Jeff Probst reveals type of players he wants for Survivor 50 (exclusive)

[Brian Smith]

Jeff Probst reveals type of players he wants for Survivor 50 (exclusive)

"Disgruntled players looking to settle a score" need not apply.

By Dalton Ross

Published on November 12, 2024 10:30AM EST

When Survivor staged its epic all-champions edition for season 40, the
theme was right there in the title: Winners at War. The installment was
billed as an intense battle of the best. But as the franchise peeks
ahead for its landmark 50th season, which will be filming in spring of
2025, there is a different approach taking place behind the scenes when
it comes to both the show’s casting and creative elements.

“Imagine you have just an empty whiteboard and you can write anything
you want on it,” host and showrunner Jeff Probst tells Entertainment
Weekly about the approach to Survivor 50. “The first word that came to
me was celebrate. And that's important to me because that's going to
guide us into our creative. We want fans to be happy. We want this to be
a celebration.”

And the celebration theme also extends into picking the players to
compete. Probst already announced that they will be bringing contestants
back for the first time since season 40 — unless you count Bruce
Perreault, who got a do-over after being medically evacuated just
minutes into Survivor 44 — and he elaborates to EW on what type of
returnee they are looking for.

“We want players who are also excited to be on it,” Probst explains.
“This is not Winners at War. It doesn't mean we don't want players who
are going to play hard. Of course we do. But it means we're also
big-picture trying to celebrate 25 years, and that means joyful players
who are in a good mood and want to play. We’re not looking for
disgruntled players looking to settle a score. We're looking for players
who want a second chance, who have something to prove to themselves.”

Probst’s ideal is a special season that producers, players, and fans can
all celebrate from different vantage points. “So how do you do that in a
way that's fun, that includes the fans, that has the players that all
the fans want to see, and will still give you the opportunity for
another great season of Survivor?” Probst asks. “So celebration is the
first word, and that equals joy. I'm looking for those moments that are
going to be really fun and really funny.”

Of course, the 600+ former Survivor contestants have not been shy about
expressing their desire to get that golden ticket back to the island.
While none have taken to flying banners over the host’s house… yet...
many have been out there promoting themselves on social media and trying
to uncover information in terms of who else may be under consideration.

“The players are excited, and we like that,” Probst acknowledges.
“There's no issue with a player being excited or trying to find out if
there is information. That's a good sign. It says you want it, so we
welcome that. What I would say back to any player that is curious or
thinking about it is just remember that a big part of Survivor 50, or
any great season of Survivor, is a little secrecy. So read into that
whatever you want, but what I would have to say for players who want to
be on 50 is to keep that in mind.”

While Probst won’t get into creative specifics for Survivor 50, noting
that, “We're looking for excitement, and part of that excitement is that
a season needs to have some secrecy around it,” he also assures viewers
that a lot of thought has been going into the effort for an installment
that won’t even air until 2026. “While it's fun to talk about 50, I
don't want to give anything away, because it's a long way away. But I
can promise Survivor fans, it is top of mind for us, and we are going to
do our very best to make it a great season that will satisfy them.”

Source:
https://ew.com/survivor-50-jeff-probst-reveals-type-of-players-he-wants-exclusive-8741330

[Rick]

