Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The 50th season of famed television show Survivor premieres on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. One of the returning contestants will be season 42 star, and Gulf Shores resident, Jonathan Young. He will be joined by a record-breaking 24 returning players from across the show's 25-year history.

The contestants will be divided to teams and Young is on team Kalo. The season will feature appearances by MrBeast, Billie Eilish, Zac Brown, and Jimmy Fallon in unique roles.

In addition to being a star on Survivor, Young, then age 14, competed in the sixth season of Endurance in 2007. On the season’s Red Team, they finished in third place. 

Local residents of Gulf Shores have a casual feeling when approaching Jonathon around town. He is known to visit Happy Pappy coffee shop and appreciative when someone ask about his past experience on TV. He greets everyone with a smile and a pleasant response.

Earlier in 2025, Jonathan Young was featured in "Beach Front Bargain Hunters” along with his mom, Jan, and brother, Josh. They found, negotiated for, and bought an almost derelict house in Gulf Shores. They planned how to restore it and carried out the work themselves. They then sold it for a handsome profit.

The Young family is well-known in Baldwin County and in much of Alabama. Jonathan Young’s father is developer Dean Young, a former candidate for Congress who won a seat in a runoff but lost to Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose).

Here is the profile of Jonathan Young compiled by Survivor:

Age: 29
Hometown: Gadsden, AL
Current Residence: Gulf Shores, AL
Occupation: Beach Service Co. Owner
Favorite Hobbies: Working out, spearfishing and surfing
3 Words to Describe You: Endurance, devoted and mentally strong
Pet Peeves: Wearing shirts, people who bully others and when people are disrespectful
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Broke the Guinness World Record for most pull-ups with 100 lbs. on my back.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I can sing an amazing rendition of "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid.
Who is your hero and why? Lex Luger. He is a man of God. My physical and spiritual mentor through some of the hardest times in my life.
Which past Survivor will you play the game most like? Ozzy
Why do you believe you can be the Sole Survivor? My athleticism will help me greatly in the challenges. My wit and charm will help me outside of the challenges. I'm very strong-willed and determined. I will not give up on anything. 

Jonathan Young is “one of the most physically intimidating challenge performers [Survivor] has ever had.” — Survivor Host Jeff Propst.