Excitement is building as fans eagerly await the new season of Survivor, which promises to be unlike any previous installment. This season will see the return of some of the show’s most iconic contestants, giving them another shot at achieving victory on the island.

The season has yet to premiere, but it’s already making waves with the announcement of celebrity guest appearances. Some fans have expressed skepticism, suggesting that the inclusion of celebrities deviates from the show’s traditional format. In response, host Jeff Probst has addressed these concerns, offering a counterpoint to the criticism.

Speaking openly with Variety, Jeff acknowledged the mixed reactions but stood firm in his decision to involve celebrities. He explained that many celebrities are ardent fans of Survivor themselves and that their participation could add an entertaining twist to the competition, enhancing the overall experience for viewers.

Jeff Says The Celebs Make The Game ‘Unpredictable’

In a candid conversation with Variety, Jeff said that, while he understood the backlash, he was sure about his decision to include celebrities throughout the season. To explain his choice, Jeff said that famous people were also fans of the show, and that he wanted to use them to put a fun twist on the game:

“I think it’s a legitimate concern when you start adding layers like celebrities, that they can overshadow the game and take it off course,” Jeff conceded. “[So] our job was to make sure that we stayed true to what we’re doing on Survivor, which is exploring this continuous social experiment. And now we’re adding another layer,” he added.

Jeff Is Taunting The Contestants With Famous Guests

Ever the game master, Jeff went on to explain that he was actually playing into the celebrity casting, knowing that it might affect the psychology of the players. He pointed out that including celebrities created a sense of “idolatry,” and that contestants might be thrown by their “different perceptions and reputations” of certain individuals.

Which is to say, Jeff is very aware of the strategic choice he’s making, curious to see how his players react:

Image via CBS

The newest season of Survivor will officially air on February 25th on CBS.

Release Date

May 31, 2000

Network

CBS