Post by Brian Smith
Jeff Probst reveals type of players he wants for Survivor 50 (exclusive)
"Disgruntled players looking to settle a score" need not apply.
By Dalton Ross
Published on November 12, 2024 10:30AM EST
When Survivor staged its epic all-champions edition for season 40, the
theme was right there in the title: Winners at War. The installment was
billed as an intense battle of the best. But as the franchise peeks
ahead for its landmark 50th season, which will be filming in spring of
2025, there is a different approach taking place behind the scenes when
it comes to both the show’s casting and creative elements.
“Imagine you have just an empty whiteboard and you can write anything
you want on it,” host and showrunner Jeff Probst tells Entertainment
Weekly about the approach to Survivor 50. “The first word that came to
me was celebrate. And that's important to me because that's going to
guide us into our creative. We want fans to be happy. We want this to be
a celebration.”
And the celebration theme also extends into picking the players to
compete. Probst already announced that they will be bringing contestants
back for the first time since season 40 — unless you count Bruce
Perreault, who got a do-over after being medically evacuated just
minutes into Survivor 44 — and he elaborates to EW on what type of
returnee they are looking for.
“We want players who are also excited to be on it,” Probst explains.
“This is not Winners at War. It doesn't mean we don't want players who
are going to play hard. Of course we do. But it means we're also
big-picture trying to celebrate 25 years, and that means joyful players
who are in a good mood and want to play. We’re not looking for
disgruntled players looking to settle a score. We're looking for players
who want a second chance, who have something to prove to themselves.”
Probst’s ideal is a special season that producers, players, and fans can
all celebrate from different vantage points. “So how do you do that in a
way that's fun, that includes the fans, that has the players that all
the fans want to see, and will still give you the opportunity for
another great season of Survivor?” Probst asks. “So celebration is the
first word, and that equals joy. I'm looking for those moments that are
going to be really fun and really funny.”
Of course, the 600+ former Survivor contestants have not been shy about
expressing their desire to get that golden ticket back to the island.
While none have taken to flying banners over the host’s house… yet...
many have been out there promoting themselves on social media and trying
to uncover information in terms of who else may be under consideration.
“The players are excited, and we like that,” Probst acknowledges.
“There's no issue with a player being excited or trying to find out if
there is information. That's a good sign. It says you want it, so we
welcome that. What I would say back to any player that is curious or
thinking about it is just remember that a big part of Survivor 50, or
any great season of Survivor, is a little secrecy. So read into that
whatever you want, but what I would have to say for players who want to
be on 50 is to keep that in mind.”
While Probst won’t get into creative specifics for Survivor 50, noting
that, “We're looking for excitement, and part of that excitement is that
a season needs to have some secrecy around it,” he also assures viewers
that a lot of thought has been going into the effort for an installment
that won’t even air until 2026. “While it's fun to talk about 50, I
don't want to give anything away, because it's a long way away. But I
can promise Survivor fans, it is top of mind for us, and we are going to
do our very best to make it a great season that will satisfy them.”
https://ew.com/survivor-50-jeff-probst-reveals-type-of-players-he-wants-exclusive-8741330

Other than Russell Hantz, maybe, who likely wasn't going to be invited
anyway, what other "disgruntled players looking to settle a score" is
Jeff thinking of? Brad Culpepper? He was also pretty disgruntled. Or
is he talking about players like Rick Devens and David Wright who made
it far in the game and were well liked but fell short of the finals? Or
maybe someone like Domenick who literally came within one vote of
winning the show?

Also I wonder how Jeff feels about the US players who will be appearing
next year on Australian Survivor - i.e., Tony, Parvati and Cirie. I'm
pretty sure he has always liked all three, but I wonder if they are now
personas non grata regarding their chances to be on US S50. Ditto
Sandra, who also appeared on the Oz franchise in a blood vs water season
with her daughter.

[shawn]

Post by Rick

Post by Brian Smith
Jeff Probst reveals type of players he wants for Survivor 50 (exclusive)
"Disgruntled players looking to settle a score" need not apply.
By Dalton Ross
Published on November 12, 2024 10:30AM EST
When Survivor staged its epic all-champions edition for season 40, the
theme was right there in the title: Winners at War. The installment was
billed as an intense battle of the best. But as the franchise peeks
ahead for its landmark 50th season, which will be filming in spring of
2025, there is a different approach taking place behind the scenes when
it comes to both the show’s casting and creative elements.
“Imagine you have just an empty whiteboard and you can write anything
you want on it,” host and showrunner Jeff Probst tells Entertainment
Weekly about the approach to Survivor 50. “The first word that came to
me was celebrate. And that's important to me because that's going to
guide us into our creative. We want fans to be happy. We want this to be
a celebration.”
And the celebration theme also extends into picking the players to
compete. Probst already announced that they will be bringing contestants
back for the first time since season 40 — unless you count Bruce
Perreault, who got a do-over after being medically evacuated just
minutes into Survivor 44 — and he elaborates to EW on what type of
returnee they are looking for.
“We want players who are also excited to be on it,” Probst explains.
“This is not Winners at War. It doesn't mean we don't want players who
are going to play hard. Of course we do. But it means we're also
big-picture trying to celebrate 25 years, and that means joyful players
who are in a good mood and want to play. We’re not looking for
disgruntled players looking to settle a score. We're looking for players
who want a second chance, who have something to prove to themselves.”
Probst’s ideal is a special season that producers, players, and fans can
all celebrate from different vantage points. “So how do you do that in a
way that's fun, that includes the fans, that has the players that all
the fans want to see, and will still give you the opportunity for
another great season of Survivor?” Probst asks. “So celebration is the
first word, and that equals joy. I'm looking for those moments that are
going to be really fun and really funny.”
Of course, the 600+ former Survivor contestants have not been shy about
expressing their desire to get that golden ticket back to the island.
While none have taken to flying banners over the host’s house… yet...
many have been out there promoting themselves on social media and trying
to uncover information in terms of who else may be under consideration.
“The players are excited, and we like that,” Probst acknowledges.
“There's no issue with a player being excited or trying to find out if
there is information. That's a good sign. It says you want it, so we
welcome that. What I would say back to any player that is curious or
thinking about it is just remember that a big part of Survivor 50, or
any great season of Survivor, is a little secrecy. So read into that
whatever you want, but what I would have to say for players who want to
be on 50 is to keep that in mind.”
While Probst won’t get into creative specifics for Survivor 50, noting
that, “We're looking for excitement, and part of that excitement is that
a season needs to have some secrecy around it,” he also assures viewers
that a lot of thought has been going into the effort for an installment
that won’t even air until 2026. “While it's fun to talk about 50, I
don't want to give anything away, because it's a long way away. But I
can promise Survivor fans, it is top of mind for us, and we are going to
do our very best to make it a great season that will satisfy them.”
https://ew.com/survivor-50-jeff-probst-reveals-type-of-players-he-wants-exclusive-8741330

