What Rob “Boston Rob” Mariano Wants Banned From Survivor

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Rob “Boston Rob” Mariano thinks the past should stay the past.

Even though Survivor constantly adds new surprises each season, the winner of season 22 recently shared his opinion on a particular advantage that he thinks should be permanently removed from the show.

Rob explained to TopMob’s Eyal Booker and Lonnie Marts on their Hot Goss podcast that a past game twist, called ‘Turn Back the Time,’ allowed a player to undo a previous decision. He felt this was unfair to those affected by it.

The “Hourglass Advantage,” also called the “Change History Advantage,” debuted in season 41 of the show. It allowed a player who had been voted out to steal immunity from the winning tribe or player in the previous challenge, making themselves safe from elimination. While eventual winner Erika Casupanan used the advantage during season 41, it was discontinued after season 42.

Okay, so Rob is really into the whole hourglass twist, but honestly, it’s not just him! I mean, we all talk about advantages, right? And you won’t believe this – Dylan Efron, who’s amazing in ‘Everything’s A Competition’ with Rob, actually thinks there are WAY too many idols in Survivor. I know, right? He’s totally on my wavelength about that! It’s just getting a bit crazy with how many idols are floating around on the show.

The winner of Traitors recently shared their thoughts on Survivor, saying there are too many different types of immunity. Appearing with TopMob, they explained that the numerous layers of immunity can be confusing for new players trying to understand the game.

Honestly, one of the things that really bothers me is when a reward also comes with immunity. It feels unfair because only a small group – usually just four people – benefits, and it drastically changes the power dynamics of the game. It just throws everything off balance!

Dylan suggested simplifying the show to recapture the feel of classic Survivor.

Boston Rob and Dylan often share their thoughts on Survivor, but over the years, fans have also uncovered many hidden truths about the show. Keep reading to learn more!

Each season, tens of thousands of people try out for the show. The casting team intentionally creates a diverse group, combining dedicated Survivor fans with people who often turn out to be professional models or actors. However, even these recruited individuals have to go through the standard audition process.

As a long-time fan, I always wondered how they handled all the submissions! Apparently, Lynne Spillman, one of the original casting directors who worked on the show until 2018, told Reality Wanted that they get tons of repeat applications – people trying out year after year, which is pretty surprising to hear!

Now, host Jeff Probst is handling casting. 

He explained to Entertainment Weekly that the process usually begins with a Zoom call where the guests share their life stories. He admitted he often finds himself wondering how they’ve accomplished so much at a young age, and what he was doing with his own life when he was 24.

The selection process includes further interviews, including sessions with the show’s psychologists. Host Jeff Probst explained that their goal is simply to understand the contestants’ true personalities. He often tells applicants they don’t need to pretend to be anyone other than themselves. It seems obvious, but it’s crucial – they aren’t looking for sob stories, comedians, or specific qualifications. Authenticity is all that matters.

Even if you’re one of the first contestants voted off, you still earn money for appearing on Survivor – though it might be a blow to your pride.

Here’s a quick rundown of what competitors make:

Players voted off before the final jury still get a free trip to Fiji, as they have to remain on location for the duration of filming to keep the outcome a secret. They also each receive $10,000 for appearing at the live finale and reunion show at the end of the season.

In an interview with TMZ, Jonny Fairplay revealed how much money contestants on Survivor supposedly earn. He claims the first person voted off receives $12,500, and those who make it to the jury get $40,000. Fairplay later admitted he might have shared confidential information, possibly violating a non-disclosure agreement.

The winner of Survivor receives a $1 million prize, but second place earns $100,000 and third place gets $85,000. The show used to award a fan-favorite prize of $100,000 or a car (when sponsored), but that award is no longer given.

Season two of Survivor, The Australian Outback, is the only one to last longer than 39 days. This was likely due to the huge popularity and high ratings of the very first season.

Plus, each episode covers roughly three days of the competition, which means editors have to sift through an incredible amount of footage – between 300 and 500 hours – to create a concise 44-minute show. Remember, the contestants are being filmed around the clock!

Filming the Tribal Council scenes usually takes between one and two hours because Jeff Probst asks each contestant the same question individually. When it’s time to count the votes, Probst works with the producers who are watching a live feed of the voting. Together, they decide the order in which Probst will announce the votes.

