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'Survivor' host and producer Jeff Probst. (Photo Courtesy of: CBS) |
With its "Fiji" edition debuting next Thursday night on CBS, some critics would say ‘Survivor’ is getting a little long in the tooth. To host/producer Jeff Probst though, the series is continuing to deliver what viewers want most: intrigue, drama, mystery and a whole lotta backstabbing.
“I think that execution is critical because people can smell bulls--t. They can smell it if something doesn’t feel right. I can smell it when we do things that aren’t right. I cringe when they happen and I know the audience cringes,” Probst said in a media conference call. “I would say though, anybody who is being fair looking at thirteen seasons of ‘Survivor’ would have to say that show has held up pretty darn well.”
This time around, ‘Fiji’ offers Survivor’s take on the whole rich versus poor scenario with the players being divided into two tribes on Day Three. One tribe will continue to live at a luxurious camp while the other will be send to a new camp site with a pot, a machete and some water you cannot drink without boiling it.
“The idea was to create disparity between the two tribes. What surprised me was how quickly there was a sense of entitlement from the winning tribe,” said Probst. “Once there was a winning tribe and a losing tribe, there was a clear underdog. You cannot help but pull for a little bit for the tribe who has nothing.”
By coincidence, the latest edition of the Mark Burnett produced ‘The Apprentice’, is also employing the same rich versus poor twist. Knowing how Survivor’s plays out, Probst isn’t worried about being beaten to the punch by Donald Trump and the gang.
“We were a little surprised to find out ‘The Apprentice’ was doing it but especially after watching the first episode of ‘The Apprentice’, we are in very different worlds and very plots,” he said.
Probst revealed that things get so bad for the less fortunate tribe that they are forced to lick water off of leaves to hydrate themselves and celebrate like no tomorrow when they find a solitary pineapple to divvy up.
Responding to the criticism leveled at the Hidden Immunity Idol being horded since its introduction to the series, the producers have changed the rules of the twist. On ‘Fiji’, there will be two Hidden Immunity Idols, one hidden at each camp. Exile Island will still be a part of the game but there will be clues on the island as to where the idol is located back at camp and it is also covered with deadly sea snakes. The Hidden Immunity Idol now must be put into play after the tribe has voted but before Probst reads those votes.
The new rules force some players to ponder being purposely exiled to gain more clues and puzzle out how to look for the Idol at camp when there are other players wandering around all the time.
Probst confirmed that the Idol gets played more than once this season.
Fans can look forward to the ‘Car Curse’ returning as well since Ford has replaced GM as a sponsor of the series. According to Probst, the competition for the car this season has more of an impact on the game than any other car challenge on ‘Survivor’.
Unlike in past seasons, ‘Survivor: Fiji’ will begin with only 19 contestants instead of an even 20. A nervous Mellisa McNulty, a model from Los Angeles, quit the game hours before it was set to begin. Without any alternates on hand, the producers decided to go ahead with two tribes of nine players while figuring out a plan to work in the extra person.
One thing ‘Fiji’ will not have is any romance or hanky panky. Probst confirmed that there are no serious love affairs and that like the ‘Cook Islands’ edition, ‘Fiji’ could end with three finalists instead of two.
Signed on for at least two more seasons, Probst still views hosting the CBS reality series as a great learning experience on a personal and professional level.
“This is the best job I have ever had and probably will ever have,” said Probst.
Some Probst Player Insights
Boo Bernis
Very athletic but the most injury prone ‘Survivor’ ever.
He suffers three injuries in one hour.
Probst views him as a “bumbling contradiction” in that he is so athletic.
Carried himself with a great deal of respect for others.
Erica Durousseau
A sleeper player who is a quiet force.
She is not easily swayed and early on goes against her own tribe on an important issue.
Jessica Deben
The girl next door.
Probst was pulling for her to win because of all the family tragedy she has suffered.
She wore her dad’s denim shirt in memory of him.
Michelle Yi
Responsible for something that hasn’t happened since Africa in terms of a moment out on the beach.
Huge impact on her tribe
She is feisty and a little deceptive.
She is more of a player than people realize.
Rita Verreos
Prides herself on being a single mom and wears that like badge of honour.
Very aware of her looks and no problem using them to her advantage.
Viewed as the “mom” of the tribe.
James “Rocky” Reid
He looks like Sylvester Stallone’s clone. He walks like him and talks like him.
He is colourful, funny and sometimes very irritating.
Yau-Man Chan
Originally from Borneo, the site of the first ‘Survivor’.
Excellent natural survival skills.
Probst thinks fans will just adore him.
Dre “Dreamz” Herd
Formerly a homeless street performer who lived out of dumpsters.
Survived and made something of himself.
A total underdog and his biggest challenge is adapting to Survivor's social game.
