Since Survivor regularly attracts new fans who have to figure out which seasons to watch first, some of them don’t know the history of Jeff Probst’s beloved reality show. While some fans know that former players have refused to return, newer viewers may not have seen every season. As a result, those new fans may not have seen the best players ever compete, and they may not know who the greatest winners ever are.

Even fans who don’t remember who the first player to be medically evacuated have to learn who Jerri Manthey is. Easily one of the most interesting Survivor players ever, Jerri’s reality show journey should be studied by anyone who loves the show. With that in mind, it is fascinating that Jerri has come to believe that Survivor is dying.

Jerry Manthey Explained Why She Believes Survivor’s Producers Are Killing The Show

In August 2025, TheThings journalist Matthew Thomas interviewed Jerri Manthey about Survivor. During that interview, Jerri explained that she feels that Survivor is dying as a TV show.

From there, Jerri elaborated on why she feels Survivor is quickly going downhill.

Since the 33rd season of the show, Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X, every season has been filmed in Fiji. That means that every season that has aired since 2016 has been filmed in the same location. While speaking to TheThings, Jerri stated that Survivor is dying because the seasons all feel the same due to things like their filming location and repetitive challenges.

During the same interview, Jerri explained her belief that Survivor’s is being caused by intentional behind-the-scenes decisions that are being made.

During her conversation with TheThings, Jerri stated that she believed that Survivor’s producers intend to make as much money as they can while letting the show die.

“It’s like a factory that people are just cashing out. The producers, whoever, they’re just making money. They’re like, ‘Let’s just keep doing it until it dies.’ Well, you’re gonna ride that horse right into the sunset.”

Jerri Manthey Revealed How She Thinks Survivor Can Still Be Saved

Given that Jerri Manthey seems pessimistic about the future of Survivor, it may seem like she believes the show’s demise is inevitable. However, while talking to TheThings, Jerri explained that she believes that Survivor could be rejuvenated if the show produces a truly great season. Unfortunately, Jerri believes that Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans had the opportunity to fix the show, but the producers missed the boat.

“Think about it, reigniting [Survivor] with a truly epic season. (23:06) Season 50 was this opportunity that was so missed. It’s almost like they want it to end. That’s how I feel about it.”

During her TheThings interview, Jerri explained the format she believes Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans should have had to fix the show. Furthermore, Jerri revealed that she pitched the format change to the show’s producers when she was going through the audition process for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.

It is fascinating to consider what Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans would have been like if they made the format change Jerri suggested. Even just considering which 50 players would have been chosen is thought-provoking enough.