Easily one of the best reality shows ever produced, Survivor has been a gigantic success since the reality competition series premiered in the year 2000. Given how lengthy the show's history has been, it may seem like fans wouldn't be able to be surprised by the wild things that can happen around the series. Still, most observers were shocked when it was revealed that the CBS reality show removed two players before the game for breaking the rules.
As interesting as it is to learn about the two people who were kicked out, learning about Survivor 49's cast matters a lot more. After all, it is the players that viewers will actually see compete on the truly legendary reality show that will have the chance to entertain millions of fans. With that in mind, it is fascinating to learn about the two alternates who were thrust into Survivor 49.
Who is Survivor 49's alternate player, Michelle ‘MC’ Chukwujekwu?
The first of Survivor 49's alternate players who entered the game the night before the competition started is Michelle “MC” Chukwujekwu. In August 2025, Entertainment Weekly published an article that featured bios for every Survivor 49 player. As a part of that piece, it was revealed that Michelle, who is part of the Hina tribe, was a 29-year-old fitness trainer when the season began. Born in Sachse, Texas, it also is known that she was living in San Diego when her Survivor journey began.
As a part of the questionnaire for the bios, Survivor players answer a series of relevant questions. As a part of her interview, Michelle revealed that she hoped that she would play like the former winner, Dee Valladares. Michelle also explained that her history of working in the sales business would help her succeed in the game. Most importantly, Michelle explained why she believed she could win Survivor 49.
"I’ve got the social charm to be everyone’s best friend and outwit. I’ve got the athleticism to crush physical challenges and outplay. I’ve got the mental endurance to outlast!!"Michelle ‘MC’ Chukwujekwu
Who is Survivor 49's alternate player, Jason Treul?
Just like the season's other alternate, Jason Treul joined the Hina tribe the night before Survivor 49 officially began. During the first episode of the season, Jason was shown addressing his status as an alternate while speaking to Jeff Probst. That speaks to the fascinating journey that the player, who was 32 years old when the game began, had on the hit reality show.
Born in Anaheim, California, according to his player bio, Jason was living in Santa Ana, California when he left for Survivor 49. Entertainment Weekly's coverage of Survivor 49's cast also revealed that Jason was working as a law clerk, thought he would play like Survivor 48's winner, Rachel LaMont, and is inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Jason also described why he believed he could win Survivor 49.
""I’m just a small little guy! People will underestimate me. Even though I’m goofy and look full of weakness ,the one thing I know I kick ass at is adapting, learning from my mistakes, and rallying HARD. If they keep me long enough, they can’t stop me.""Jason Treul
Survivor 49 airs Wednesday at 8/7c on CBS.