In a surprising announcement that has left fans buzzing, former reality star and TV host Elisabeth Hasselbeck confirmed that she will not be returning to Survivor for its highly anticipated 50th season. This news comes as the beloved competition series prepares to celebrate its landmark milestone with all-stars from past seasons.
On May 27, 2025, Hasselbeck took to her Instagram Stories to set the record straight amidst swirling rumors. “No, I’m not doing Survivor. That is funny though. I’m not doing that. I wanna be with my family and a burger in the backyard,” she quipped, showing a glimpse of her poolside setting behind her. Her playful admission highlights her focus on family life over the grueling competition in Fiji.
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Hasselbeck gained national recognition as a contestant on Survivor: The Australian Outback, where she secured a fourth-place finish during the show’s second season back in 2001. Following her reality TV stint, she became a household name as a co-host on The View from 2003 to 2013, earning a Daytime Emmy in 2009 for her contributions. Her career trajectory continued as she joined Fox & Friends from 2013 to 2015.
The 50th season of Survivor, set to premiere in February 2026, is gearing up to be a spectacular celebration featuring all returning players, marking a significant moment in the series’ history. Audience engagement has reached new heights as fans have been given the power to vote on various gameplay elements, making the upcoming season a unique experience.
Despite the excitement surrounding the show, Hasselbeck is prioritizing personal projects and family time instead of the challenges posed by Survivor. “I’ll be gardening… and working on some fun projects which I’ll tell you about,” she shared, steering her life in a different direction than the cutthroat world of reality television.
As fans eagerly await the cast reveal scheduled for May 28, many are speculating about who will return to compete in this commemorative season. While Hasselbeck will not be among them, her decision reflects a broader trend among reality TV stars navigating their lives beyond the spotlight.
In the end, while many hoped for a nostalgic return of beloved contestants to the Survivor arena, Hasselbeck’s choice to step back allows her to savor more intimate experiences with her family. As she beautifully puts it, she prefers “to be with my family and a burger in the backyard.”