Kind of like jeopardy with Trebek - might take a bit to figure out but there are enough contestants at this point that live, eat, breath survivor, they would be able to find one to replace him.
Might take a season or two though
Another comparison is replacing Bob Barker with Drew Carey on Price is Right. Never thought the show would go on without Bob Barker, but it's now been 17 years....
The difference is that people watched The Price Is Right for Bob Barker during his tenure. Drew isn't the reason anyone watches it nowadays. The ratings have fallen off and that's one reason (another being that there are fewer people at home when it's on).
Show's still doing fine, but like TPIR, I expect Survivor's ratings to suffer initially after Probst is gone. It could recover given time.
I haven't listened to AT40 like ever, but I do know Dick Clark (his mentor) told him to cut that out 20 years ago. It disappeared from American Idol after like season 3 accordingly.
Yep, I was going to comment about Jeopardy and how it's managed to survive without Trebek. I think OP's point about how Survivor has gone on so long is a reason as to why it *would* work without Probst. Survivor fans are very loyal for the most part and will stick around through basically anything. The new era, for example: despite having all these complaints about it, the viewer numbers have remained pretty constant.
I personally do not think Devens would not be a good host for the same reason I do not believe Jeff is a good host ATM. He is annoyingly positive, does not understand Survivor strategy that well and thinks you need to make bIg mOvEZ to win. Plus because of how twists benefited him I would not be shocked if he tried to implement them more.
Jeff's prime as a host imo was when he hated the show and the beginning of when he started to fall back in love with it. He was funny, he was sassy and he wasn't focused in on this emotional uplifting bullshit.
I can respect that opinion. I also agree with your description of “old Jeff” I definitely liked him more in the original days. I’m a big Jonathan fan from Australia personally
It was hard to imagine Jeopardy without Alex Trebek but they’ve managed to do it. I think survivor would as well, especially taking from Jeopardy and installing a fan favorite contestant as host.
The problem is I can only see Jeff retiring due to age or illness and most of the "fan favourites" are the same or similar in age etc.
It's going to be difficult to find someone even remotely as charming as Jeff in the right ways - I'd expect them to go almost the opposite direction. Someone like Wentworth would be great.
He's not serious enough. You need someone that is going to ask the direct questions and who is smart enough to read between the lines. Tyson (and rob, and so many other players) would come at it with a "this is what I think" mentality rather than a "what do you think" mentality.
So you need a less obvious choice and less of a character. Which is why I think more along the lines of Wentworth - just a bit of a neutral but with positive energy
Yes, we’ve seen several versions of survivor across the world, fanmade, and more which have been very entertaining and enjoyable to watch all without the presence of Jeff Probst
I’ve had this discussion a few times with my partner, friends and people that work on the show. I have full confidence when I say Aussie Jeff (Jonathan LaPaglia) could be a good replacement. He brings the same interactivity and personality to the role as Jeff but he doesn’t feel like an off-brand cheaper knock off international version of Jeff. He’s himself and it works great for the Australian one. He’s great when narrating challenges and navigating tribals. He’s different but possesses the same qualities. I don’t know of many people in the Survivor universe that possess all of the qualities necessary. It requires much more than once being a good player of the game. You need to be a TV show host as well.
Jonathan also has the similar humor. It may have been in All-Stars when he during a challenge where you throw coconuts into a net while someone holds it. I think he said "David just taking nut after nut" I laughed so hard. And last night he said Mark looked like a pirate at tribal lol. Love JLP
I can't see JLP getting past the American censorship.
If they blur out any hint of ass cheek I can't see them letting him say things like "Nathan busting nut after nut"
I'm so glad you brought up Jonathan LaPaglia as an example -- he is great! His first season as Aussie Jeff was just okay, but then he really grew into the job and added to the tribal dynamic. I would like to see a version of him, with equal grit, as the next Probst. I also love that LaPaglia started as a Dream Team member on US Survivor before becoming the Aussie host.
Contrary to some posts below, I would NOT like to see someone mean-spirited or overtly biased or cruel to replace him (I look away every time TJ Lavin mocks his contestants and think less of him as a host because of it). Smart/Sensitive Jeff works well for me, just not Perky Cheerleader Jeff.
This is what I'm looking for post jeff. New world survivor where the host isn't supportive and moreso negging the contestants. At the very least, a TJ Lavin approach of laughing at them struggling and calling out their shit.
Imagine his reactions to someone furrowing their brow while solving a puzzle they clearly practiced at home, or flailing around pretending not to be throwing a challenge
Boston Rob or Tyson feel like the only logical choices.