According to the Survivor Wiki, castaways are only allowed to bring one small, handheld item with them when filming begins – they can’t bring any luggage.

All clothing worn during the 39-day shoot must be approved by the production team beforehand.

I really wished I could have brought my parka to the game, but as a contestant, I didn’t have complete control over what I wore,” Angelina Keeley from David vs. Goliath explained to EW after her attempt to get a recently voted-out Natalie Cole to give her her jacket failed. “We’re supposed to wear clothes that reflect who we are and what we’d normally wear. You start with one outfit, and that’s what you have to stick with throughout the game, unless you can find a way to change it up.”

Former contestant Max Dawson shared in a Reddit Q&A that producers sometimes provide incredibly detailed instructions, even directing competitors to specific stores for particular items. For example, John Cochran’s memorable sweater vests weren’t his own choice – they were selected for him by the show’s team!

According to Today, contestants are provided with a kit containing essential items like feminine hygiene products, birth control, important medications, contact lens solution, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Getting basic necessities like tampons isn’t always easy on the show. Former contestant Lauren-Ashley Beck shared that she had her period twice during her time on Season 39, and the second time, she had to wait almost a whole day to get a tampon because the crew needed to go to a local village to get more.

Often, actors need to avoid showing visible stubble or unshaven areas. That’s why some competitors undergo laser hair removal or teeth whitening before filming starts.

So…where are Probst and the crew members staying while the competitors are roughing it? 

As a long-time Survivor fan, I always love hearing behind-the-scenes details! Jeff Probst shared something really interesting in a Reddit AMA a few years ago. He explained that the crew basically sleeps wherever they can find space. He mentioned the Philippines season – they were way out in the ocean, but luckily stumbled upon this huge, normally abandoned casino and hotel. He had no clue what the place was usually used for, but it ended up being an amazing base camp! Everyone on the crew actually got their own room with a shower and air conditioning, which is pretty incredible considering where they are filming!

They’ve used tents in the past, he explained, recalling a particularly memorable experience in Kenya. He described sleeping in individual tents where, each night, pulling out his cot allowed him to gaze at the stars. Waking up, he’d carefully unzip the tent, hoping not to disturb the zebras or giraffes often grazing nearby – a truly unforgettable experience.

Jeff Probst says there’s no typical day for him. Each day is long, surprisingly enjoyable, and constantly busy because ‘Survivor’ operates around the clock. As an Executive Producer, he’s always working, but he credits his incredible production team for making it all possible.

Ever wonder who tests the challenges on Survivor before the contestants do? It’s a dedicated crew known as the “Dream Team.” They run through each challenge at least twice: once to work out any kinks and plan the best camera shots, and a second time so the show can film them as if they’re the contestants, during Jeff Probst’s explanation of the challenge.

It’s common for viewers to get confused by the rules of the show, and even the contestants sometimes need clarification. Luckily, challenge producer John Kirhoffer provides a more detailed explanation of the games and answers any questions they have. A representative from CBS legal is also on hand to make sure everything is fair.

Contestants meet with the show’s medical team both before and after each challenge. Medical staff are also available at all times in case of emergencies—for example, three competitors once collapsed during a single challenge on Survivor: Kaôh Rõng.

As a huge fan, I’ve always been fascinated by what happens after someone gets voted off Survivor. It’s not like they just go straight home! Even if you’re the first one out, you’re still there for the entire 39 days of filming – which is great for keeping spoilers away! The eliminated players who make it to the jury get sent to a place called “Ponderosa.” It’s basically a comfortable resort or hotel where they can relax, eat well, have fun, and hang out with the other jury members. It’s a much better situation than being stuck in the harsh conditions of the game!

During the Micronesia season of Survivor, CBS launched Life at Ponderosa, an online show that let viewers see what happened after contestants were voted off the island.

If you’re voted out of the game before the final jury is formed, you’ll be moved to a nearby location once the jury members begin gathering.

Surprisingly, the show wasn’t forced to evacuate the cast because of a natural disaster until a cyclone struck Fiji during Season 33, Millennials vs. Gen X, in 2016. And when a disaster halts the game, it comes to a complete standstill.

