Survivor Season 35 Is a Showdown Between Heroes, Healers & Hustlers: Meet the Castaways

Long-running CBS reality series returns for a new season on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

By Billy Nilles Aug 30, 2017 5:33 PMTags
Survivor Season 35CBS

It's time to go back to tribal council.

When Survivor returns for its landmark 35th season (!!) this fall, the CBS reality series will once again be casting away 18 strangers on the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji, but this time around, they'll be split up into tribe based not on their status or their age, but on how they're perceived by others. For this edition, the show is taking on the theme of "Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers." How does one earn their place in one tribe above either of the others? Allow CBS to explain: "Heroes are used to being heralded for their achievements, healers receive gratitude for their work and hustlers must earn respect from others."

Of course, while the theme may be new, the objective, as ever, remains the same: Outwit, outplay and outlast everyone else to hear host Jeff Probst announce your name as Sole Survivor and earn that million dollar check.

Before we go back to the island, let's meet the castaways!

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Meet the Castaways of Survivor Season 35
"Levu"—The Heroes Tribe

Heroes are used to being heralded for their achievements.

Ben Driebergen, 34

Hometown: Boise, Id.
Profession: Marine

Alan Ball, 31

Hometown: Houston, TX via Detriot, Mich.
Profession: NFL Player

John "JP" Hilsabeck, 28

Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
Profession: Firefighter

Chrissy Hofbeck, 46

Hometown: Glen Gardner, N.J.
Profession: Financial Analyst

Ashley Nolan, 26

Hometown: Satellite Beach, Fla.
Profession: Lifeguard

Katrina Radke, 46

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn.
Profession: Olympian

"Soko"—The Healers Tribe

Healers receive gratitude for their work.

Jessica Johnston, 29

Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
Profession: Nurse Practitioner

Roark Luskin, 27

Hometown: Palo Alto, Calif.
Profession: Social Worker

Cole Medders, 24

Hometown: Little Rock, Ark.
Profession: Wilderness Therapy Guide

Joe Mena, 34

Hometown: Tolland, Conn. via Bronx, N.Y.
Profession: Probation Officer

Desiree "Desi" Williams, 27

Hometown: Peachtree City, Ga.
Profession: Physical Therapist

Mike Zahalsky, 43

Hometown: Parkland, Fla.
Profession: Urologist

"Yawa"—The Hustlers Tribe

Hustlers must earn respect from others.

Patrick Bolton, 24

Hometown: Lanett, Ala.
Profession: Small Business Owner

Alexandrea "Ali" Elliott, 24

Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
Profession: Celebrity Assistant

Simone Nguyen, 25

Hometown: Worcester, Mass.
Profession: Diversity Advocate

Devon Pinto, 23

Hometown: Carlsbad, Calif.
Profession: Surf Instructor

Lauren Rimmer, 35

Hometown: Beaufort, N.C.
Profession: Fisherman

Ryan Ulrich, 23

Hometown: North Arlington, N.J.
Profession: Bellhop

Which tribe do you think has what it takes to dominate above the others? Sound off in the comments below!

Survivor returns for season 35 on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. on CBS.