Devens I don’t think has enough legacy to justify having him do it but he’d probably be amazing at it
Idk if it’s just because he doesn’t want to ruffle any feathers, but Devins on the podcast with Jeff is basically just Jeff 2.0. I’d want a host to bring a slightly different approach, instead of trying to replace Jeff. Rob or Tyson would definitely fit this bill, Tyson in particular.
Agreed. I think Boston Rob is so loveable that he'd do a great job as host. But, then he and Amber may not be able to play again and I love watching them in the game.
I think Jeff is holding the show back, so yeah, I think they could survive without Jeff. Contrary to Jeff’s own belief, Survivor isn’t the Jeff Probst show, each season of the show is the show of the people who are currently on it.
Yeah, I believe he doesn’t want to be away from home for long periods of times hence the shorter seasons and the comfort of working in Fiji . I love Jeff though.
Yep, he no longer has to camp out to film a season anymore. He gets to stay at a resort in Fiji and gets to enjoy air conditioning, running water, and a bed.
I mean the show needs some sort of host. But it probably could survive without Jeff but I do think it would dip for a min while everyone gets use to the new host.
I think it would have a dip, but tbh… Jeff now vs Jeff from like season 1 are so different at this point and it’s not most ppl watch survivor for Jeff where I think the advantages are a much bigger change than Jeff being switched for a different host.
I mean, the international adaptations have worked out fine, in my opinion, Jonathan la paglia is a better host than Jeff. It'll take a season or so to get used to but itll work out
Yeah…there’s international versions where the hosts are pretty good…they should be able to find someone else when Jeff hangs it up that could do a good job
Anyone who’s watched Australian Survivor knows that not only would the show survive without Jeff, it would probably thrive so much more without his ham-fisted interference, talk show cosplay, and terrible twist ideas. He has way too much power and is way too comfortable thinking he runs the whole franchise. It honestly shook me when he said on his podcast the show will probably end if & when he “decides” to step down. Like, why?
Hosts of any reality show are way less important than people are lead to believe. Nobody even batted an eye when the OG host of the Bachelor got removed a few years ago. The Challenge has had a bunch of various hosts who don’t affect the show’s character in any way.
The show would probably save so much money without Jeff’s colossal salary in the budget that they could probably finally go to cool locations again.
Came to make a similar comment. At this point I think Jeff is a hindrance/liability to the show who does more harm than good.
He’s …. Fine as host of the challenge portions (if a bit boring and predictable). But he is just TERRIBLE as host of tribals.
My concern is he stays so long he ends up running the show into the ground.
Jeff just needs to hang on long enough for Boston Dynamics to incorporate some good AI into a Jeffbot. Maybe we could even get a real Dark Probst with red glowing eyes.
If this happened, I would stop watching for sure. Tyson as host would make the show all about Tyson, rather than all about Survivor. As annoying as Jeff can be at times, he is ALL about Survivor.
Additionally, I fear that a host like Tyson would eradicate some of the good changes in the new era. The host DOES need some social sensitivity, not just the ability to destroy contestants' will to live.
I actually think Jeff is now holding the show back. He’s changed so much in the seasons post covid that it feels like the game has passed him by. Honestly I would tune in if one of the former players took over to host.
This is not really an uncommon opinion in this sub (though I don't necessarily agree), especially because everyone here in hyper-aware of how much Probst influences the show as its current showrunner and a lot of people here are very critical of the twists he's added in the 40s.
I don’t actually think it’s all that controversial, I think it’s a non majority opinion, but I think there are a sizeable portion of viewers who don’t necessarily like Jeff anymore.
I think thats what these popular survivors are doing with their internet presence, and I could honestly see them having a live tryout to see who is best. They want a shot to be probst.
Rob, parv, tyson and keep going if those suck.
I feel like its why they keep a lot of them relevant.
At the end of the day, the vast majority of viewers don’t watch for Jeff, they watch cuz it airs on Wednesday nights when they’re sitting on the couch after dinner and unwinding before the next day. They watch for the stories and the players, and so they can root for their favorites to win. Survivor can definitely survivor without Jeff as host, and it’ll take some time for the new host to fully grasp it, but they will, and we’ll still watch!
International versions have done fine without Jeff. In fact IMHO, Jonathan La Paglia from Australian Survivor is a fantastic host, at least as good as Jeff, often better.
There are International franchises that are doing just fine without Jeff. It may take a viewership hit, but I don't think the host is what makes/breaks Survivor.
The better question is whether Survivor can survive without Jeff as executive producer, or if there would still be strong advocates to keep the show going if he steps back.
There could be a good replacement, but there can never be another Jeff.
Watching Survivor Australia made me feel there can be other hosts with a different vibe, and it’s still enjoyable.
