For its 12th installment, “Survivor” is returning to the number of contestants – 16 – it used in its first several seasons, and it’s headed back to Panama, site of the “Pearl Islands” season. But little else about the start of the game will be the same.

For starters, the contestants, who range in age from 24 to 58 and include a retired astronaut, a yoga instructor and a logging-sports promoter and performer, will be divided into four tribes of four in the first episode – older men, older women, younger men and younger women. Then there’s the big wrinkle that gives this season its name: “Survivor: Panama – Exile Island.”

During each episode, at least one player will be banished to “Exile Island,” a mini-Elba miles away from the team camps. In addition to being removed from the group dynamics of the game, exiles will have to fend for themselves while on the island. There is, however, a hidden immunity idol on the island that they can use at a future tribal council.

In the premiere, scheduled for Feb. 2 (the first night of February sweeps), the four tribes will start off with a reward challenge, with the losing team having to decide which of its members is banished. That person will then have to compete solo in the first immunity battle.

The four tribes will become two in the show’s second episode. Jeff Probst, newly signed to stay with “Survivor” through the game’s 16th installment, returns as host.

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