and was born in Monrovia, Liberia; she now lives in Augusta, Georgia. Working as a sales expert, Star may draw on persuasive skills and resilience as she navigates the social strategy of the game.
Mary Zheng, 31, is from Montgomery Village, Maryland and now lives in Philadelphia. As a substance abuse counselor, she brings listening skills, empathy and resilience that could influence alliance-building and jury persuasion.
With a diverse mix of professionals—from a surgeon and fire captain to a stunt performer and tech product lead—Survivor 48 promises strategic gameplay, physical competition and social maneuvering. Tune in for the season premiere on Wednesday, February 26 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS and Paramount+, and watch as these 18 players begin the quest to become the next Sole Survivor.