Other than Russell Hantz, maybe, who likely wasn't going to be invited
anyway, what other "disgruntled players looking to settle a score" is
Jeff thinking of? Brad Culpepper? He was also pretty disgruntled. Or
is he talking about players like Rick Devens and David Wright who made
it far in the game and were well liked but fell short of the finals? Or
maybe someone like Domenick who literally came within one vote of
winning the show?

The only one that clearly comes to mind is Russell Hantz. I can't
think of anyone else that was publicly disgruntled. Who knows what
might have happened behind the scenes.

Post by Rick
Also I wonder how Jeff feels about the US players who will be appearing
next year on Australian Survivor - i.e., Tony, Parvati and Cirie. I'm
pretty sure he has always liked all three, but I wonder if they are now
personas non grata regarding their chances to be on US S50. Ditto
Sandra, who also appeared on the Oz franchise in a blood vs water season
with her daughter.

As for players being on the Oz franchise, I can't see that being an
issue. Clearly that want known players that do well and appear to be
having a good time while out there. Those people all fit both
categories so I would expect them to be invited.

[Brian Smith]

Post by shawn

Post by Rick

Post by Brian Smith
Jeff Probst reveals type of players he wants for Survivor 50 (exclusive)
"Disgruntled players looking to settle a score" need not apply.
By Dalton Ross
Published on November 12, 2024 10:30AM EST
When Survivor staged its epic all-champions edition for season 40, the
theme was right there in the title: Winners at War. The installment was
billed as an intense battle of the best. But as the franchise peeks
ahead for its landmark 50th season, which will be filming in spring of
2025, there is a different approach taking place behind the scenes when
it comes to both the show’s casting and creative elements.
“Imagine you have just an empty whiteboard and you can write anything
you want on it,” host and showrunner Jeff Probst tells Entertainment
Weekly about the approach to Survivor 50. “The first word that came to
me was celebrate. And that's important to me because that's going to
guide us into our creative. We want fans to be happy. We want this to be
a celebration.”
And the celebration theme also extends into picking the players to
compete. Probst already announced that they will be bringing contestants
back for the first time since season 40 — unless you count Bruce
Perreault, who got a do-over after being medically evacuated just
minutes into Survivor 44 — and he elaborates to EW on what type of
returnee they are looking for.
“We want players who are also excited to be on it,” Probst explains.
“This is not Winners at War. It doesn't mean we don't want players who
are going to play hard. Of course we do. But it means we're also
big-picture trying to celebrate 25 years, and that means joyful players
who are in a good mood and want to play. We’re not looking for
disgruntled players looking to settle a score. We're looking for players
who want a second chance, who have something to prove to themselves.”
Probst’s ideal is a special season that producers, players, and fans can
all celebrate from different vantage points. “So how do you do that in a
way that's fun, that includes the fans, that has the players that all
the fans want to see, and will still give you the opportunity for
another great season of Survivor?” Probst asks. “So celebration is the
first word, and that equals joy. I'm looking for those moments that are
going to be really fun and really funny.”
Of course, the 600+ former Survivor contestants have not been shy about
expressing their desire to get that golden ticket back to the island.
While none have taken to flying banners over the host’s house… yet...
many have been out there promoting themselves on social media and trying
to uncover information in terms of who else may be under consideration.
“The players are excited, and we like that,” Probst acknowledges.
“There's no issue with a player being excited or trying to find out if
there is information. That's a good sign. It says you want it, so we
welcome that. What I would say back to any player that is curious or
thinking about it is just remember that a big part of Survivor 50, or
any great season of Survivor, is a little secrecy. So read into that
whatever you want, but what I would have to say for players who want to
be on 50 is to keep that in mind.”
While Probst won’t get into creative specifics for Survivor 50, noting
that, “We're looking for excitement, and part of that excitement is that
a season needs to have some secrecy around it,” he also assures viewers
that a lot of thought has been going into the effort for an installment
that won’t even air until 2026. “While it's fun to talk about 50, I
don't want to give anything away, because it's a long way away. But I
can promise Survivor fans, it is top of mind for us, and we are going to
do our very best to make it a great season that will satisfy them.”
https://ew.com/survivor-50-jeff-probst-reveals-type-of-players-he-wants-exclusive-8741330

