6. Zeke Smith
Back-to-Back Seasons: Millennials vs Gen-X and Game Changers
Zeke was an obvious choice to bring back for Game Changers after how well he played on Millennials vs Gen-X, despite placing ninth. Zeke was taken out because he was a huge threat and was eliminated when Adam played his idol for Hannah, ending Zeke’s game on Day 33.
Zeke came in tenth place when he returned for Game Changers, but he played hard throughout. He might have been booted on Day 29, but the reason he’s this high on here despite placing lower in his second season is because of how well he played in both games.
We all remember Zeke the most for the unfortunate moment where he was outed as transgender in Game Changers. He was put in a situation that no one should have to suffer through and used it as motivation. He had a legitimate chance to win both seasons he took part in and it’s a shame we probably won’t ever see Zeke again because of the experience he had the second time around.
5. Malcolm Freberg
Back-to-Back Seasons: Philippines and Caramoan
Malcolm was an instant fan favorite during his inaugural season of Philippines where he finished fourth. He was a part of the train wreck tribe that was Matsing, but made it through to the merge and aligned with a solid group of people. He was taken out on Day 38 because he didn’t have immunity and was the biggest threat to win when it was all said and done.
Obviously Malcolm was a lock to return for a future season, but Survivor decided to bring back the popular Fans vs Favorites concept for season 26. Malcolm returned as a member of the favorites tribe and while he didn’t make it anywhere close to the end, he played hard and was responsible for some of the biggest moments of the season.
Malcolm found a Hidden Immunity Idol in both seasons and actually had two in Caramoan which he used to pull off an awesome blindside against Phillip. He finished ninth in that season, but there’s no debating that he had two great performances in both seasons.