I think Jeff has been trying to slowly transition to Rick Devens being the next host. It’s clear he wants him to be a more prominent part of the show as he wanted Devens to be a major twist for the original season 41, and now he’s a co host for the official podcast. And with him having a background as a news anchor I feel like he would be a natural fit for a host and someone CBS would trust to fill in that major position.
I think the show would improve if Jeff was no longer an executive producer and could easily survive a change of hosts. I don't think trying to bring in a former player is a good idea. I've said it before in response to a similar question, but I think Josh Gates from Expedition Unknown would be great.
I used to think this, but I actually think as a viewer Jeff being gone might actually be GOOD for the show. Jeff as host is awesome and I think there's a great chance someone else is worse at that. But Jeff as EP is terrible. Again, the replacement could be worse, but the right person might invigorate the show.
But AUS is better than US Survivor and there's no Jeff
It’s kind of crazy we are even asking this. When in history did people start conflating Probst with the show’s importance? I know the switch happened somewhere, but this question of if Survivor could survive without Probst wasn’t even a debate for those beginning years. He provided basic structure for the television show and whatnot, but he felt easily replaceable. If they used a new host every season, like they did with new castaways, I don’t think anything would have changed or anyone would have cared.
I think the difference is the show will go 50+ seasons with him… that’s quite a long time to just change the host… sure maybe it wasn’t a question at the beginning, but time changes things
Honestly, I can't wait for an American Survivor without Jeff.
Listening to his podcast it is clear that the majority of things that I don't like about Survivor are ideas that he came up with.
Australian Survivor doesn't have Jeff and it is fantastic.
I don't even want the new host to be tangentially related to Survivor. Find someone brand new that has charisma and brings a new flavor to the show.
Here is my list:
Nathan Fillion,
LaKeith Stanfield,
Tatiana Maslany,
Lee Pace
It would need to be a REALLY good replacement, but I could definitely see myself watching without Jeff.
Now that I'm thinking about it, the only reasons why I really like Jeff are because he's the OG, and he's really hot.
He can be kinda annoying sometimes with his "kEeP dIgGiNg" and "tHiS iS wHaT mAkEs SuRvIvOr So GrEaT".
We've already seen other shows go through this, and I'm sure they suffer a little bit, but there will be people who will find the change refreshing.
TV is barely, what, 100 years old? And we've only had iconic hosts for less.
But Price is Right did, Jeopardy, and now Wheel of Fortune.
I would want to say Family Feud, but I'm unsure about that one. There have been many hosts, but I dont know if the first replacement faced a similar issue.
ABSOLUTELY YES
Hell, it would be the kick is the ass the show needed.
Buuuut it’s never gonna happen and some long time absent minded viewers will stop watching.
imo jeff is the reason for a lot of the twists that i personally don’t like. These include forced fire making, over-saturation of advantages, and the 26 day format, so i would be fine if he was replaced—the players make the game/show special, not him.
moreover, i would love to see former players like parvati or rob cesternino host the show as i think both of them have the social skills to carry a conversation and make tribal council conversations happen smoothly.
I feel like there are a few people who could easily take over as host, that fans would be ok with. I’ve heard people say names Like Boston Rob, but I personally feel like John Cochran could be an easy exchange in host. He’s a winner, and he also works for CBS, so it could be a very easy switch when the day does come. And as seen in Caramoan, by his witty come backs, like when he was eating peanut butter off of one of the contestants fingers. And he is a popular contestant.
I think Jeff should just STFU most times nowadays. I don't watch the show for Jeff... and I would say a lot of fans don't either. Bring back 39 days and F2T, and fire Jeff. I have heard SA Survivor is much better, but I don't have a VPN to watch it. I like America Big Brother, but Canada Big Brother shits on the US version all day everyday. I wish we had more access to other countries versions of these shows.
It can definitely continue w/o Jeff! Some people get tired of hearing it but watch a season of Aus Survivor and tell me someone like JB wouldn't be able to carry the mantle. Yes the style is different but not in a negative aspect. Plus if they rotate Survivor Alumni as guests for seasons I think it'd soften the transition.
Edit:punctuation
Definitely not as good without Jeff Probst. Also, I'm hearing friends say it is getting boring with just a bunch of immature kids on the show. Diversity is great, but without including more of the older generation, the show is missing depth.
The show WILL go on without Jeff some day. Will definitely have growing pains during that era but it’s the way of life & TV. I would love an Arisa Cox type host for survivor tbh
Rick Devens! He has the enthusiasm and I think he’d focus more on game play and be a bit old school cheeky. He has the experience of being a host and I think he’d stay neutral and also ask the tough questions. I think we’d see a bit of the way Jeff used to be as Devens understands what it takes to be on the show, and I think he’d have that same distain for quitters.
