What Happened
Colby Donaldson, a three-time contestant on CBS’s reality series Survivor, recently revealed that he nearly backed out of participating in the show’s milestone 50th season, titled In the Hands of the Fans. In an exclusive interview with E! News, Donaldson shared that while his initial response to join was enthusiastic, he experienced second thoughts as the departure date approached.
Why It Matters
Donaldson, now 51 years old, cited recent career shifts as a significant factor in his hesitation. He noted that many potential contestants face similar challenges, balancing their professional responsibilities with the demands of the competition. This highlights the sacrifices that individuals often make to participate in reality television, a theme that resonates with fans and aspiring contestants alike.
What’s Next
As he embarks on this season, Donaldson aims to redeem himself after previous attempts in Survivor 8 (All-Stars) and Survivor 20 (Heroes vs. Villains), where he struggled to secure a win. He has stated that this will be his final attempt at the million-dollar prize, adding an emotional weight to his participation. The season premiered on February 25, 2023, featuring a three-hour episode that showcased the return of several fan-favorite contestants.
