Jeff Probst, the host of Survivor, recently revealed that the show will no longer be seeking out self-proclaimed villains for future seasons. Probst explained that the show's creator, Mark Burnett, had a knack for casting players who would bring drama and conflict to the game. However, Probst expressed that he is not interested in continuing that trend and prefers to focus on more positive elements of the series.
Probst emphasized the importance of storytelling and introducing new game obstacles to keep the season engaging. He mentioned that by incorporating different twists into the game, they can create tension without relying on negative interactions between contestants.
Following the recent season, Winners at War, which featured 20 previous winners competing for the title of Sole Survivor, Probst felt that Survivor needed to evolve. The show's team is working on reimagining the series with a focus on positivity, aiming to make it a family-friendly viewing experience.
While Probst is committed to ushering in a new era of positivity for Survivor, he acknowledged that some viewers may perceive the changes as making the show softer. However, he teased that in the upcoming season 46, viewers can expect to see a different side of him during Tribal Council.
Survivor 46 is set to premiere on CBS on Wednesday, February 28, at 8 p.m. ET and will also be available for streaming on Paramount+.