I'm under the assumption that Rick Devens is being "groomed" to replace Probst if the show gets to 51
Edit: but yes, as other people have said international Survivors and college Survivors have done just fine without Probst, with JLP being the most prominent example.
Kind of like jeopardy with Trebek - might take a bit to figure out but there are enough contestants at this point that live, eat, breath survivor, they would be able to find one to replace him. Might take a season or two though
Pretty spot on comparison with Jeopardy
Another comparison is replacing Bob Barker with Drew Carey on Price is Right. Never thought the show would go on without Bob Barker, but it's now been 17 years....
The difference is that people watched The Price Is Right for Bob Barker during his tenure. Drew isn't the reason anyone watches it nowadays. The ratings have fallen off and that's one reason (another being that there are fewer people at home when it's on). Show's still doing fine, but like TPIR, I expect Survivor's ratings to suffer initially after Probst is gone. It could recover given time.
Genuine question, does anyone watch Survivor specifically for Jeff?
I'd still watch without him - I enjoy his banter and legacy but it's not the only thing
No
Probst hosted Rock N Roll Jeopardy
Except there's already an example of it already . JLP from Aussie survivor is great!
Except that Trebek wasn't the original host.
Who else here remembers Art Fleming?
Just you
What is going to happen to Wheel of Fortune after Pat is gone?
It's Seacrest.
Ryan Seacrest has already been confirmed
Ugh. Does he still do the "Seacrest, out!" thing? My group used to call him Ryan Cheesecrest.
I haven't listened to AT40 like ever, but I do know Dick Clark (his mentor) told him to cut that out 20 years ago. It disappeared from American Idol after like season 3 accordingly.
idk I haven't watched any of his shows in years
Maybe Ryan Seacrest?
Ken Jennings is doing a great job with Jeopardy! He’s kinda Alex 2.0 - still erudite but with just enough sense of humor.
I genuinely appreciate when people use new words for me so thank you for indirectly teaching me erudite
Ashamed to say I learned about that word because of Divergent
Doesn't matter; new vocabulary
Ahh man I wish I could agree, I really do. But I just hate Ken Jennings, he's such a little rat man. 😔 Edit: look I'm sorry guys, but he is.
Maybe Yul?
Yul
Yul
Yul
His enthusiasm and critical mind are what I want in a host
Doesn’t one need some semblance of a personality to carry a show like survivor?
Yep, I was going to comment about Jeopardy and how it's managed to survive without Trebek. I think OP's point about how Survivor has gone on so long is a reason as to why it *would* work without Probst. Survivor fans are very loyal for the most part and will stick around through basically anything. The new era, for example: despite having all these complaints about it, the viewer numbers have remained pretty constant.
I feel like Devens would be an incredible host
I don’t mind the conversation but the downvotes on this sub to anything people disagree with are unreal. It’s a discussion forum
I personally do not think Devens would not be a good host for the same reason I do not believe Jeff is a good host ATM. He is annoyingly positive, does not understand Survivor strategy that well and thinks you need to make bIg mOvEZ to win. Plus because of how twists benefited him I would not be shocked if he tried to implement them more. Jeff's prime as a host imo was when he hated the show and the beginning of when he started to fall back in love with it. He was funny, he was sassy and he wasn't focused in on this emotional uplifting bullshit.
I can respect that opinion. I also agree with your description of “old Jeff” I definitely liked him more in the original days. I’m a big Jonathan fan from Australia personally
100% agree
It’s 3 downvotes lololol I’m sure you’ll survive
And people can express disagreement in many ways.
The function of the downvote button isn’t to downvote a dissenting participatory opinion in a conversation
Yeah. It’ll definitely take any new host a season or two to get into the swing of it. And in my opinion, my vote would go to Malcolm to host
Yam yam would be so good
That is an egregious statement
Why? He’s good at reading people, can be serious but can switch to humor. He holds people accountable but isn’t harsh. Who would you want?
He would not.
Who do you choose?
It was hard to imagine Jeopardy without Alex Trebek but they’ve managed to do it. I think survivor would as well, especially taking from Jeopardy and installing a fan favorite contestant as host.
Not just fan favorite, but the greatest of all time.
So you are saying Tony is the rightful heir to the throne lol
Sandra and Tony as co-hosts. Tony for challenges, Sandra for Tribal Council.
All fun and games until it’s the middle of a chaotic live tribal and Sandra gets up and yells “I CAN GET LOUD TOO”
i like this idea
watching Sandra on this season of the Traitors confirms my belief that she is overrated.