Other than Russell Hantz, maybe, who likely wasn't going to be invited
anyway, what other "disgruntled players looking to settle a score" is
Jeff thinking of? Brad Culpepper? He was also pretty disgruntled. Or
is he talking about players like Rick Devens and David Wright who made
it far in the game and were well liked but fell short of the finals? Or
maybe someone like Domenick who literally came within one vote of
winning the show?

The only one that clearly comes to mind is Russell Hantz. I can't
think of anyone else that was publicly disgruntled. Who knows what
might have happened behind the scenes.

Post by Rick
Also I wonder how Jeff feels about the US players who will be appearing
next year on Australian Survivor - i.e., Tony, Parvati and Cirie. I'm
pretty sure he has always liked all three, but I wonder if they are now
personas non grata regarding their chances to be on US S50. Ditto
Sandra, who also appeared on the Oz franchise in a blood vs water season
with her daughter.

As for players being on the Oz franchise, I can't see that being an
issue. Clearly that want known players that do well and appear to be
having a good time while out there. Those people all fit both
categories so I would expect them to be invited.

Jeff and/or CBS might be worried about overexposure. All three have
recently done The Traitors and Cirie was on BB25 for 90+ days. They
might have done other things as well. If S50 is going to be the usual
cast of 18 I'd rather they not waste spots on people we've seen a
million times already.

[Rick]

