Which previous contestants returned for Survivor: Heroes Vs Villains? The turn of the millennium saw a dramatic increase in the rise of reality TV shows, including the likes of The Bachelor and American Idol. The aptly named Survivor was one of the first out of the gate, with the first series launching back in 2000. The premise of the show sees a group of contestants stranded on an island where they have to work together to survive. They also compete in various different challenges and vote each off, with the final “Sole Survivor” winning a cash victory.
It’s a testament to Survivor’s staying power that it’s still going strong, with the concept being reinvented in interesting ways over the different seasons, such as 2018’s Survivor: David Vs Goliath. Some fans would consider Survivor: Heroes Vs Villains to be among one of the show’s all-time greatest. This season marked the 10-year anniversary of Survivor, so to make it extra special the show reunited beloved - and hated - players from past years and divided them into two tribes.
This resulted in one of the show’s most dynamic seasons to date, with Survivor: Heroes Vs Villains often regarded as a highlight of the entire series. Here are the 20 players that returned for the show and the different tribes they fell into.
After 39 days, Sandra Diaz-Twine was eventually crowned the Sole Survivor of Survivor: Heroes Vs Villains and won the $1 million cash prize, with Parvati Shallow coming in second place. Season 20 was a great series of reality television marked by dramatic twists and betrayals the whole way, with contestant Russell Hantz still considered one of the show’s greatest villains. This was also the year he developed his famous rivalry with fellow player Rob Mariano. Hantz would later reappear on the show for Survivor: Redemption Island and Australian Survivor: Champions Vs Contenders.
The Heroes
Colby Donaldson
Candice Woodcock
Stephenie LaGrossa
Amanda Kimmel
Jessica Kiper
James Clement
Tom Westman
Rupert Boneham
Cirie Fields
James Thomas
The Villains
Ben Wade
Sandra Diaz-Twine
Randy Bailey
Rob Mariano
Russell Hantz,
Jerri Manthey
Parvati Shallow
Tyson Apostol
Danielle DiLorenzo
Courtney Yates
Despite the enduring popularity of Survivor: Heroes Vs Villains, the format hasn’t been repeated since, though fans hope something similar will happen for Survivor season 40. The latest season was dubbed Survivor: Edge Of Extinction, which introduced a new feature where contestants who are voted off can choose to sail to an abandoned beach area and wait for a chance to rejoin the main game.