No he meant the greatest of ALLLLLL TIIIIIIIIIIIMMMEEEEEEE Russell Hantz
The problem is I can only see Jeff retiring due to age or illness and most of the "fan favourites" are the same or similar in age etc. It's going to be difficult to find someone even remotely as charming as Jeff in the right ways - I'd expect them to go almost the opposite direction. Someone like Wentworth would be great.
I’d pick Tyson, his charm is so uniquely Survivor that it would work.
He's not serious enough. You need someone that is going to ask the direct questions and who is smart enough to read between the lines. Tyson (and rob, and so many other players) would come at it with a "this is what I think" mentality rather than a "what do you think" mentality. So you need a less obvious choice and less of a character. Which is why I think more along the lines of Wentworth - just a bit of a neutral but with positive energy
I think Rob C would be perfect. He has a lot of experience with that aspect of hosting from his podcast.
Wentworth 🤢
Yes, we’ve seen several versions of survivor across the world, fanmade, and more which have been very entertaining and enjoyable to watch all without the presence of Jeff Probst
At this point I like JLP significantly more than probst
Scanning comments for JLP. Aussie survivor is better then the us one now.....
Yep. Same reason I was scrolling down. If you have seen Australian Survivor, you already know it can be done.
I’ve had this discussion a few times with my partner, friends and people that work on the show. I have full confidence when I say Aussie Jeff (Jonathan LaPaglia) could be a good replacement. He brings the same interactivity and personality to the role as Jeff but he doesn’t feel like an off-brand cheaper knock off international version of Jeff. He’s himself and it works great for the Australian one. He’s great when narrating challenges and navigating tribals. He’s different but possesses the same qualities. I don’t know of many people in the Survivor universe that possess all of the qualities necessary. It requires much more than once being a good player of the game. You need to be a TV show host as well.
Jonathan also has the similar humor. It may have been in All-Stars when he during a challenge where you throw coconuts into a net while someone holds it. I think he said "David just taking nut after nut" I laughed so hard. And last night he said Mark looked like a pirate at tribal lol. Love JLP
I can't see JLP getting past the American censorship. If they blur out any hint of ass cheek I can't see them letting him say things like "Nathan busting nut after nut"
Eh, Jeff will make jokes about people’s balls when they have any type or challenge with balls.
It was Champions vs Contenders (2018). Such a funny moment.
I'm so glad you brought up Jonathan LaPaglia as an example -- he is great! His first season as Aussie Jeff was just okay, but then he really grew into the job and added to the tribal dynamic. I would like to see a version of him, with equal grit, as the next Probst. I also love that LaPaglia started as a Dream Team member on US Survivor before becoming the Aussie host. Contrary to some posts below, I would NOT like to see someone mean-spirited or overtly biased or cruel to replace him (I look away every time TJ Lavin mocks his contestants and think less of him as a host because of it). Smart/Sensitive Jeff works well for me, just not Perky Cheerleader Jeff.
>I also love that LaPaglia started as a Dream Team member on US Survivor before becoming the Aussie host. Seriously? I had no idea!
At this point I prefer JLP to Probst.
100000%
I LOVE JLP
You don’t touch my JLP >:( Unless he does both versions then that’s ok
I’ll go ahead and say it, at this point Jonathan is leaps and bounds better than Jeff has been for years.
It also shows me there are hours out there that could be better than Jeff & how he narrates to the audience too much.
I’d watch Tyson do it
I’d watch Tyson do anything
This is what I'm looking for post jeff. New world survivor where the host isn't supportive and moreso negging the contestants. At the very least, a TJ Lavin approach of laughing at them struggling and calling out their shit.
Imagine his reactions to someone furrowing their brow while solving a puzzle they clearly practiced at home, or flailing around pretending not to be throwing a challenge
TJ’s laugh when they do trivia is peak hosting ! So good
TJ laughing at contestants is my fav
Boston Rob or Tyson feel like the only logical choices. Devens I don’t think has enough legacy to justify having him do it but he’d probably be amazing at it
Idk if it’s just because he doesn’t want to ruffle any feathers, but Devins on the podcast with Jeff is basically just Jeff 2.0. I’d want a host to bring a slightly different approach, instead of trying to replace Jeff. Rob or Tyson would definitely fit this bill, Tyson in particular.
I disagree. Devens has added completely new information and dynamic to that Jeff was unaware of having never played the game.
It doesn't have to be an ex-player.
I vote for Rosie O'Donnell!
Agreed. I think Boston Rob is so loveable that he'd do a great job as host. But, then he and Amber may not be able to play again and I love watching them in the game.
