‘Survivor 50’ Runner-Up Jonathan Young Knows What Led to His Downfall

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Jonathan Young entered Survivor 50 with one of the biggest targets in the game. Known primarily as a challenge beast, he returned to the island determined to prove there was more to his game than brute force. So he spent the milestone season showing a more strategic side of himself and, along the way, he formed an unexpected friendship — with White Lotus creator Mike White — and found himself battling one of the game’s most influential social players — in Cirie Fields, whom he now believes played a major role in his downfall in the results of the live finale. Despite coming up just short with a runner-up finish, Jonathan’s second Survivor journey looked very different from his first. The Hollywood Reporter spoke with Young about his evolving strategy, the move he wishes he’d made and why he still feels like there’s unfinished business left in the game.

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A lot of players during the pregame said they were going to play differently than they had before, but you actually did, with viewers seeing your more strategic side. What do you consider your best move of the season?

I think I started out really strong with the Kamilla and Dee out. Those were pretty good. I’d have to say those two.