This year marks Survivor’s 20-year-anniversary, and to celebrate, they’ve brought the 20 best winners to return for an all-out battle. Though they’ve produced a star-studded cast, eighteen former Survivor winners were left off the list, sparking speculation amongst fans to the rhyme and reasoning behind some of the non-returnees.
While some winners were not invited back for good reason, others felt completely snubbed and deserved another shot. Here is a list of the five winners who warranted a return to the beach, and the five winners we’re glad stayed home!
MISS: Richard Hatch
Richard Hatch was the boisterous gay man who won Survivor’s first season. Setting the unprecedented by launching the game’s first-ever alliance and using strategy over physicality are just two of the ways Hatch changed the game forever. He spent four years in prison after being convicted in 2006 for evading his taxes regarding the million-dollar prize he won back in 2000.
Regardless, Hatch has appeared in multiple reality TV shows and small film roles since his arrest, including The Biggest Loser and Celebrity Apprentice. Though he would love another shot, Hatch has no chance of returning, largely in part to the scandal between him and contestant Sue Hawk in Survivor: All-Stars (see below).
NOT MISS: Brian Heidik
Brian Heidik was the used car salesman (and part-time actor, in many different, umm, genres) that won over the Survivor: Thailand jury and took home the million-dollar prize. Though Thailand is rated one of the worst seasons for other reasons than Brian (see: contestant Ted Rogers grinds against Ghandia Johnson in the shelter; and its painfully boring pace), he soon became the game’s biggest bad-boy to date.
After a public and messy spousal abuse case with ex-wife (and fellow former porn-star) Charmaine (“C.C.”) Costigan Heidik, Brian landed himself in jail after shooting a puppy with a bow and arrow. Though he claims he thought it was a coyote, “C.C” told police he intended to shoot another puppy, and alleges he hit her days before. Needless to say, fans weren’t surprised to hear that Brian was not called by production for Winners at War.
MISS: Tom Westman
Tom Westman was the firefighter challenge beast who won five immunity challenges in Palau, the record high for its time. Tom was known for crushing his competition, especially ally Ian, who spent 12 hours with him holding onto a buoy for the longest challenge in history!
Tom returned for Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, but his torch was quickly snuffed being the fourth eliminated. Though he didn’t make for compelling television against the big leagues in Heroes vs. Villains, Tom remains one of the highest-ranked winners the game has seen.
NOT MISS: Todd Herzog
Todd Herzog was the paradoxical gay-Mormon-flight-attendant who earned his way to day 39 of Survivor: China, where he delivered one of the speeches and final tribal council performances to date. Even though fans love Todd, he’s struggled with some dark personal demons, battling alcoholism since his win back in 2007.
Todd dropped a bombshell during an interview with STAT in 2017, claiming Dr. Phil got him drunk and gave him Xanax before having to be carried on stage to appear on his show. Todd said he showed up to set sober, only to find two bottles of vodka in his dressing room. He conducted an “AMA” on Reddit last year telling fans he was staying sober and managing a movie theater, and we hope he stays on track. Though his strategical mind would be great on Winners at War, fans want Todd to stay healthy out of the limelight for the time being.
MISS: Vecepia Towery
Vecepia Towery became the first woman of color to win Survivor back in season four, Marquesas. She has not returned to the game since and mostly stays away from the limelight. “My husband and I decided to not allow it to change our lives. I still shop at Walmart!” Vecepia told TV Guide Network in reference to the small impact Survivor has had on her day-to-day life.
Vecepia recently revealed through an interview with Rob Has A Podcast that she wasn’t even called or emailed about season 40, though she’s not offended they didn’t ask her back. She also said she would be up for the possibility of returning one day, restoring all hope for Vecepia fans!
NOT MISS: J.T. Thomas
J.T. was the classic “good ole’ boy” who won Survivor: Tocantins with the first-ever unanimous final vote. Though he played a “perfect” game in season 18 by managing to never have a vote cast against him, J.T.’s legacy fell with each following try. When he returned a year later for Heroes vs. Villains, J.T. infamously handed over his idol (and a cursive love letter) to opposing Villain’s tribe member, Russell Hantz, cementing his place as one of the worst moves in Survivor history after consequently being voted out.
The fan-favorite also returned for Survivor: Game Changers, but got voted out pre-merge after leaving his idol back at the beach and oversharing information during tribal councils. His foolish behavior and lack of strategy place J.T. as a winner we are glad won’t be returning for Winners at War.
MISS: Earl Cole
Earl Cole won Survivor: Fiji back in 2007, and has yet to return. He played an under-the-radar game against big personalities like Yau-Man and Dreamz, and ultimately pled his case, deserving the victory.
Though fans would love to see Earl play again, he recently explained his reasoning for skipping out on Winners at War through this Reddit “AMA”, stating: My daughter had just got out of the hospital, after being in there for 3 months! I was in serious dad mode. No time to go play a game, no matter how special the season."
NOT MISS: John Cochran
Harvard Law School grad and current CBS writer John Cochran first blinded the eyes of viewers with his alabaster skin in Survivor: South Pacific, but it was when he returned for Survivor: Caramoan that Cochran was able to conquer the entire jury, winning 9-0.
Though Cochran is beloved by many fans, the Reddit community and fellow Survivor contestants are sick of Cochran and how much Jeff Probst kisses his ring. Though he was offered a spot on the season, Cochran didn’t want to ruin his reputation by potentially losing, adding to the reasons we’re glad to see him off the list!
MISS: Mike Holloway
Though he was the champion of the polarizing “white collar vs. blue collar vs. no collar” season Worlds Apart, Mike Holloway seems to be easily forgotten. It’s hard to believe, considering he won five immunity challenges– in a row! He invested his earnings into a t-shirt line he created called Sweet T’s Designs and is currently dating Big Brother 17’s, Meg Maley.
Mike would have been a great addition to the Winners At War cast, considering how many physical threats are playing! Hopefully the Survivor: Worlds Apart winner will return eventually.
NOT MISS: Richard Hatch
Hatch makes both lists, as his pendulum perpetually swings between founding father and accused monster. Though he’s still active in the community and itching for another shot, fans believe there’s pretty good reasoning to reject him this season. Back in Survivor: All-Stars, Richard Hatch was competing in a challenge against fellow Borneo contestant Sue Hawk, when Sue said Richard sexually violated her, thrusting his privates against her body.
Though she removed herself from the game and production ultimately decided footage showed otherwise, Survivor wants nothing to do with a sexual misconduct report, coming off of last season’s major scandal where contestant Dan Spilo was the first-ever contestant to be removed from the game, after being accused of sexual misconduct by fellow contestants and producers. Jeff Probst even gave an interview to Us Weekly explaining his reasoning behind Hatch not returning, pressing his wishes to keep Survivor a family-friendly show.
