Survivor’s Colby Donaldson Admits He Almost Backed Out of Season 50

However, after receiving approval from work, and with the blessing of his wife Britt Bailey, who he said “talked me into going again,” Colby—who previously competed on The Australian Outback (season two), All-Stars (season eight) and Heroes vs. Villains (season 20)—leaned into the experience.

“That was the best decision I made,” he shared. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had playing the game.” 

But while Colby enjoyed his time as a castaway on the islands of Fiji—which can be seen on season 50, premiering Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS—he knew that he “wasn’t going to be as dominant” as he was when he first competed 25 years ago. So, he adapted his style of play.

“For me, it was more important to pedal fast and catch up with the new era of play and how different it is now versus the last time I played,” he explained. “I knew it was going to be important for me to find someone in the younger generation to connect with that could help me along and guide me through the rules of play and how things are so vastly different now.” 

And Colby made sure to embrace the future of Survivor rather than relish too much in the past.

“Instead of being one of these grumpy old schoolers that wants to get rid of all the new era guys or gals, I wanted to find the ones I could connect with and play with,” he said. “And that ended up being a very fun part of the game for me.”

Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans premieres Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. Of course, Colby isn’t the only Survivor legend returning for season 50. Read on to see who else is part of the milestone season’s cast.