Longtime “Survivor” host and showrunner Jeff Probst has opened up about one of the elements of the show’s recent 50th season that still bothers him.
“Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans” saw the return of 24 former castaways from throughout the show’s history, including many fan-favorites. However, Probst has since said that many other popular and influential players from the series’ history were also close to joining the anniversary special.
Speaking to The Ankler, Probst revealed that he still feels bad from having to tell so many former contestants that they wouldn’t be part of the landmark season.
‘Survivor 50’ Could Have Featured Almost 20 More Players
Speaking in the interview, Probst discussed how difficult it was to assemble the Season 50 cast due to the sheer number of people who were willing to return and take part.
In fact, the host explained how the original plan was to have a smaller group of castaways. These plans ultimately changed and the number of contestants grew from 18 to 24. They simply could not fit anyone else in given the 26-day limit used in the modern format.
Probst believes that at least 20 additional former players could have made the cut but feels like the producers did a good job of getting the balance right between the various different eras of the show.
However, this doesn’t stop him from feeling disappointed about having to let those who weren’t chosen know about the decision – something he stressed was not personal. r
“What really bums me out the most is that there are people that we wanted on the show and we just ultimately decided this isn’t gonna work out, and their feelings are so hurt, and I get it,” Probst said.
The longtime host stressed that the decisions weren’t personal and said he could understand why players were disappointed after believing they might finally get another chance to compete.
“I feel we got it right,” Probst said of the eventual lineup.
Jeff Probst Says More Returning Players Are Coming
The former contestants who narrowly missed out on appearing in Season 50 may not have lost their opportunity to return to the hit reality television series permanently.
Probst has also recently discussed the topic of returning players in future seasons of “Survivor.” He effectively confirmed that more familiar faces will make their way into upcoming instalments of the series.
He even went as far as to suggest that they could be coming back “sooner rather than later.”
Jeff Probst Had an Emotional Message for the ‘Survivor 50’ Cast
Following the airing of “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans,” it emerged just how seriously Probst was taking the show. This is understandable given its importance in terms of the history of “Survivor” and it being considered a landmark moment.
Before filming began, the host gave the returning players an unusually intense speech about the importance of the milestone and what it means to viewers.
Probst previously revealed the passionate message he delivered to the “Survivor 50” cast shortly before the competition started.
The host wanted contestants to understand the significance of the show’s 50th season and encouraged all of the returning players to embrace the opportunity.
That passion continued through to the finale, which saw “Survivor” revive its traditional live reunion format.
