Natalie Tenerelli, of Survivor: Redemption Island (season 22), has been a polarizing figure with the fanbase. Natalie made it to Final Tribal Council at just 19 years old, remaining one of the youngest players ever to accomplish that feat. She was also the youngest female to play the game at the time. That is an accomplishment unto itself, but her gameplay itself has left fans divided on a possible return.
On Redemption Island, Natalie immediately built an alliance with tribemates Phillip Shephard and Boston Rob Mariano, who at the time was considered a legend of the game. The "Stealth R Us" alliance ran the game from start to finish, but Natalie had opportunities to make some power moves in the game.
Perhaps her youth played a factor here and she was easily influenced, but ultimately Natalie chose to stay unconditionally loyal to Boston Rob. This decision cost her, as the jury did not respect her gameplay and gave the win to her alliance member. While her loyalty may have cost her, she played a game she had to reach the end, and she should be remembered for that success.
With Survivor 50 being announced as an all-star season, fans have brought up many players from past seasons as possibilities to return. Natalie is a name that has been mentioned in fan circles, as someone who would be great to see play with more wisdom and life experience. Natalie shed light on the possibility of returning on social media.
Natalie has been the subject of debate for returnee seasons
Natalie played a polarizing game that has fans torn on the prospects of her returning. In the game, her refusal to socialize or build relationships with the opposing Zapatera tribe hurt her chances. Many of the jury members attacked her at the final tribal council, with Julie Wolfe going so far as to say she would be ashamed of her daughter if she played the way Natalie had. While some commended Natalie for making it that far at her age, it did not matter when the final votes were cast.
Natalie did have some good moments. She was able to win an immunity challenge, and she often found herself in the control position in the tribe. She maneuvered herself into the swing vote spot on several occasions. While her ultimate loyalty to Rib hurt her, the fact that she was in the position at all is a testimony to her potential.
Natalie was a possible player to return for Survivor Cambodia: Second Chances, but the fans chose not to vote her onto the show. She is currently an LA Clippers dancer but has made appearances on various Survivor-related podcasts and social media events throughout the years. Now 33, Natalie seems primed to make a return.
Natalie shuts down Survivor 50 cast rumors
Many former contestants have been flocking to social media to air grievences about their elimination from Survivor 50 casting consideration, including Carolyn Wiger, Russell Hantz, and Rome Cooney. Natalie is the newest castmate to reveal her status, doing so on her personal Instagram account.
In the post, Natalie talks about recently becoming a mother. She reveals she had previously been asked four or five different times to return to the show. After careful consideration, she decided to go through the casting process, feeling the time was right. In the end, though, it seems she has been cut by the powers that be, so fans will have to wait longer if they hope to see Natalie on television sets again.
Natalie may not have been a player who returned for her personality. While many former castaways are memorable for big moves or over-the-top personalities that keep fans hooked, Natalie did not necessarily have that. Her casting would be more about her self-growth. It would have been an opportunity to show her evolution.
In that way, the casting decision makes some sense. If the season were another second chance opportunity, Natalie would fit perfectly. She is the exact type of player who deserves to have another opportunity and prove what she has learned over the years. Survivor 50, however, is not that type of season.
Final thoughts
With rumors that CBS is taking over casting for the momentous season, it appears clear that they are looking for Survivor icons that will draw in viewership. Unfortunately, Natalie does not fit that definition and likely is not the type of personality to match a milestone season 50 cast. The general fan may not remember her enough to draw excitement from a casual viewer.
This is not to take away from her at all, because Natalie deserves another shot. Her new life experience would set her up well to make a deep, successful run on modern Survivor. Her age at the time of her original casting also makes her a legendary member of Survivor history books. Casting may be missing an opportunity here for a dark horse to shake up the game. Hopefully, in the future, Natalie will finally get her long-overdue chance.