‘Survivor’ Season 49 to Begin Filming in April—Here’s How to Apply

Survivor season 47 premiered this week, but the show is already casting for season 49.

The wildly popular CBS reality television program premiered in 2000 with long-time host Jeff Probst, and follows a group of contestants on a remote island who must survive with few resources while participating in a series of grueling physical and mental challenges. Castaways are voted off throughout the season by their peers, and whoever is the last person remaining, wins a million dollars.

According to CBS’s website, which has the link to the application process, the network is on the hunt for its next stars.

“The time to apply for Survivor 49 and future seasons is NOW. We are actively casting so please apply today if you want a chance to be on season 49!” a message on the website states. “Super Fans, First Timers (and everyone in between), please apply NOW for a future season of Survivor.”

The statement continued with a note about filming: “We will be taping season 49 sometime between mid April, 2025 to mid May, 2025.”

There is a list of eligibility requirements to appear on Survivor, including: “All contestants must be United States or Canadian citizens, all contestants must be in excellent physical and mental health and all applicants must authorize Producers to conduct a background check.”

In terms of personality traits, the show will be looking for things like “[s]trong-willed, outgoing, adventurous, physically and mentally adept, adaptable to new environments,” and more.

A source close to the show told Newsweek: “It’s a rolling application process so once you submit your application and video for Season 49, you can be considered for that season or any subsequent season. Interviews with the casting team are happening now and will continue over the next few months. The length of the process varies but includes several rounds. Season 49 will film in 2025.”

On the CBS website, there’s a link to a video from Survivor casting director Jesse Tannenbaum, who offered advice to those hoping to be cast on the series.

“We want to get to know who you are, we want to hear about your life, we want to see your facial expressions when you tell a story, that’s what we’re looking for. Okay? We’re looking for authenticity, we’re looking to find people that we will basically become emotionally invested in.”

Tannenbaum added that “filming a really quick TikTok video” is “pointless” because such a short clip “doesn’t really tell us anything about yourself.”

In addition to online applications, Survivor is also hosting an open casting call at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa Ballroom in Cabazon, California—just outside of Los Angeles. It’ll take place on Friday, September 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A “tip” shared to the website states, “Applicants are not required to bring anything to the open call. Just a good attitude.”

This year’s Season 47 contestants are from a variety of backgrounds, and their jobs range from a construction worker and an ER doctor, to a flight school owner and AI research assistant. The series premiered on Wednesday, and podcast host Jon Lovett was the first to the eliminated.