Even when a new Survivor fan has just figured out which seasons to watch first, they may have already picked up on some trends about the reality show. Of course, the kind of fan who knows which former players refused to return and who the first person to be medically evacuated was will know even more about Survivor. One of those things that new and old Survivor fans may have noticed is that Jeff Probst likes certain kinds of players.

Throughout the show's history, fans have noticed that the best Survivor winners and the greatest players tend to prioritize strategy. However, it has often seemed like Jeff thinks the best seasons have featured mainstream celebrities and challenge beasts. With that in mind, it was surprising when the famous actor Lisa Whelchel revealed she wasn't contacted to return for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans. However, Lisa later suggested she was overlooked because of something she previously said about Survivor.

Lisa Whelchel Wasn't Contacted For Survivor 50: In The Hands Of The Fans After Saying She Wouldn't Want To Play Again

When fans learned that Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans would feature an all-returning players cast, most had one question in mind. Who? As it turns out, that was a major question for the team behind Survivor as well. In a February 2025 video uploaded to Survivor's YouTube channel, Jeff Probst explained that they initially considered 200 former players for the season.

"We started with a list of 200 people, and we're like, 'I could actually see any of these people representing, the season.'"

Since so many former players were considered, it is fascinating to learn about some of the players who were never in the running. For example, Lisa Whelchel revealed she wasn't contacted for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.

In June 2025, Lisa spoke to Entertainment Weekly about Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.

After being asked about the upcoming landmark season, Lisa explained that she was never asked about joining the cast.

“I was not contacted.”

As interesting as that is, what Lisa said next was fascinating as well.

While talking about Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, several notable former players have revealed they weren't contacted for the season. For example, Rupert Boneham exclusively told TheThings that he was upset that he wasn't contacted about Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.

After waiting months to learn about the cast of Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, fans were shocked for several reasons. While viewers were deeply surprised by several of the upcoming season's exclusions, fans also didn't anticipate the number of players who will be included. For the first time in the show's history, Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans will feature twenty-four players, which is four more than any other season.

When fans learn that beloved players seemingly weren't even considered for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, they will likely want to know why.

In Lisa's case, she had a specific theory about why she wasn't contacted for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans. While talking to Entertainment Weekly in June 2025, Lisa stated that she blamed previously telling the outlet that she wouldn't play again for her not being contacted.

“I think one of the reasons is because you did do the COVID interview with me and I was very clear that I would never do it again.”

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, Entertainment Weekly interviewed several past Survivor players about their experience on the show. In October 2020, Lisa spoke to Entertainment Weekly as part of that series.

When she was asked if she would play again during that interview, Lisa bluntly said that she wouldn't go on Jeff Probst's show again.

"No."

While still talking to Entertainment Weekly in 2020, Lisa explained why she had no interest in playing Survivor again.

"I got what I wanted and, more importantly, what I needed, and I am forever grateful for that. I'm content to enjoy the show from the warmth, comfort, and emotional safety of my own home, thank you very much!"

With those remarks in mind, it makes sense that the show's team would think there would be no point in contacting Lisa about Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.

Why Lisa Whelchel Not Being Contacted For Survivor 50: In The Hands Of The Fans Is Surprising

When fans talk about the best Survivor players ever, Lisa Whelchel isn't part of the discussion. With that in mind, it may not seem surprising that Lisa wasn't contacted for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans. However, there are two reasons why it seemed like the team behind Survivor would have wanted Lisa on the upcoming season.

Throughout Survivor's history, Jeff Probst has always seemed overjoyed to have famous people compete on the show. With that in mind, it shouldn't surprise anyone that Mike White is part of Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans' cast.

In fact, there is even a TheThings article that lists ten of the biggest celebrities who've competed on Survivor. That list names Mike and Lisa as two of Survivor's most noteworthy celebrity players. For anyone who doesn't know, Lisa rose to fame when she spent several years starring in the show The Facts of Life when she was a teen. Given that Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans is a huge season for the show, it seems like Jeff would have wanted another celebrity like Lisa involved.

If Jeff wanted a celebrity involved in Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, he would likely want it to be someone who'd previously done well on the show. However, the truth is that most celebrities who've played Survivor have quickly been eliminated.

However, Mike and Lisa both made it to the final tribal council and became a Survivor runner-up. Given that Lisa is a celebrity who came close to winning the game, contacting her for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans seems like a no-brainer.