Post by Brian Smith

Post by shawn

Post by Rick

Post by Brian Smith
Jeff Probst reveals type of players he wants for Survivor 50 (exclusive)
"Disgruntled players looking to settle a score" need not apply.
By Dalton Ross
Published on November 12, 2024 10:30AM EST
When Survivor staged its epic all-champions edition for season 40, the
theme was right there in the title: Winners at War. The installment was
billed as an intense battle of the best. But as the franchise peeks
ahead for its landmark 50th season, which will be filming in spring of
2025, there is a different approach taking place behind the scenes when
it comes to both the show’s casting and creative elements.
“Imagine you have just an empty whiteboard and you can write anything
you want on it,” host and showrunner Jeff Probst tells Entertainment
Weekly about the approach to Survivor 50. “The first word that came to
me was celebrate. And that's important to me because that's going to
guide us into our creative. We want fans to be happy. We want this to be
a celebration.”
And the celebration theme also extends into picking the players to
compete. Probst already announced that they will be bringing contestants
back for the first time since season 40 — unless you count Bruce
Perreault, who got a do-over after being medically evacuated just
minutes into Survivor 44 — and he elaborates to EW on what type of
returnee they are looking for.
“We want players who are also excited to be on it,” Probst explains.
“This is not Winners at War. It doesn't mean we don't want players who
are going to play hard. Of course we do. But it means we're also
big-picture trying to celebrate 25 years, and that means joyful players
who are in a good mood and want to play. We’re not looking for
disgruntled players looking to settle a score. We're looking for players
who want a second chance, who have something to prove to themselves.”
Probst’s ideal is a special season that producers, players, and fans can
all celebrate from different vantage points. “So how do you do that in a
way that's fun, that includes the fans, that has the players that all
the fans want to see, and will still give you the opportunity for
another great season of Survivor?” Probst asks. “So celebration is the
first word, and that equals joy. I'm looking for those moments that are
going to be really fun and really funny.”
Of course, the 600+ former Survivor contestants have not been shy about
expressing their desire to get that golden ticket back to the island.
While none have taken to flying banners over the host’s house… yet...
many have been out there promoting themselves on social media and trying
to uncover information in terms of who else may be under consideration.
“The players are excited, and we like that,” Probst acknowledges.
“There's no issue with a player being excited or trying to find out if
there is information. That's a good sign. It says you want it, so we
welcome that. What I would say back to any player that is curious or
thinking about it is just remember that a big part of Survivor 50, or
any great season of Survivor, is a little secrecy. So read into that
whatever you want, but what I would have to say for players who want to
be on 50 is to keep that in mind.”
While Probst won’t get into creative specifics for Survivor 50, noting
that, “We're looking for excitement, and part of that excitement is that
a season needs to have some secrecy around it,” he also assures viewers
that a lot of thought has been going into the effort for an installment
that won’t even air until 2026. “While it's fun to talk about 50, I
don't want to give anything away, because it's a long way away. But I
can promise Survivor fans, it is top of mind for us, and we are going to
do our very best to make it a great season that will satisfy them.”
https://ew.com/survivor-50-jeff-probst-reveals-type-of-players-he-wants-exclusive-8741330

Other than Russell Hantz, maybe, who likely wasn't going to be invited
anyway, what other "disgruntled players looking to settle a score" is
Jeff thinking of?  Brad Culpepper?  He was also pretty disgruntled.  Or
is he talking about players like Rick Devens and David Wright who made
it far in the game and were well liked but fell short of the finals?  Or
maybe someone like Domenick who literally came within one vote of
winning the show?

The only one that clearly comes to mind is Russell Hantz. I can't
think of anyone else that was publicly disgruntled. Who knows what
might have happened behind the scenes.

Post by Rick
Also I wonder how Jeff feels about the US players who will be appearing
next year on Australian Survivor - i.e., Tony, Parvati and Cirie.  I'm
pretty sure he has always liked all three, but I wonder if they are now
personas non grata regarding their chances to be on US S50.  Ditto
Sandra, who also appeared on the Oz franchise in a blood vs water season
with her daughter.

As for players being on the Oz franchise, I can't see that being an
issue. Clearly that want known players that do well and appear to be
having a good time while out there. Those people all fit both
categories so I would expect them to be invited.

Jeff and/or CBS might be worried about overexposure. All three have
recently done The Traitors and Cirie was on BB25 for 90+ days. They
might have done other things as well. If S50 is going to be the usual
cast of 18 I'd rather they not waste spots on people we've seen a
million times already.

That's a really good point. I frankly think that if a player has been
on twice, that should be good enough. I also think that there is no
reason to bring back a player that has already won. With over 700
players having appeared during 47 seasons, I think there should be
plenty of good choices for true second chancers who did not win their
season. I can't really think of anyone I need to see for a third time.

[Brian Smith]

