The long-running host of hit reality television series “Survivor” and a former winner of the series have spoken out about how they think the modern era of the show is faster and more aggressive than previous generations. Both Jeff Probst and Jeremy Collins have spoken about how much the experience has changed in recent years and how older contestants might struggle against younger competitors in the upcoming season 50 of “Survivor.”
‘Survivor’ Changes Make It Harder For More Experienced Players
Per Entertainment Weekly, Probst revealed his thoughts about the modern incarnation of “Survivor” on the latest episode of his “On Fire with Jeff Probst” podcast. During a discussion about the actions of Shannon Fairweather in season 49 with Collins and producer Jay Wolff, he explained how he thinks newer contestants play the game at a faster pace. The conversation arose from the fact that Fairweather was seen in an episode running through strategy options with fellow player Steven Ramm before sunrise.
Turning to how the game has evolved, Probst explained how those from earlier seasons would likely struggle to compete given the changes to the game and how fast the action has become.
“Let’s just remember seasons before 41 did not have things like a Beware Advantage or a Journey or the Shot in the Dark,” says Probst. “So all of that changes the nature of the game. And that’s what’s going to be interesting about 50 is somebody like Jeremy or Colby who has played many times, but they played at a slower pace. Not an easier or more difficult game, but a different pace because of the game design. How’s that going to work?”
The contrast between different versions of “Survivor” and how different generations approach the competition is one of the elements that Probst is most excited about seeing in the upcoming landmark season 50. He further added, “You could easily see a world in which new-era players say to somebody like Colby or Jenna or Stephenie, ‘Hey, Let’s go get up earlier. No coffee.’”
“Or what happens if the older-era players say, ‘Hey, why don’t we slow down for a minute? I’m going to go make us some coffee, tend to the fire.’ That’s one of the elements that’s going to be fun about 50.”
In response, Collins revealed how he would alter the way he played to try to and be successful given the rule changes. “I think regarding me, Jeff, you have to play differently,” Jeremy says. “For me, it’s a more of an aggressive game and I would change my style up a little bit and play more.”
Probst Explains Casting Choices For Season 50
GettyIn the same episode of his podcast, Probst also explained some of the decisions behind the casting of season 50. Several high-profile figures from the franchise’s history are not involved in the anniversary season, leaving some fans wondering why they have been left out.
According to the host and show runner, it simply came down to the fact that the team didn’t want to include individuals who had already appeared in multiple seasons. In particular, they wanted to avoid contestants who appeared in the 2020 season of “Survivor: Winners at War.”
“We made a decision not to bring any of the winners from Winners at War because we had just seen them and it was a big season,” explains Probst in the podcast. “And I know a lot of people are going to miss players like Jeremy, but that was the reason why. That simple.”
