Jeff Probst’s Hilarious NSFW Puberty Joke on Survivor Deserves a Reward

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Jeff Probst has got jokes.

In my role as a lifestyle enthusiast, I must share an interesting tidbit from the latest episode of Survivor. During the CBS reality competition series on March 26, our longtime host made a somewhat unexpected reference to puberty. This moment, if you blinked, you might have missed it. It transpired during the season 48 tribes’ reward challenge.

Jeff explained the game: “Initially, you’ll be taking turns tossing sandbags at a moving target,” he said, as teams prepared for competition on the beach. “Each time you manage to hit the target, it will shift slightly lower.

As it becomes scant, you will let go of your items, he explained further. And just as in ‘Survivor’, or life for that matter, this signifies progression to the subsequent phase.

Shortly thereafter, Jeff enthusiastically declared, “Look! They’ve done it! The balls have been successfully dropped!” as Civa was the pioneering tribe to conquer the challenge involving balls.

But while the challenge continued, many fans on social media were still laughing off the NSFW quip.

As a connoisseur of unique experiences, I’ve got an intriguing idea brewing: Let’s create a novel drinking game!

In my own words, I’d say, “It seems someone made this comment: ‘Was Jeff really equating a reward challenge to the sensation of your testicles descending during puberty? ‘TESTICLES ARE DESCENDING!'” Meanwhile, on X, another person humorously commented about Jeff, “‘Jeff is getting too in tune with the memes,’ he said, using the hashtag #survivor48.

However, Jeff’s puberty joke wasn’t the sole subject of conversation on social media following the March 26 episode; many other moments also sparked discussion among viewers.

Later on, during the immunity test, Jeff choked up and wept for the very first time across 48 seasons when Eva Erickson, one of the contestants, disclosed her autism diagnosis to everyone following a challenging puzzle she had conquered successfully.

From a very young age, I received a diagnosis for autism. Initially, doctors believed I wouldn’t live independently or hold a job, but they also suggested that I might marry someone with similar challenges. My parents pursued various treatments to provide me with the necessary support. Eventually, I was able to attend school alongside non-autistic peers, and I’ve always seen my autism as an obstacle that doesn’t hinder my success.

Even though she felt overwhelmed by too much stimuli throughout the task, Eva successfully overcame the obstacle. This act of courage inspired Jeff to commend her, saying, “You showed great foresight in anticipating such challenges, and then had the bravery to share your personal journey with others on the autism spectrum.

In a heartfelt statement, Jeff, who shares custody of Lisa Ann Russell’s children Michael (age 21) and Ava (age 18) with her ex-husband Mark-Paul Gosselaar and his wife Catriona McGinn, expressed his feelings. “As their parent,” he said, “I do acknowledge this unique situation.” He then added, visibly emotional, “This is truly a first for us.

As a devoted fan of all things entertaining, I can’t help but share a tidbit or two about my favorite long-running reality show, Survivor. Catch the latest season 48 every Wednesday at 8 p.m., right here on CBS. In between episodes, dive deeper into the world of Survivor with these fascinating secrets that might just blow your mind!

In the application process for the popular show, many thousands of individuals express their interest. However, the casting team selects a variety of Survivor enthusiasts alongside individuals who are typically models or actors. Yet, even those chosen to play must undergo the entire casting procedure.

In a surprising turn of events, it was common for us to receive multiple job applications from the same individuals, year in and year out, as shared by Lynne Spillman, a casting director who was associated with the production since its inception until 2018, in an interview with Reality Wanted.

Now, host Jeff Probst is handling casting. 

In most cases, this is how it unfolds for me. We gather on Zoom, and they share their life stories. It frequently leaves me pondering the same question: ‘How have they accomplished so much at such a young age, while I wonder what I was up to when I was 24?’

Afterward, there are more rounds that follow, such as a discussion with the show’s psychologists. As Probst explained, “Our primary goal is to understand their true selves.” He often emphasizes this to people applying for Survivor. “All you need to be is yourself,” he says. It may sound straightforward, but it’s genuinely accurate. You don’t require a heart-wrenching backstory, you don’t have to be the most amusing person in the room, you don’t need a college degree, and you don’t need to be anything other than who you are.

As a die-hard Survivor enthusiast, I’d say, “Regardless of being the first one booted, stepping onto Survivor still brings in some cash, though my pride might take an everlasting hit.

Here’s a quick rundown of what competitors make:

As a castaway who is voted out before reaching the jury phase, I essentially receive a complimentary vacation in Fiji throughout the entire production period to maintain secrecy about the show’s developments. To sweeten the deal, each contestant is said to be awarded $10,000 for attending the live finale and reunion taping at the conclusion of the season.

In a chat with TMZ, Jonny Fairplay revealed some intriguing details about the castaways’ earnings in Survivor: The first person voted off reportedly receives $12,500, while jury members pocket $40,000. He added, “I’m not certain if I was supposed to disclose this information,” implying he may have breached a non-disclosure agreement.