Post by Brian Smith

Post by shawn

Post by Rick

Post by Brian Smith
Jeff Probst reveals type of players he wants for Survivor 50 (exclusive)
"Disgruntled players looking to settle a score" need not apply.
By Dalton Ross
Published on November 12, 2024 10:30AM EST
When Survivor staged its epic all-champions edition for season 40, the
theme was right there in the title: Winners at War. The installment was
billed as an intense battle of the best. But as the franchise peeks
ahead for its landmark 50th season, which will be filming in spring of
2025, there is a different approach taking place behind the scenes when
it comes to both the show’s casting and creative elements.
“Imagine you have just an empty whiteboard and you can write anything
you want on it,” host and showrunner Jeff Probst tells Entertainment
Weekly about the approach to Survivor 50. “The first word that came to
me was celebrate. And that's important to me because that's going to
guide us into our creative. We want fans to be happy. We want this to be
a celebration.”
And the celebration theme also extends into picking the players to
compete. Probst already announced that they will be bringing contestants
back for the first time since season 40 — unless you count Bruce
Perreault, who got a do-over after being medically evacuated just
minutes into Survivor 44 — and he elaborates to EW on what type of
returnee they are looking for.
“We want players who are also excited to be on it,” Probst explains.
“This is not Winners at War. It doesn't mean we don't want players who
are going to play hard. Of course we do. But it means we're also
big-picture trying to celebrate 25 years, and that means joyful players
who are in a good mood and want to play. We’re not looking for
disgruntled players looking to settle a score. We're looking for players
who want a second chance, who have something to prove to themselves.”
Probst’s ideal is a special season that producers, players, and fans can
all celebrate from different vantage points. “So how do you do that in a
way that's fun, that includes the fans, that has the players that all
the fans want to see, and will still give you the opportunity for
another great season of Survivor?” Probst asks. “So celebration is the
first word, and that equals joy. I'm looking for those moments that are
going to be really fun and really funny.”
Of course, the 600+ former Survivor contestants have not been shy about
expressing their desire to get that golden ticket back to the island.
While none have taken to flying banners over the host’s house… yet...
many have been out there promoting themselves on social media and trying
to uncover information in terms of who else may be under
consideration.
“The players are excited, and we like that,” Probst acknowledges.
“There's no issue with a player being excited or trying to find out if
there is information. That's a good sign. It says you want it, so we
welcome that. What I would say back to any player that is curious or
thinking about it is just remember that a big part of Survivor 50, or
any great season of Survivor, is a little secrecy. So read into that
whatever you want, but what I would have to say for players who want to
be on 50 is to keep that in mind.”
While Probst won’t get into creative specifics for Survivor 50, noting
that, “We're looking for excitement, and part of that excitement is that
a season needs to have some secrecy around it,” he also assures viewers
that a lot of thought has been going into the effort for an installment
that won’t even air until 2026. “While it's fun to talk about 50, I
don't want to give anything away, because it's a long way away. But I
can promise Survivor fans, it is top of mind for us, and we are going to
do our very best to make it a great season that will satisfy them.”
https://ew.com/survivor-50-jeff-probst-reveals-type-of-players-he-
wants-exclusive-8741330

Other than Russell Hantz, maybe, who likely wasn't going to be invited
anyway, what other "disgruntled players looking to settle a score" is
Jeff thinking of?  Brad Culpepper?  He was also pretty disgruntled.  Or
is he talking about players like Rick Devens and David Wright who made
it far in the game and were well liked but fell short of the finals?  Or
maybe someone like Domenick who literally came within one vote of
winning the show?

The only one that clearly comes to mind is Russell Hantz. I can't
think of anyone else that was publicly disgruntled. Who knows what
might have happened behind the scenes.

Post by Rick
Also I wonder how Jeff feels about the US players who will be appearing
next year on Australian Survivor - i.e., Tony, Parvati and Cirie.  I'm
pretty sure he has always liked all three, but I wonder if they are now
personas non grata regarding their chances to be on US S50.  Ditto
Sandra, who also appeared on the Oz franchise in a blood vs water season
with her daughter.

As for players being on the Oz franchise, I can't see that being an
issue. Clearly that want known players that do well and appear to be
having a good time while out there. Those people all fit both
categories so I would expect them to be invited.

Jeff and/or CBS might be worried about overexposure. All three have
recently done The Traitors and Cirie was on BB25 for 90+ days. They
might have done other things as well. If S50 is going to be the usual
cast of 18 I'd rather they not waste spots on people we've seen a
million times already.

That's a really good point.  I frankly think that if a player has been
on twice, that should be good enough.  I also think that there is no
reason to bring back a player that has already won.  With over 700
players having appeared during 47 seasons, I think there should be
plenty of good choices for true second chancers who did not win their
season.  I can't really think of anyone I need to see for a third time.

I agree. S40 wasn't that long ago so I'm good for a while when it comes
to seeing winners play again. Of the New Era winners thus far, Kenz is
the only one I'd like to see play again. I doubt she would leave her
baby for over a month unless the prize money was crazy good. I'm also
good not seeing people such as Tyson and Boston Rob play in S50. Bring
Boston Rob back when they can do a season of families competing against
each other. This could be the teenage version Probst would love to do.

