Jeff Probst Addresses His Future as Survivor Host Ahead of Season 50

Jeff Probst won’t be dropping his buff anytime soon.

Because the Survivor host doesn’t plan on going anywhere.

Let me tell you, I have absolutely no plans to step down anytime soon! I’ve been with the show since day one, back in 2000, and I genuinely love everything about it – the direction we’re going, our incredible crew, and especially the amazing people who are auditioning. What’s really exciting is seeing how diverse our applicants are – we’re seeing representation across all ethnicities. People are telling me they feel seen on the show, and that inspires them to try out. That, to me, is incredibly rewarding and keeps me energized about the future.

Additionally, shortening the event from a 39-day competition to just over three weeks in 2021 reduced the workload for everyone involved.

Filming ‘Survivor’ used to be incredibly exhausting, but shortening the schedule from 26 days has helped a lot, cutting down the amount of work by about a third, according to host Jeff Probst. He explained that while it’s still a demanding experience, it’s now manageable.

He isn’t concerned about what happens to the show if he were to leave, as he doesn’t have a formal contract tying him to it.

He’s certain the show will continue even if he’s not involved, explaining that the show’s structure allows for it. He believes the success of future seasons will depend on who takes on the roles of producer and host, and the unique perspective they bring.

Probst believes that perspective is the most important quality for the next host of the show.

He explained that simply casting someone famous for Survivor wouldn’t work. It would be a misstep. However, if they cast someone who understands people and why we behave the way we do, that person could offer a fresh perspective. They might approach the show with a specific focus and say, ‘This is what I want to explore.’

If contestants are up for the challenge and determined to win, executive producer Matt Van Magenen is prepared to stay in Fiji for as long as necessary.

As a parent, I’m really hoping this show has a long run! My daughter is eight and absolutely loves the challenges – she’s already dreaming of being on the ‘Dream Team’ that tests them all out. Of course, the current age requirement is 21, but I playfully suggested to Entertainment Weekly that maybe, just maybe, we could bend the rules a little and let her try when she turns 20!

Honestly, I just can’t stand the thought of Survivor ever being over! He really drove that home – he doesn’t even consider it ending, and neither do I! He compared it to asking when the NFL will stop – it’s just…it’s become such a fixture, such a part of life! It’s evolved, sure, but the idea of it ending? No way. He doesn’t see it happening, and frankly, it gives me so much hope that my favorite show will be around forever!

With the 50th season of Survivor premiering on February 25th, it’s a great time to be a fan! Keep reading to learn more about the new castaways.

Season 37 (DAVID VS. GOLIATH)

Survivor seasons 12 (Panama-Exile Island), 16 (Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites), 20 (Heroes vs. Villains), and 34 (Game Changers) are considered particularly memorable installments of the show.