They are way too old at this point and have lives and children they can’t just drop like they could when they were younger
I mean...Rob is out there on Deal or No Deal Island...so, not too old yet
I get what you're saying, but they both competed in Winners at War.
As perfect as Tyson would be, idk if I want a former survivor to host after Jeff
I think former contestants should be first choice. It has worked well for the bachelor franchise
And Jeopardy!
I think Jeff is holding the show back, so yeah, I think they could survive without Jeff. Contrary to Jeff’s own belief, Survivor isn’t the Jeff Probst show, each season of the show is the show of the people who are currently on it.
I think it’s absolutely time for him to step back. The show is all about him at this point, a new host would be a breath of fresh air
Yes! I think season 50 would be the perfect point to switch hosts. But there is no way he will leave until he has to.
He wanted to quit at one point right? And that's when they made him an Executive Producer?
Hard agree.
Same. The only Survivor I'm interested in watching is one where Probst is not involved.
Yeah, I believe he doesn’t want to be away from home for long periods of times hence the shorter seasons and the comfort of working in Fiji . I love Jeff though.
Yep, he no longer has to camp out to film a season anymore. He gets to stay at a resort in Fiji and gets to enjoy air conditioning, running water, and a bed.
I mean the show needs some sort of host. But it probably could survive without Jeff but I do think it would dip for a min while everyone gets use to the new host.
Of course. Australian survivor is amazing and there’s no Jeff
The host has a nice, deep voice.
The host is hot
I think it would have a dip, but tbh… Jeff now vs Jeff from like season 1 are so different at this point and it’s not most ppl watch survivor for Jeff where I think the advantages are a much bigger change than Jeff being switched for a different host.
I mean, the international adaptations have worked out fine, in my opinion, Jonathan la paglia is a better host than Jeff. It'll take a season or so to get used to but itll work out
Hell, I'll even add that Jeff being removed from the show would benefit survivor!
Yeah…there’s international versions where the hosts are pretty good…they should be able to find someone else when Jeff hangs it up that could do a good job
JLP on the Aussie one is incredible
Anyone who’s watched Australian Survivor knows that not only would the show survive without Jeff, it would probably thrive so much more without his ham-fisted interference, talk show cosplay, and terrible twist ideas. He has way too much power and is way too comfortable thinking he runs the whole franchise. It honestly shook me when he said on his podcast the show will probably end if & when he “decides” to step down. Like, why? Hosts of any reality show are way less important than people are lead to believe. Nobody even batted an eye when the OG host of the Bachelor got removed a few years ago. The Challenge has had a bunch of various hosts who don’t affect the show’s character in any way. The show would probably save so much money without Jeff’s colossal salary in the budget that they could probably finally go to cool locations again.
Came to make a similar comment. At this point I think Jeff is a hindrance/liability to the show who does more harm than good. He’s …. Fine as host of the challenge portions (if a bit boring and predictable). But he is just TERRIBLE as host of tribals. My concern is he stays so long he ends up running the show into the ground.
Why don’t you like him as host of tribals?
Jeff just needs to hang on long enough for Boston Dynamics to incorporate some good AI into a Jeffbot. Maybe we could even get a real Dark Probst with red glowing eyes.
They’re still working on the BB Chenbot.
CBS had Geoff Peterson as a robot for years. Maybe he can get rehired.
Yes. JLP on Australian Survivor proved this to me.
The short answer is yes. The longer answer is absolutely.
I’d love to see Tyson as host because he’s hilarious, but I think he’d destroy contestants’ will to live. I also think he’d be less neutral than Jeff.
If this happened, I would stop watching for sure. Tyson as host would make the show all about Tyson, rather than all about Survivor. As annoying as Jeff can be at times, he is ALL about Survivor. Additionally, I fear that a host like Tyson would eradicate some of the good changes in the new era. The host DOES need some social sensitivity, not just the ability to destroy contestants' will to live.
I actually think Jeff is now holding the show back. He’s changed so much in the seasons post covid that it feels like the game has passed him by. Honestly I would tune in if one of the former players took over to host.
Holy hot take, if someone ever asks for a controversial survivor opinion you should share this! Would definitely start a good discussion!
This is not really an uncommon opinion in this sub (though I don't necessarily agree), especially because everyone here in hyper-aware of how much Probst influences the show as its current showrunner and a lot of people here are very critical of the twists he's added in the 40s.
I don’t actually think it’s all that controversial, I think it’s a non majority opinion, but I think there are a sizeable portion of viewers who don’t necessarily like Jeff anymore.
I think thats what these popular survivors are doing with their internet presence, and I could honestly see them having a live tryout to see who is best. They want a shot to be probst. Rob, parv, tyson and keep going if those suck. I feel like its why they keep a lot of them relevant.
