Jeff Probst's Heartbreaking Moment: What Made Him Cry on Survivor After 48 Seasons?

It’s a Survivor first that will have fans reaching for the Kleenex.

In a deeply moving scene on the March 26 episode of the long-running reality show, veteran host Jeff Probst found himself overcome with emotion as contestant Eva Erickson disclosed her autism diagnosis following her triumph over challenges during the Immunity Challenge.

As I stand before you all, I’m ready to share my journey – a journey that started when I was incredibly young and was labeled as having autism. Many were skeptical about my potential, predicting that I wouldn’t live independently or hold a job. They even suggested that at best, I might marry someone else with similar challenges. Little did they know…

Eva elaborated, “My parents persisted in providing me with numerous treatment options, ensuring I received the necessary support. This enabled me to attend regular school and I’ve always seen my autism more as a stepping stone towards success rather than an obstacle.

Eva revealed that she felt overwhelmed during the contest, yet she managed to push through and emerge victorious, winning the final Immunity Idol for her team. She expressed gratitude towards Joe, who was exceptionally permitted to break tribal boundaries to offer Eva a comforting embrace after the competition, helping to soothe her.

As an ardent advocate, I humbly request us all to tread together towards empathy. And let me clarify, as someone on the spectrum of autism, this is a part of my journey that we share. It’s crucial for every individual with autism to feel no shame in seeking aid and accepting it graciously.

In his own words, Joe stated that he noticed Eva was in distress, and since he was on a different team, this didn’t stop him from helping her. Essentially, he felt that if someone were in the same situation with his own daughter, he would expect them to act similarly.

Moved visibly by the strong bond among the contestants, Jeff commended Eva for participating in ‘Survivor’, knowing that such a close friendship could develop, and bravely choosing to reveal her story to viewers who have autism.

“I’m a parent,” he began, choking back tears, “and I do see it.”

Jeff, co-parent of Lisa Ann Russell’s children Michael, 21, and Ava, 18, with her former partner Mark-Paul Gosselaar and his wife Catriona McGinn, expressed surprise as he said, “Wow, I’ve never experienced anything like this before.

“I see it,” he told Eva, “and that’s why I love Survivor.”

Survivor airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on CBS. And keep reading to meet the entire season 48 cast.