Jeff Probsthas hostedSurvivorsince the iconicreality competition showbegan back in 2000. While many fans consider Jeff to be an integral part of the show, others have criticized him for no longer beingthe “mean Jeff”or “sassy Jeff” characteristic of earlier seasons – criticisms that go hand-in-hand with those of“New Era” changesto the show. But changing things up is one of the reasonsSurvivorhas remained relevant for over twenty years, andJeff’s ability to evolve alongside the game is what makes him such an outstanding host.
While he was known for his snarky commentary, Jeff also treated men and women differently on the show – something he owned up to onSurvivor: Winners at War– and deprioritized contestants’ privacy and well-being in earlier seasons. AsSurvivorhas made changes over the years – introducing hidden immunity idols into the game and growing more inclusive in its cast, to name a few – Jeff has also demonstrated growth as host of the show.Despite claims that “mean Jeff” is missed, the show is better in his absence.
Jeff Probst Hasn’t Always Been the Considerate ‘Survivor’ Host He Is Now
Inearlier seasons ofSurvivor,Jeff wasn’t as concerned with the well-being of theSurvivorplayers as he is now. For example, in the show’s seventh season,Survivor: Pearl Islands,Osten Taylor– who was suffering from multiple staph infections at the time – asked his tribemates to vote him out; a request which his tribemates agreed to fulfill. Jeff took this incredibly personally and decided to forgo Tribal Council altogether, forcing Osten to quit and then laying his torch on the ground after he left.
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Another unsavory momentoccurred at theSurvivor: China(Survivor’s15th season) Reunion when Jeff asked playerCourtney Yatesif she had an eating disorder, saying “Anorexic, eating disorder, what’s the deal?”At that same reunion, Jeff askedErik Huffman, “Are you still a virgin?” in reference to Erik’s relationship with fellow contestantJaime Dugan, showing a complete lack of regard for Erik and Jaime’s privacy. It’s clear that Jeff wasn’t always as considerate as he has grown to be, and, in comparison to Jeff of the New Era,he’s come a long way since those cringey at best and cruel at worst momentsthat occurred in earlier seasons.
Jeff Probst Has Shown He’s Willing To Grow As Host of ‘Survivor’
A mark of Jeff’s growth asSurvivor’shost was his conversation with playerSarah Lacinaon the show’s 40th season,Survivor: Winners at War, regarding the issue of gender bias on the show.He owned up to the part he may have played in perpetuating this biasin favor of men, particularly in earlier seasons, saying “Let me own my part. I am certain if I look back at all of the comments I have made over 20 years, I would find the exact same bias in me.” In the show’s most recent season,Survivor 47,Jeff acknowledged that he’s still learning from contestantslikeTeeny Chirichillo– who opened up about their struggle with gender identity throughout the season – saying, “I’ve never played, but I’ve been a witness to every single person who has played this game in 24 years, and I continue to learn life lessons from all of you, including you this season.” Also inSurvivor 47, Jeff approachedAndy Rueda’smoment of panicthat occurred at an Immunity Challenge early on in the season with empathy instead of shaming him for it like he may have in earlier seasons. Andy went on to beone of the best playersonSurvivor 47after spearheading a historic strategic play, Operation: Italy.
Alongside changing things up, one of the best aspects ofSurvivoris that it features different people from all different walks of life. It takes a special person to navigate a show of such magnitude – someone witha willingness to learn and adapt and who treats people with empathy and respect for their individual circumstanceson the show and in life. This is something Jeff Probst hasn’t always shown. But he’s made a conscious effort in recent seasons to be more considerate and open toevolving alongside the show, andSurvivoris better for it. Fans of the show are now looking forward toSurvivor 48, which premieres on CBS on February 26.Survivoris available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.