As a dedicated follower of Survivor, I know that the champion takes home an impressive $1 million. The runner-up also receives a substantial sum of $100,000, while the third place finisher walks away with $85,000. Although they no longer award the fan-favorite prize, the lucky winner of that public vote would have previously received a whopping $100,000 or even a brand new car, if it was generously sponsored.

Among all seasons of Survivor, it’s Season Two (The Australian Outback) that typically lasted more than 39 days, largely due to the immense success and record-breaking viewership numbers of its debut season.

Beyond this, every episode covers approximately three days of the contest, making it an entertaining challenge for editors to condense up to 500 hours of recorded footage into a concise 44-minute broadcast. Since the competitors are being filmed round-the-clock.

Regarding tribal councils, these sessions can last between 1 to 2 hours during filming, because Probst requires each participant to answer the same question. To keep track of the votes, Probst collaborates with other producers who monitor the contestants as they cast their ballots through a live feed. Together, they determine the sequence in which Probst will announce the votes.

What single portable item may the castaways take along on Survivor, according to the Survivor Wiki?

Regarding their clothing choices for the 39-day period, these must receive prior approval from the production team.

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but reflect on a moment from “David vs. Goliath” where I would have given anything to bring my parka jacket into the game. However, as contestants, our wardrobe choices aren’t entirely ours to decide. Our attire is meant to portray who we are and what we typically wear in our daily lives. In a candid conversation with EW, Angelina Keeley shared this sentiment after her attempt to obtain Natalie Cole’s jacket following her elimination (alas, she didn’t succeed). The intriguing part is, we only start the game with one set of clothing, and whatever we begin with, we end the game wearing, unless we get resourceful.

During a Reddit AMA session, previous contestant Max Dawson disclosed an interesting detail: “They could be incredibly particular, even going so far as to direct you to a specific store and provide images of the items they wanted you to retrieve – like John Cochran’s famous sweater vests, for instance.

Today, contestants are given access to a box containing essential items like menstrual products, contraceptives, critical medications, contact lens solution, sunblock, and bug spray.

As a dedicated follower, I must share my experience from Season 39, where I found myself in an unusual situation: there wasn’t always an ample stock of essentials like tampons. In fact, during my month-long stay, I experienced my period twice and had to wait almost an entire day to receive another tampon because the crew had to travel to a nearby village to restock their supplies.

In other words, “Not provided”? Some individuals opt for either toothbrushes or razors as part of their preparation, leading certain competitors to undergo laser hair removal and/or teeth whitening procedures prior to the start of filming.

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

During his 2014 Reddit AMA, Probst shared that the crew slept wherever suitable lodgings were found. In the Philippines, they found themselves right in the middle of the ocean. On one island, they discovered a massive, typically empty casino and a large hotel, usually vacant. The purpose of these structures remains unknown when we’re not present, but they served as an excellent temporary base camp for us since each person had their own room with shower facilities and air conditioning!

Previously, they had employed tents in other seasons; he elaborated, “I can still vividly recall the experience of being in these one-person tents in Kenya. It was simply breathtaking. Every time you’d extend your bed to gaze at the stars and then every morning when you unzipped your tent, you did it silently because there was a strong likelihood that a group of zebras or a few giraffes were waiting outside.” Without a doubt, this was an extraordinary opportunity that comes along rarely.

For Probst, a typical day isn’t really typical; each day is unique, longer than expected, and more enjoyable than imagined. The show operates around the clock, so as Executive Producer, he’s always on duty. However, our team is one of the best and most exciting in the world of production.

Have you ever wondered who ensures that the thrilling challenges on “Survivor” run smoothly? It’s the dedicated Dream Team, a group of crew members who meticulously test each competition the castaways will face. They typically go through these challenges twice: first, to ensure they function correctly and to determine the optimal camera angles, and secondly, to be filmed as if they are the contestants while Probst provides the episode’s challenge explanation.

If Probst’s rules sometimes seem puzzling to you, don’t worry because the contestants often get a more detailed explanation from challenge producer John Kirhoffer. He oversees the entire game creation process and addresses any questions the contestants may have. Additionally, someone from CBS’ legal team is present to maintain fairness in the competition.

Prior to and following each competition, participants have one-on-one meetings with the show’s medical team. The medical staff is readily available and prepared to intervene immediately should any emergencies occur (as was evident when three competitors unexpectedly collapsed during a single challenge in Survivor: Kaôh Rōng).

Regardless of being the first one out of the competition, you’ll still reside at the filming location for the full 39 days (and that can have some surprising advantages!). Known as “Ponderosa,” this is where eliminated contestants who make it to the jury are relocated. It offers amenities like food, entertainment, running water, and so forth, often found in resorts or hotels. Plus, they get to interact with other jury members there.