[Brian Smith]

Post by Rick

Post by Brian Smith
Jeff Probst reveals type of players he wants for Survivor 50 (exclusive)
"Disgruntled players looking to settle a score" need not apply.
By Dalton Ross
Published on November 12, 2024 10:30AM EST
When Survivor staged its epic all-champions edition for season 40, the
theme was right there in the title: Winners at War. The installment
was billed as an intense battle of the best. But as the franchise
peeks ahead for its landmark 50th season, which will be filming in
spring of 2025, there is a different approach taking place behind the
scenes when it comes to both the show’s casting and creative elements.
“Imagine you have just an empty whiteboard and you can write anything
you want on it,” host and showrunner Jeff Probst tells Entertainment
Weekly about the approach to Survivor 50. “The first word that came to
me was celebrate. And that's important to me because that's going to
guide us into our creative. We want fans to be happy. We want this to
be a celebration.”
And the celebration theme also extends into picking the players to
compete. Probst already announced that they will be bringing
contestants back for the first time since season 40 — unless you count
Bruce Perreault, who got a do-over after being medically evacuated
just minutes into Survivor 44 — and he elaborates to EW on what type
of returnee they are looking for.
“We want players who are also excited to be on it,” Probst explains.
“This is not Winners at War. It doesn't mean we don't want players who
are going to play hard. Of course we do. But it means we're also big-
picture trying to celebrate 25 years, and that means joyful players
who are in a good mood and want to play. We’re not looking for
disgruntled players looking to settle a score. We're looking for
players who want a second chance, who have something to prove to
themselves.”
Probst’s ideal is a special season that producers, players, and fans
can all celebrate from different vantage points. “So how do you do
that in a way that's fun, that includes the fans, that has the players
that all the fans want to see, and will still give you the opportunity
for another great season of Survivor?” Probst asks. “So celebration is
the first word, and that equals joy. I'm looking for those moments
that are going to be really fun and really funny.”
Of course, the 600+ former Survivor contestants have not been shy
about expressing their desire to get that golden ticket back to the
island. While none have taken to flying banners over the host’s house…
yet... many have been out there promoting themselves on social media
and trying to uncover information in terms of who else may be under
consideration.
“The players are excited, and we like that,” Probst acknowledges.
“There's no issue with a player being excited or trying to find out if
there is information. That's a good sign. It says you want it, so we
welcome that. What I would say back to any player that is curious or
thinking about it is just remember that a big part of Survivor 50, or
any great season of Survivor, is a little secrecy. So read into that
whatever you want, but what I would have to say for players who want
to be on 50 is to keep that in mind.”
While Probst won’t get into creative specifics for Survivor 50, noting
that, “We're looking for excitement, and part of that excitement is
that a season needs to have some secrecy around it,” he also assures
viewers that a lot of thought has been going into the effort for an
installment that won’t even air until 2026. “While it's fun to talk
about 50, I don't want to give anything away, because it's a long way
away. But I can promise Survivor fans, it is top of mind for us, and
we are going to do our very best to make it a great season that will
satisfy them.”
Source: https://ew.com/survivor-50-jeff-probst-reveals-type-of-
players-he-wants-exclusive-8741330

Other than Russell Hantz, maybe, who likely wasn't going to be invited
anyway, what other "disgruntled players looking to settle a score" is
Jeff thinking of?  Brad Culpepper?  He was also pretty disgruntled.  Or
is he talking about players like Rick Devens and David Wright who made
it far in the game and were well liked but fell short of the finals?  Or
maybe someone like Domenick who literally came within one vote of
winning the show?

Wonder what kind of a score he's talking about? Danny was super pissed
about getting screwed over by that super hourglass twist. I'm pretty
sure Victoria is still pissed about her season and she 100% wants to
play again. I'd say the vast majority of the hardcore fan base would
like to see her play again.

Post by Rick
Also I wonder how Jeff feels about the US players who will be appearing
next year on Australian Survivor - i.e., Tony, Parvati and Cirie.  I'm
pretty sure he has always liked all three, but I wonder if they are now
personas non grata regarding their chances to be on US S50.  Ditto
Sandra, who also appeared on the Oz franchise in a blood vs water season
with her daughter.

I remember posting an article about this. Jeff said he's happy for them
and wants them to capitalize as much as possible on their Survivor fame.
I didn't get the sense at all they are now blackballed. But do we need
to see these people again playing Survivor?