To ensure everyone was together, we brought all the tribes back to base camp. We isolated each tribe in a completely empty room – no food, bedding, or anything at all. Producers watched them closely all night, and surprisingly, they kept their word and didn’t try to communicate or make deals. We appreciated that they honored our agreement. The next morning, we brought them back to their beaches and the competition continued, as Probst explained to EW.

During season 37 in 2018, the castaways had to be evacuated twice because of cyclones in Fiji. Both times, they were kept isolated and watched to ensure fair play. Despite the interruptions, Jeff Probst praised the contestants for respecting the game.

The players were grateful that we had their best interests at heart,” Probst explained to EW. “They also understood the game wasn’t over, even though it was paused, and that’s why they didn’t try to break any rules or take advantage of the situation.

Okay, so you see them walking to Tribal Council and challenges on TV, but honestly, it’s all a bit of a trick! Production actually drives them – they don’t just stroll! And the craziest part? They’re not allowed to talk strategy or anything about the game at all while they’re being taken! It’s like they’re completely cut off, which is so fascinating to me! I’ve always wondered what’s going through their heads during those drives…

Jeff Probst, the host and showrunner of Survivor, recently shared his favorite winner during an Entertainment Weekly panel: John Cochran from Season 26. He also named Parvati Shallow and Rob Mariano as players who have consistently excelled at the game.

And during a Reddit AMA, he revealed his least favorite Survivor twist ever: The Medallion of Power. 

He admitted he wasn’t thrilled with how things went, saying he should have been more vocal. Everyone makes errors, he acknowledged, but he hoped the team generally agreed their decisions were sound. He explained that, as any showrunner knows, you can’t truly predict what will be successful until you give it a try.

He considered the hidden immunity idol, first appearing in season 11, to be the most impactful twist.

Jeff Probst told The Hollywood Reporter that Survivor has incorporated ideas from Tyler Perry on multiple occasions. One example is the ‘special powers’ idol, which allowed a player to use it even after the votes were tallied. This ultimately helped Tony Vlachos win in Cagayan, though many viewers didn’t like the way it worked.

Besides Perry, Jimmy Fallon has also offered ideas. A group of TV showrunners and producers are running a contest where they each contribute $200. The person who guesses correctly wins the entire pot, while the one who’s wrong pays for a huge celebratory dinner at the end of the season – it’s gotten as high as $8,000!

Before filming begins, each participant signs a contract agreeing not to publicly criticize the show or its creators, and acknowledging the inherent risks and potential for injury that come with competing on Survivor.

However, there’s a significant penalty – a $5 million fine – if you break the confidentiality agreement. This means you can’t reveal any details about the show, or even that you’re a contestant, until CBS officially announces it.

During season 37, Alec Merlino risked legal trouble when he shared a photo with fellow contestant Kara Kay on Instagram before the show even aired. He captioned the photo with a profanity. Although producers didn’t pursue a $5 million penalty using a non-disclosure agreement, they did exclude him from attending the live finale taping.

The main source of conflict throughout my time on Survivor has been the reaction to a picture of me. I have a lot of respect for CBS, the show, and Jeff Probst, and I truly had an incredible experience. The picture itself was regrettable, and I fully accept responsibility for it. It’s just frustrating that things can be easily misinterpreted, and that’s all I’ll say about it,” Alec explained to EW.

Back in 2001, Stacey Stillman, who was the third person eliminated from the first season of Survivor, filed a lawsuit against CBS and the show’s creator, Mark Burnett. She claimed Burnett manipulated her removal from the show and rigged the results. Specifically, she alleged that Burnett used his influence over the contestants, persuading two of them to switch their votes.

CBS and Mark Burnett, the show’s creator, dismissed the lawsuit as without merit. The network then filed its own counter-suit, seeking $5 million in damages due to a breach of contract – specifically, for speaking publicly about the show when they weren’t supposed to. Eventually, the dispute was resolved privately, outside of court.

Over the years, Survivor has seen many couples find love, with Boston Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich being the most famous example. They met during All-Stars and now have four daughters together.

Jeff Probst also found romance unexpectedly, beginning a relationship with contestant Julie Berry after filming finished on Survivor: Vanuatu. They kept their romance private until after her season aired and dated for several years before splitting up in 2008.

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2025-12-12 04:49