The new era of Survivor has proved controversial. The duration of the competition is shorter, and there are a variety of twists. Host Jeff Probst, at one time, considered rewarding contestants with a visit from their favorite celebrity. Sharing some rice with Lisa Vanderpump on the beach would be lovely.
And love also recently blossomed during Season 45. Austin Li Coon and Dee Valladeres, who took home the $1 million prize, struck up a showmance. It seemed like the duo continued dating in the real world. “We’re just going to keep it low-key for now,” Dee explained in December 2023.
What does Jeff Probst have in store for Season 46 of Survivor?
“I’ve heard the criticism that I’ve become a little too soft — I hear you. Maybe I need to bring a little of the edge back, and I think you will start to see that,” Jeff told PEOPLE.
The new season kicks off with a two-hour premiere on February 28. The next episode, on March 6, is also two hours long. Then the remaining episodes are 90 minutes. That new length “worked so well” during Season 45.
“We get to spend more time with the players. This group is funny,” Jeff stated. “I had a smile on my face every single day because even though they are still playing this game and trying to figure out how to maneuver, they’re doing it with a personality that’s fun to be a part of.” I think that an out-going personality is a great asset in the game.
This season is following the new, shortened format of 26 days. The shorter duration was introduced during Season 41. Before that, players endured 39 days in the wild. “I think one of the biggest differences about playing Survivor in the new era is it is a sprint. The second your feet hit the sand, the game is on,” Jeff said, “which [for contestants] means follow your instinct and just go play.”
Jeff said that Season 45’s crop of contestants took “the game to a new level.” One thing is for sure, in the new era of Survivor, anything can happen. “Survivor 46 may go down as the best season of the new era. All these levels and layers just add up to this great gameplay and that’s what you’re going to see this season — gameplay like no other,” Jeff stated.
Survivor Season 46 premieres on Wednesday, February 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
TELL US – ARE YOU GOING TO WATCH SURVIVOR? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE NEW ERA OF SURVIVOR? IS IT BETTER THAN PREVIOUS SEASONS?
