You’ll assume when you’ve a face of the franchise who has been with a present for 50 seasons, that locking him up for so long as potential, in order to not threat a doubtlessly derailing change, can be of paramount significance. So what precisely does the CBS contract for Survivor host and showrunner Jeff Probst seem like?

“I don't even actually have a contract,” Probst instructed Leisure Weekly in Fiji throughout filming on Survivor 50 (which premieres Feb. 2 on CBS.) Wait, that doesn’t sound correct. “I don't negotiate contracts,” Probst insists. “I don't have a long-term deal. I don't have any deal. We simply do it.”

Whereas we assume this to imply that one of the best actuality tv host on the planet merely goes on a year-to-year settlement moderately than an extended spanning deal, it additionally explains why individuals like me preserve asking him how lengthy he’s going to proceed with the present if he himself is just not locking up an extended term-commitment on this system. However make no mistake, the person stays deeply dedicated to Survivor.

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“I'm telling you proper now, there's no thought in my thoughts in any respect about leaving,” Probst insists. “I really like the place the present is. I really like our crew. I really like the kind of individuals which might be making use of. It's up in each class of ethnic variety. Each class is up, and all people's saying it’s as a result of ‘I see myself mirrored and represented on the present, so now I need to be on the present.’ That makes me excited, together with watching younger individuals come up and say, ‘I need to play this f—ing sport!’ That’s actually thrilling.”

And whereas many followers and former gamers should still bemoan the downsizing from 39 to 26 days, the Hostmaster Common says the transfer to a extra manageable shoot has reenergized the crew. “The 26-day schedule removed a 3rd of the shoot, and for everyone out right here, that has been actually constructive, as a result of the present is draining. However now it's doable. It's nonetheless draining, nevertheless it's doable.”

And whereas Probst says he desires to maintain doing it, what in regards to the day when he is able to step away? Would he just like the present to proceed on with out him?

“That's a very good query,” says the host, pondering his reply. “Okay, right here's my trustworthy reality. I completely, 100% know this present will go on with out me, as a result of it's the format. The important thing can be who's going to be producing and who's going to be internet hosting and what standpoint are they going to carry to it.”

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Probst firmly believes any potential successor must have his or her personal distinct imaginative and prescient that helps form what makes it to the display screen.

“You’ll be able to't simply rent some speaking head for Survivor,” says Probst. “That may be a foul mistake. However in case you rent someone who has a standpoint about people and habits and why we do the issues we do, then they may carry an entire new standpoint to it. They could take a look at it and go, ‘Right here's what I'm inquisitive about.’”

And that distinction pursuits the present host. “In the event you ask individuals about me, I'm within the hero's journey, the Joseph Campbell journey of life that I imagine all of us have stirring in our stomach. And that Survivor is that decision. Any individual else could come on and say, ‘We should always middle it extra round challenges. And I'll inform you why.’ And perhaps you’ve got a special sport.”

If and when Probst ever does flip in his colourful assortment of Survivor baseball caps as host, would he nonetheless need to be concerned because the showrunner or another inventive collaborator on the present? Or would he step apart so the brand new host may are available in and have management over that imaginative and prescient?

“I feel that will be a giant dialogue,” Probst solutions. "I’d be open to a state of affairs like that. However there additionally could be a time the place you say, ‘With respect, Probst, you've been right here a very long time and we'd wish to attempt one thing new.’ After which I'd say, ‘Nice!’ I’d gracefully bow out. And I’d additionally say, ‘I'm right here in case you want me.’ This present has given me every part. I’d by no means abandon Survivor. I’d at all times be part of it in any method if someone wished me.’”

However that may be a potential dialogue for an additional day. “I hope that's not a name I get anytime quickly,” he says. "I don't need to go away. I don't need to get replaced.”

Relaxation assured, it seems there shall be no self-torch snuffing within the rapid future.

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