Yahoo News Jeff Probst Thinks “Survivor”'s Upcoming Season 50 Should Feature Returning All-Star Players
The host of the long-running CBS series is keen to switch things up for the upcoming milestone season
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Jeff Probst attends a red carpet event and FYC screening of 'Survivor' at Ovation Hollywood on April 27, 2024Survivor is approaching a major milestone, and Jeff Probst wants to commemorate the historic season with something special.
During a For Your Consideration event in Hollywood, California, on April 26, the host of the long-running CBS series addressed the upcoming 50th season, which is “coming down the corner,” as season 46 is currently airing.
“We know 50’s coming, so I am curious, is there a feeling… Should 50 just be — should 50 be another season with new players and [we] don’t make it a big deal? Or should it be returning players?” Probst, 62, asked audience members, who responded with a resounding “Yes!” at the notion of switching things up for the milestone season.
Probst said that “in the spirit of letting the game be in the hands of the fans,” he felt that gauging the audience’s interest in having season 50 be a returning, all-star cast was the only way to go. “I feel like we should just commit and make this the moment where we decide that Survivor… That Survivor 50 will be returning players.”
“I don’t know what’s going to happen after this, but I’m pretty sure we’re committed,” he said after the audience’s excitement at the idea, though he acknowledged that there are still three other seasons to film in between — 47, 48 and 49.
Robert Voets/CBS
Jeff Probst on season 46 of 'Survivor'Probst, who has been hosting the series since its premiere in 2000, told PEOPLE at the event that his love for the competition show is as strong today as it was nearly 25 years ago.
"I love Survivor. Still love it. And honestly, nothing makes me happier than seeing people who also like it," he says, before sharing a recent experience with a newer fan who has now watched 14 seasons. "That's the connection you're looking for.
He continues of the role, which has taken him all around the world, from Brazil to Thailand and, this season, Fiji, "I know it seems crazy, but I love the job. I really do. I am naturally curious and I'm mostly curious about human behavior, why we do the things we do. And I've had a front-row seat to that for 24 years."
"So when people say, 'I can't believe you're still so enthusiastic,' I say, 'Well, that's just because you don't know me. Because my friends know, ‘Oh, Probst will do that forever. He loves this.' "
Michael Tullberg/Getty
Jeff Probst attends a red carpet event and FYC screening of 'Survivor' at Ovation Hollywood on April 27, 2024Related: Survivor Season 46: Who Has Been Voted Off and Who Hasn't Been Eliminated Yet
The job is also always teaching him things about himself — and the world, he says.
"I'm learning from them all the time — not about how to host Survivor, but how to live my life," Probst tells PEOPLE. "And I know it sounds corny, but I think Survivor’s an adventure and the game is the lure. The experience is the prize. And that's why when it's over, you've played this fun game, found an idol, won a challenge, got a blindside under your belt, but when it's over, you're a different human. That's what's cool about Survivor."
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Survivor season 46 airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
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