In Micronesia, CBS premiered “Life at Ponderosa,” a show accessible online, providing viewers with an inside look at events after the campfire has been extinguished.

If you don’t make it past the initial round and aren’t chosen for the jury, you reside in a nearby location while the jury is being convened.

It might come as a surprise, but the cast had to evacuate for the first time due to a natural disaster – a cyclone in Fiji – only during the third season of “Millennials vs. Gen X” (2016). When the game is halted, it truly halts.

In Probst’s words to EW, we chose to transport everyone to the base camp for unity. Each tribe was confined to a bare room without any supplies, including food, blankets, or pillows. They were watched over by producers throughout the night. Remarkably, they remained silent and didn’t form alliances, respecting the trust we had established. The following morning, we sent them back to the beaches, and the game continued as usual.

2018’s season 37 of the show saw the castaways being evacuated on two occasions because of cyclones. (Fiji, that’s right!) They were then isolated and closely watched to ensure fair play. However, Jeff Probst praised the competitors for their adherence to the rules during these interruptions in the game.

According to Probst, they were grateful for our vigilance. Moreover, what mattered equally was their respect for the fact that the game, although paused, remained active, which prevented them from trying to bend the rules or escape. (EW was told this by Probst)

Instead of appearing to walk to challenges and tribal councils themselves, the players are usually taken there by the production team. However, while en route, they are not allowed to discuss strategies or play the game, as such activities must take place off-camera.

During a discussion on Survivor for Entertainment Weekly (EW), host and showrunner Jeff Probst disclosed his preferred winner from the series. Specifically, he admired Season 26’s competitor John Cochran. However, he also mentioned two contestants who excelled in their gameplay: Parvati Shallow and Rob Mariano.

During a Reddit Ask Me Anything session, he disclosed that the Survivor twist he despised most was the Medallion of Power.

He expressed that he hadn’t been fond of it, adding that he may not have expressed his feelings strongly enough. However, everyone makes errors – we all are aware of that. What I want you to understand is that overall, we tend to make good choices. As any show creator will confirm, you can’t truly know what will succeed until you give it a shot.

His preferred twist, nonetheless, involved the well-known concealed immunity idol – an element that made its debut in season 11.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Probst admitted that the show borrowed some concepts from Tyler Perry, such as the “special powers” idol which a contestant could utilize after the votes had been announced. This idol significantly contributed to Tony Vlachos’ victory in Cagayan. However, not everyone was pleased with this idol.

Besides Perry, Jimmy Fallon, some TV showrunners and producers who manage a fan club with a $200 entry fee have also presented ideas. The winner of this pool takes home all the money, while the loser foots the bill for an extravagant dinner at the end of the season (it once reached $8,000!).

Absolutely, every participant is required to put their signature on a contract prior to filming, establishing an understanding with the show and CBS that they won’t make derogatory remarks or criticisms about the series or its creators. Additionally, they agree to be aware of the risks and possible injuries associated with participating in the Survivor competition.

Additionally, keep in mind that breaching the confidentiality agreement carries a substantial penalty of $5 million. This means revealing any details about the project (before CBS makes an official announcement), such as spoiling it or disclosing your participation as a contestant, could result in this financial consequence.

In the 37th season, Alec Merlino found himself in a potentially legal situation after publishing a photo of himself and fellow contestant Kara Kay on Instagram prior to the season’s premiere. His caption read, “Oh well.” Although producers didn’t resort to imposing a $5 million fine due to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), they did choose not to invite him to the live finale taping instead.

In simpler terms, Alec shared with EW that throughout his Survivor journey, the main point of disagreement has been a particular issue. However, he emphasized his deep admiration for CBS, Survivor, and Jeff Probst. He stated that his time on the show was unforgettable. About the controversial picture, Alec admitted it was unfortunate but acknowledged full responsibility. He believes things can sometimes be misunderstood, and that’s all he wishes to comment on the matter.

Back in 2001, Stacey Stillman, who was the third participant eliminated from the original “Survivor” series, filed a lawsuit against CBS and the show’s creator Mark Burnett. She claimed that Burnett manipulated her exit and controlled the outcome of the show by improperly using his relationships with the contestants to influence their votes. Specifically, she alleged that Burnett convinced two castaways to alter their votes in his favor.

During that period, CBS and Burnett labeled my actions as “frivolous and baseless.” In response, they filed a $5 million lawsuit against me for breaching the contract (you know, that unspoken rule about not criticizing the show). Eventually, we resolved the matter outside of court.

Numerous romances have flourished within the reality show “Survivor”, such as the highly acclaimed couple, Boston Rob Mariano and his wife Amber Brkich. Their relationship began on the season “All-Stars”, and they now share four daughters together after finding love during that time.

Even surprise awaited Probst, as he began dating competitor Julie Berry following the conclusion of Survivor: Vanuatu. They concealed their relationship until after Berry’s season had ended, and they were quite committed for several years before parting ways in 2008.

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2025-03-27 18:48