5 Reasons Rick Devens Is A Lock For Survivor 50: The News Anchor’s Unfinished Business

The anticipation for *Survivor 50*, the show’s next all-returnee season, has reached a fever pitch, and one name consistently dominates the rumor mill: Rick Devens. As of December 12, 2025, while the official cast list remains under wraps by CBS and Jeff Probst, the former news anchor from *Survivor: Edge of Extinction* (Season 38) is widely considered a near-certainty for the historic milestone season. His electrifying, idol-heavy gameplay and dramatic Final Four exit have cemented his status as a player with "unfinished business," making his return an almost irresistible proposition for producers looking to deliver a blockbuster season. Devens' unique blend of charismatic confessionals, relentless strategic hunting, and ability to survive against the odds—even after being voted out—makes him a perfect candidate for a season designed to celebrate the show's legacy. Fans are eager to see if he can finally secure the title of Sole Survivor, a feat many believe he deserved during his controversial first outing. The question isn't *if* he's coming back, but *how* the other legendary castaways will handle the most idol-proficient player in the show’s history.

Rick Devens: The News Anchor Profile and Survivor Biography

Rick Devens first captured the hearts of the *Survivor* fanbase during Season 38, *Edge of Extinction*. He quickly became one of the most memorable contestants in the show's history due to his energetic, theatrical gameplay and his ability to turn a losing position into a dominant one.

• Full Name: Rick Devens
• Occupation: Morning News Anchor/Producer
• Employer: WGXA Morning News (Macon, Georgia)
• Original Season: *Survivor: Edge of Extinction* (Season 38)
• Original Result: 4th Place
• Key Achievements: Returned from the Edge of Extinction at the merge; holds the record for the most Hidden Immunity Idols possessed in a single season (4); won four individual Immunity Challenges.
• Current *Survivor* Role: Host of the official *Survivor* podcast, *On Fire: The Official Survivor Podcast*.
• Personal Life: Married and a father.
• Notable Moment: Received a $100,000 prize from singer Sia at the reunion show, who was a massive fan of his gameplay.

The Unfinished Business: Why Devens is a Survivor 50 ‘Lock’

While CBS has yet to officially announce the *Survivor 50* cast, the overwhelming consensus among fans, former players, and reliable spoiler communities is that Rick Devens is on the short list of guaranteed invites. This isn't just wishful thinking; it's based on a confluence of production incentives and his specific storyline.

The primary reason for his high probability of return is his controversial exit from *Edge of Extinction*. Devens was voted out pre-merge, returned via the Edge of Extinction twist, and then proceeded to dominate the post-merge game. He was the clear strategic and challenge threat, forcing the other players to scramble to eliminate him. His game ended not by a vote, but by the now-infamous Final Four Fire Making Challenge, where he lost to Chris Underwood, who had also returned from the Edge and ultimately won the season.

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For many, Devens was the "true winner" of Season 38. This narrative of a player who dominated the game but was foiled by a twist—a twist, ironically, that he helped implement by returning—is exactly the kind of high-stakes, dramatic storyline that *Survivor 50* needs. His inclusion would provide a compelling redemption arc and satisfy the long-standing fan demand to see him play a full, untainted game.

Furthermore, his current role as a host of the official *Survivor* podcast, *On Fire*, keeps him tightly integrated into the show’s ecosystem, suggesting a strong working relationship with the production team and host Jeff Probst.

The Devens Strategy: Idol Record and Social Game Evolution

If Rick Devens steps back onto the beach for *Survivor 50*, his game will be scrutinized from the very first minute. His original strategy was defined by a relentless search for advantages and his theatrical flair at Tribal Council, which he often used to intimidate or mislead his opponents. This style led to a *Survivor* record that still stands.

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Record-Breaking Idol Hunter

Devens holds the record for the most Hidden Immunity Idols possessed in a single season, with four. This incredible feat wasn't just luck; it was a testament to his dedication to the hunt and his willingness to use clues and misdirection. In a season full of returning legends like Cirie Fields, Colby Donaldson, or Ozzy Lusth—all names heavily rumored for *Survivor 50*—Devens’ reputation as an idol magnet will make him Public Enemy No. 1.

This notoriety presents a massive challenge: he will be targeted immediately. Every player will know his strategy, and the paranoia he created in *Edge of Extinction* will be amplified. Devens will have to evolve his game from being an entertaining villain to a more subtle, socially adept player.

The Critical Social Game Adjustment

While his strategic and challenge prowess was undeniable, his social game was often criticized. He became so focused on finding advantages and playing to the cameras that he alienated the jury, who ultimately awarded the million dollars to Chris Underwood. The key to his success in *Survivor 50* will be a strategic shift:

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• Subtlety Over Spectacle: He needs to dial back the flashy Tribal Council performances and focus on building genuine, trust-based alliances.
• Jury Management: He must ensure his allies feel like partners, not just shields, to secure their votes in the end.
• Managing the Threat Level: The other returning players are legends themselves. Devens must find a way to work with bigger threats like Tony Vlachos or Sandra Diaz-Twine (both rumored for S50) or successfully deflect the target onto them.

The Final Four Fire Making Challenge remains the single biggest hurdle for Devens' legacy. His loss to Lauren O'Connell's fire at the Final Four in Season 38 was a devastating blow that cost him the game. If he makes it that far in *Survivor 50*, fans can expect him to practice his fire-making skills relentlessly to avoid a repeat of that heart-wrenching defeat. His journey back to the beach is more than just a return; it's a quest to prove that the most dominant player of his season can, in fact, win the ultimate title.