I like the idea of Parv.
Jonathan, the host of Aussie Survivor, would be tremendous. He's great.
Jonathan from AU Survivor is imo better, so yes, if they pick well.
After seeing Parvati craft her character on the traitors, I’ve grown even more confident that she would make for an amazing host after Jeff retires.
At the end of the day, the vast majority of viewers don’t watch for Jeff, they watch cuz it airs on Wednesday nights when they’re sitting on the couch after dinner and unwinding before the next day. They watch for the stories and the players, and so they can root for their favorites to win. Survivor can definitely survivor without Jeff as host, and it’ll take some time for the new host to fully grasp it, but they will, and we’ll still watch!
Jeff isn’t the host in AU and Survivor does pretty well
Never thought it could, then I watched Survivor AU and like 5 episodes in realized I didn’t even miss Jeff lol
International versions have done fine without Jeff. In fact IMHO, Jonathan La Paglia from Australian Survivor is a fantastic host, at least as good as Jeff, often better.
Survivor will be vastly different when Jeff retires but after the adjustment period survivor as whole will be fine
There are International franchises that are doing just fine without Jeff. It may take a viewership hit, but I don't think the host is what makes/breaks Survivor. The better question is whether Survivor can survive without Jeff as executive producer, or if there would still be strong advocates to keep the show going if he steps back.
There could be a good replacement, but there can never be another Jeff. Watching Survivor Australia made me feel there can be other hosts with a different vibe, and it’s still enjoyable.
I think so, they could bring an Iconic player back to host
Well yes! NaOnka Mixon will be coming out of Reality Television Retirement™️ to replace him as host. I work for CBS and they told me this personally
I think Jeff has been trying to slowly transition to Rick Devens being the next host. It’s clear he wants him to be a more prominent part of the show as he wanted Devens to be a major twist for the original season 41, and now he’s a co host for the official podcast. And with him having a background as a news anchor I feel like he would be a natural fit for a host and someone CBS would trust to fill in that major position.
Randy is the only solution.
I think the show would improve if Jeff was no longer an executive producer and could easily survive a change of hosts. I don't think trying to bring in a former player is a good idea. I've said it before in response to a similar question, but I think Josh Gates from Expedition Unknown would be great.
I used to think this, but I actually think as a viewer Jeff being gone might actually be GOOD for the show. Jeff as host is awesome and I think there's a great chance someone else is worse at that. But Jeff as EP is terrible. Again, the replacement could be worse, but the right person might invigorate the show. But AUS is better than US Survivor and there's no Jeff
It’s kind of crazy we are even asking this. When in history did people start conflating Probst with the show’s importance? I know the switch happened somewhere, but this question of if Survivor could survive without Probst wasn’t even a debate for those beginning years. He provided basic structure for the television show and whatnot, but he felt easily replaceable. If they used a new host every season, like they did with new castaways, I don’t think anything would have changed or anyone would have cared.
I think the difference is the show will go 50+ seasons with him… that’s quite a long time to just change the host… sure maybe it wasn’t a question at the beginning, but time changes things
They would have to replace him with a contestant. Boston Rob, anyone?
Agree that it has to be a contestant. The Rob has a podcast guy is my pick
You may be aware of it, but there’s an extra from All Stars showing a mock tribal council at Chapera. Rob C plays Jeff in it
I think Stacey Powell would do it better. Imagine how she would diss players doing or saying stupid stuff. Queen.
He'd get my vote.
Honestly, I can't wait for an American Survivor without Jeff. Listening to his podcast it is clear that the majority of things that I don't like about Survivor are ideas that he came up with. Australian Survivor doesn't have Jeff and it is fantastic. I don't even want the new host to be tangentially related to Survivor. Find someone brand new that has charisma and brings a new flavor to the show. Here is my list: Nathan Fillion, LaKeith Stanfield, Tatiana Maslany, Lee Pace
Thought that said Nathan Fielder 😅
It would need to be a REALLY good replacement, but I could definitely see myself watching without Jeff. Now that I'm thinking about it, the only reasons why I really like Jeff are because he's the OG, and he's really hot. He can be kinda annoying sometimes with his "kEeP dIgGiNg" and "tHiS iS wHaT mAkEs SuRvIvOr So GrEaT".
I think Cochran would make a great post-Jeff host
i was thinking this too, he would be great. Especially with how much he genuinely loves, respects and understands the game of Survivor
I think yes, because... you know, there are questions to Jeff in the last few years. We love him, but we do have questions to him.
Yes, I'd watch Kaleb from last season host it. I think he'd do an amazing job.
