Survivor has made some controversial game choices over the years, but the most contentious one has been the shift in the length of the season.
Host Jeff Probst has addressed the issue a few times in the years following the shortened Survivor 41 season.
When the world shut down, they adjusted that season to be shorter to account for the time and cost of a two-week quarantine before Episode 1 began filming.
The production team adjusted the game and ensured it was still difficult to compete – despite having the castaways compete for 26 days instead of 39 days.
Having less food has been one of the big selling points of Jeff and his team, and hunger was a huge part of the Survivor 46 season.
Jeff again addressed the shortened seasons on his On Fire podcast as the latest season began wrapping up.
Jeff Probst addresses fan complaints about 26-day seasons
“The looming question is, ‘Would you ever go back to 39 days,'” Jeff Probst stated during his On Fire podcast.
A new podcast episode dropped on May 15, following the penultimate Survivor 46 episode. Before speaking about what happened with the letters from home and the newly found Immunity Idol, he circled back to fan questions about whether or not the show would ever return to 39-day seasons.
“Well, never say never, and I mean that. We’re always open to where the game takes us as much as where we take the game, but for the time being, 26 days is the game,” Jeff elaborated.
Jeff has always been good at being aware of how the fans and viewers see his decisions and those of the other producers. Fans may disagree with some of the producers’ decisions that attempted to improve the game — like adding Hidden Immunity Idols and creating new advantages and disadvantages — but Jeff is always listening to them.
“And I get it. If somebody else were sitting in this seat, they might make a very different decision, even people on our own team,” Jeff added. “I think there’s some of them that kinda wish we were at 39 days. So it’s not a right or wrong, it’s just this is what we’re doing.”
The Play or Get Played episode of On Fire also addressed players breaking down on Survivor 46. Even though it hasn’t been a 39-day season, the changed game has been difficult for these new players.
More seasons of Survivor are coming
CBS announced the return of Survivor for Seasons 47 and 48 in the upcoming television season. The hit reality competition show maintains its 8/7c timeslot on Wednesdays, and a new season begins in the fall.
We aren’t there yet, but Jeff is also teasing Survivor 50, which should be an exciting milestone for the franchise.
As for the latest season, the Survivor 46 season finale debuts on Wednesday, May 22. After that, it will be available for streaming on Paramount+. Here is a breakdown of what fans should expect on finale night.
Previous seasons of Survivor are also available for streaming on Paramount+. That includes the final season of the Old Era: Survivor 40.
Survivor airs Wednesday at 8/7c on CBS.
All episodes of Survivor are now streaming on Paramount+. Try it FREE!
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I think it makes sense to keep the lower number of days because the prize of a million dollars has never changed in over 20 years. That money, especially after taxes, doesn’t go as far as it used to.
I think Jeff should go back to saying “Come on in guys”. The player from a previous season didn’t like it, so I understand not saying it for THAT season. Not everyone is happy with everything on Survivor and if someone is genuinely hurt about something then Jeff shouldn’t do it. Saying come on in guys was part of Survivor, it was what the contestants hoped to hear before each game, so to take it out just because 1 person was all in their feelings one day is totally absurd. Take a vote each season off camera or whatever, but please bring it back. You let one person change a beloved saying that was a staple of the show for over 30 seasons.
If you remember, it was Jeff that threw it out there.. and No one objected. Until the next time they met up when the one person spoke up. It was part of the narrative and the pandering to the Lgbtq community that was in fashion.
I agree!! Bring back “come on in guys”.
Agreed, it is iconic
She knew the rules of the game and the food available. She should not have done the show if she could not eat what all other survivor contestants eat. I’m sorry but I don’t feel sorry for her. She did this to herself. The game should not have to change for her duet preferences.
Please stop doing PUZZLES. Give them real life stuff. Like cutting wood, making a Fire. Making a good bed to sleep on. Looks like all they do is go for water and pickup a few sticks for the fire. No fishing anymore.
Still love this show. Each season has its own life. Different people, different personalities. Love Jeff and all he brings to the show.
Call it a “Fire in her eyes” or just label it what it is, Maria. You were a traitor, and betrayed someone who thought you were his friend and who was counting on you. I’m pretty sure most of us in Survivor TV land never want to see your treacherous face again.
I stopped watching the boring 26 days game. I love the 39 days and 48 days like Quebec and Australia has