Jeff Probst Explains Why Amanda Kimmel Didn’t Return for 'Survivor 50' (Exclusive) 

WhenSurvivor announced the cast for its milestone 50th season, one absence immediately stood out to longtime fans: Amanda Kimmel.

A three-time player and finalist on Survivor: China and Micronesia, Kimmel has long been considered one of the show’s most iconic early-era competitors. Her exclusion from the cast of 24 returning players quickly sparked speculation and frustration from viewers who hoped to see her return for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.

According to host and executive producer Jeff Probst, the decision not to include Kimmel had nothing to do with her legacy and everything to do with logistics. “We had someone like Amanda. Everybody wanted Amanda — so did we, and so did she — but it didn’t work out schedule-wise,” Probst told Men’s Journal while on set in Fiji for Season 50.

Probst said that assembling the cast for Survivor 50 was the most challenging process the show has ever faced, given both the size of the returning-player pool and the sheer number of opinions surrounding the landmark season. “Putting this group of 24 players together was tougher than anything we’ve ever done,” he said, adding that “everybody has an opinion of who should be in the group of 24.”

The casting process, Probst explained, began with an unrealistically large pool before narrowing to the final 24 — the maximum number production believed was feasible for the game. “We started unrealistically with 200 people. Then we were down to about 100. Then we got down to 80,” he said. “Then you get to 50 and you’re looking at the people going, ‘How are we going to cut any of these people?’ But you can’t do 50 players. It doesn’t work mathematically.”

Several factors further narrowed the field. Probst noted that many former players have retired from the show entirely, including some of its most recognizable names. “Boston Rob[Mariano] said, ‘Probst, I love you. I’m done.’ Parvati [Shallow] said, ‘I’m done. I’m going to do other things,’” he said. (Both players went on to compete on Peacock's The Traitors.)

Probst also confirmed that the production team made a deliberate decision not to include winners who competed on Survivor 40, which eliminated 20 additional potential returnees. “We just watched them play,” he said.

In other cases, Probst stressed that life circumstances also prevented several fan-favorite players from returning, even when there was interest on both sides. “People forget that these players you watched 25 years ago have lives,” he said. “They have kids, they’ve married, they have careers. It doesn’t always work out.”

The Emmy-winning host acknowledged the disappointment felt by both fans and players who were left out of the milestone season, emphasizing that the decision was never about merit. “We’re aware that there are players who are frustrated they weren’t included, and that’s heartbreaking for us,” he said. “They could have been included. It’s not ‘You weren’t good enough.’ It’s ‘We only had so many spots, and we chose to go this direction.’”

Former players like Survivor 44'sCarolyn Wiger, Survivor: Cagayan'sSpencer Bledsoe, Survivor: Pearl Islands'Rupert Bonehamand even the original "Black Widow," Jerri Manthey from Survivor: The Australian Outback, were among those who spoke out about their disappointment in being dropped from the final cast.

Despite the outcry, Probst said he felt reassured after filming the season's opening moments on the beaches of Monuriki Island. “We’re also aware that fans will forever second-guess. We get that too,” he said. “We’re not saying we’re right. All we’re saying is this is the group we put together, and this morning’s marooning made me feel very confident.”

He added, “I saw an energy. I felt it. There were tears, there was reverence, there was appreciation, there was respect for each other — and there was also this desire to play.”

Survivor 50 kicks off with a three-hour premiere on CBS Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Related: Jeff Probst Reveals Why 'Survivor' Will Never Do an All-Celebrity Season (Exclusive)