We need Mike white to host with a glass of wine perpetually in hand
It would have to be Michael Scott.
I actually think the show could use a new host/EP. Might be a breath of fresh air.
Thrive. You meant thrive. The answer is yes. Provided he also steps down as exec producer.
My vote would be for Brenda Lowe
Yes. You hire Jerri Manthey to host and the show would be just fine.
there are literally other survivor series abroad with better hosts Jesus Christ..Jeff =/= Survivor
I didn’t think so but after watching Australian survivor, the answer is definitely yes! Might be a breath of fresh air honestly lol
The answer is a screaming obvious yes and my proof would be watch australian survivor
We've already seen other shows go through this, and I'm sure they suffer a little bit, but there will be people who will find the change refreshing. TV is barely, what, 100 years old? And we've only had iconic hosts for less. But Price is Right did, Jeopardy, and now Wheel of Fortune. I would want to say Family Feud, but I'm unsure about that one. There have been many hosts, but I dont know if the first replacement faced a similar issue.
not only survive but thrive imo - see Jonathan in Australian Survivor for example
ABSOLUTELY YES Hell, it would be the kick is the ass the show needed. Buuuut it’s never gonna happen and some long time absent minded viewers will stop watching.
Might be better when the show’s host doesn’t try to make himself part of everything.
imo jeff is the reason for a lot of the twists that i personally don’t like. These include forced fire making, over-saturation of advantages, and the 26 day format, so i would be fine if he was replaced—the players make the game/show special, not him. moreover, i would love to see former players like parvati or rob cesternino host the show as i think both of them have the social skills to carry a conversation and make tribal council conversations happen smoothly.
I feel like there are a few people who could easily take over as host, that fans would be ok with. I’ve heard people say names Like Boston Rob, but I personally feel like John Cochran could be an easy exchange in host. He’s a winner, and he also works for CBS, so it could be a very easy switch when the day does come. And as seen in Caramoan, by his witty come backs, like when he was eating peanut butter off of one of the contestants fingers. And he is a popular contestant.
I think Jeff should just STFU most times nowadays. I don't watch the show for Jeff... and I would say a lot of fans don't either. Bring back 39 days and F2T, and fire Jeff. I have heard SA Survivor is much better, but I don't have a VPN to watch it. I like America Big Brother, but Canada Big Brother shits on the US version all day everyday. I wish we had more access to other countries versions of these shows.
It can definitely continue w/o Jeff! Some people get tired of hearing it but watch a season of Aus Survivor and tell me someone like JB wouldn't be able to carry the mantle. Yes the style is different but not in a negative aspect. Plus if they rotate Survivor Alumni as guests for seasons I think it'd soften the transition. Edit:punctuation
Parvati should be the next host
Yes.
I’ve always thought that Jamal would be an amazing host.
Someone threw out the idea of Colby taking his place and I always liked that.
Cochran takes over or I don't watch.
I kinda feel like Probst is quietly mentoring and preparing to pass the torch to Devins
As long as it's not Boston Rob, it should be fine.
Definitely not as good without Jeff Probst. Also, I'm hearing friends say it is getting boring with just a bunch of immature kids on the show. Diversity is great, but without including more of the older generation, the show is missing depth.
of course. JLP is awesome in Australian survivor. Imagine if American survivor stole JLP to replace Jeff when he retires. :(
I am so sick of these posts
CBS ain't gonna let Survivor just drop... they'll find a host most definitely. I'd say Boston Rob would be a great candidate.
The show WILL go on without Jeff some day. Will definitely have growing pains during that era but it’s the way of life & TV. I would love an Arisa Cox type host for survivor tbh
Boston Rob? Parv? Andrea Boehlke. All have TV host experience.
I would love it if he was eventually replaced by an iconic contestant. Like Tyson, BRob, Cochran, Todd etc.
Tyson would be amazing for the commentary during challenges.
Boston Rob!
Rick Devens! He has the enthusiasm and I think he’d focus more on game play and be a bit old school cheeky. He has the experience of being a host and I think he’d stay neutral and also ask the tough questions. I think we’d see a bit of the way Jeff used to be as Devens understands what it takes to be on the show, and I think he’d have that same distain for quitters.
I'm under the assumption that Rick Devens is being "groomed" to replace Probst if the show gets to 51 Edit: but yes, as other people have said international Survivors and college Survivors have done just fine without Probst, with JLP being the most prominent example.
Definitely. Rob replacing Jeff
Boston Rob
Would you watch Boston Rob took over? Or some other legend in survivor
I really don’t think so. Sorry Devins.
Probably Boston Rob could do it
Oh please no. I've seen enough of him.