It might have taken three episodes, but the official opening theme for “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans” has finally been unveiled!
A long-standing tradition for the hit reality competition series, the opening credits typically precede each episode, giving viewers a glimpse at each of the season’s castaways in action, all underscored by the classic “Survivor” theme song: “Ancient Voices.”
For Season 50, “Survivor”s resident director of photography, Scott Duncan, had to squeeze all 24 returning all-star players into the minute-long intro.
While the end result easily could have felt rushed compared to typical seasons, which usually boast a cast of 18-20 players, fans and former players alike have had nothing but positive things to say about the new opening credits since they debuted on the season’s third episode last night (Mar. 11).
That’s not all though. Some eagle-eyed fans also spotted a MAJOR spoiler in the sequence.
‘Survivor’ Unveils Official Season 50 Opening Credits Sequence
“Cue the Ancient Voices!!” wrote the official “Survivor” Instagram account under a video post of the new Season 50 opening credits.
The caption, of course, refers to the show’s classic theme song, scored by American composer Russ Landau, which has been used for the opening credits of every single “Survivor” season since its inception in 2000.
Now, 26 years and 50 seasons later, fans still can’t get enough of the track.
“We’re so back,” wrote one fan on Instagram, while another added, “Best theme song in history! Goosebumps every single time!!”
Though “Ancient Voices” no doubt has the uncanny ability to stir up nostalgia and excitement in the hearts of every diehard “Survivor” fans, viewers similarly praised Duncan and the editing team for the stunning actions shot of each of the season’s returning castaways in the opening credits.
“The editors cooked so hard with this one,” added another fan. “I freaking love it.”
‘Survivor 50’ Opening Credits Confirm [SPOILER] Makes the Merge
CBSWhile every player – including those who’ve already been eliminated, including Jenna Lewis-Dougherty, Kyle Fraser and Savannah Louie – were featured, it was the “Dragonslayer” himself, Benjamin “Coach” Wade, who received the most praise from fans.
“OK THE COACH INTRO SHOT IS THE BEST INTRO SHOT I’VE EVER SEEN,” wrote Season 50 returnee Kamilla Karthigesu, referring to a sequence showing Wade performing martial arts moves while silhouetted against the ocean.
“Hang it in the Louvre,” added Season 47 alum Sam Phalen under a screenshot of Wade’s clip on ChatBCC.
Out of all 24 returning players, Coach had the distinct honor of being shown first.
“Oh man. You guys put me first,” wrote the Dragonslayer in the comments. “Thank you [Matt Van Wagenen] and [Jeff Probst].”
Wade’s epic shot wasn’t the only thing fans noticed, however, as some eagle-eyed fans realized that the “Survivor: South Pacific” runner-up was similarly wearing a yellow buff around his wrist in the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sequence.
CBSAt present, the three “Survivor 50” tribes – Cila, Vatu and Kalo – are wearing orange, magenta and cyan buffs, respectively, leading fans to believe that Wade’s yellow buff is actually this season’s Merge buff.
“Coach makes the merge!!!” exclaimed one fan in the comments after noticing the discrepancy.
“CBS keeps spoiling,” added another, to which a third replied, “It was worth it because that shot is too epic not to include.”
What do you think? Do the new opening credits confirm that Benjamin “Coach” Wade will make it to the Merge portion of “Survivor 50”? Find out as the milestone season continues to air on CBS screens nationwide every Wednesday night at 8:00pm ET.
