We can’t wait to watch this!

Australian Survivor is changing in a big way. After the shock axing of beloved host Jonathan LaPaglia and the announcement that former show winner David Genat would replace him, new details have been revealed about the series’ refreshed format.

The 2026 season, called Redemption, has already begun filming and will see 24 players take on the challenge, including some very familiar faces from the show.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the upcoming season will also see three huge changes: a live finale, as well as fewer non-elimination episodes and a new location in Samoa.

The return of a live finale would mark the first since the COVID-19 pandemic led to travel restrictions worldwide.

Scroll on to find out who will be taking part in the show in 2026.
David Genat is the new host of Australian Survivor. (Credit: Instagram/survivorau)

Who is among the cast of Australian Survivor 2026?

With the theme of Redemption, it is only fitting that an array of previous players are back to try their hand at Australian Survivor again.

This time, they are entering with a personal mission as they have something to prove or put right.

“They’re not just playing to win; they’re playing to rewrite the story of who they are,” a press release confirmed.

But who will be among the cast?

Third-time players, Harry Hills, Simon Mee and Brooke Jowett, are all returning for their chance of redemption on the 2026 series.
Australian Survivor veterans are joining with many newcomers this time around. (Credit: Network 10)
And they won’t be the only ones with reality TV experience, as Big Brother’s Johnson Ashak and The Traitors New Zealand’s Cat Hooker will also try their hand at the game.

They will be fighting alongside a whole host of newcomers, including pro wrestler Jackson, MMA fighter Cameron, CEO Richard, AFL Indigenous talent lead Ben and acupuncturist Blanche.

Students Tez and Sally, chef Faith, fraud prevention specialist Keeley, truck driver Caleb and country musician Don also think that they’ve got what it takes to win the challenge.

Making up the cast are model Lyndl, stay-at-home mum Loz, vet nurse Paula, pastor Daniel, artist Lottie, NDIS support worker Aisha and writer Eliza.

Find out everything we know about the cast here.

 

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Who is hosting Australian Survivor 2026?

It’s a lot to take in – and new host David knows the pressure is on for the new format to perform in 2026.

“I have so much respect for Australian Survivor,” David said in an Instagram post announcing the move.

“This game has changed my life. I love the players, I love the community of fans, and I love the crew who make it happen.

“As the new host of Australian Survivor, I won’t let you down,” he vowed.

 

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But the Daily Mail previously reported that the decision to replace Jonathan LaPaglia as host was made with money in mind.

“It’s a cost-cutting move, plain and simple,” a source close to production claimed.

“But replacing a seasoned host with a player who’s barely earned his stripes? It’s baffling.”

One producer told the publication that Jonathan was “furious” at being ousted.

“He’s been calling past players privately. Not just to say goodbye but to vent. He was blindsided, and he’s not hiding it.”

Indeed, Jonathan himself told the Daily Telegraph of his disappointment.

“The speculation online was that I received an email. But no, it was a call to my manager in Australia,” he said.

“I didn’t get a direct call, which, I’ll be honest with you, was disappointing.
Australian Survivor legend David Genat was spotted going overseas to film the 2026 season. (Credit: Instagram)
“After 10 years of helming their flagship show, it would have been nice to get a direct call from the people at the top, but I didn’t.”

But announcing the appointment of David to the role of host, Paramount Australia’s SVP Content and Programming, Daniel Monaghan, heralded the new format.

“As Australian Survivor moves into its 12th season, it’s no secret there’s been a change at the helm,” he said.

“As we step into this exciting new era, there is simply no better person to pass the baton to – David’s track record, not just on Survivor but across reality TV worldwide, is unrivalled, and there’s no one with more real-time experience and game knowledge to help steer this epic season.

“Survivor has always been about the players who pour their heart and soul into every moment, and this new batch of castaways certainly has their work cut out for them, as we introduce our thrilling new theme: Redemption – giving everyday contestants a chance to rewrite their story for a shot at greatness.”
Another season of Australian Survivor is on the way. (Credit: Channel 10)

What is the Australian Survivor 2026 theme?

Filming of the 2026 “Redemption” season is believed to have started in August 2025 in Samoa.

TV Blackbox reported that the new season will see four returning players take the roles of tribe captains in a shock twist.

Players understood to be returning include Brooke Jowett, who previously competed against David Genat in the All-Star season.

But a friend of former host JLP told Daily Mail that Jonathan was “gutted” at the 2026 season’s theme.

“This theme feels personal. Everyone in the Survivor community can see it for what it is,” the insider said.

When is Australian Survivor airing in 2026?

An air date for the new season has not yet been announced, but if previous seasons are anything to go by, it’s likely to air in January.