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Survivor host Jeff Probst says the show has lasted 50 seasons because it has the best unscripted format, and cinematic storytelling
Survivor owes its success to cinematic storytelling and the best unscripted format, according to longtime host Jeff Probst
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The tribe has spoken, and it says Survivor is a hit. The reality television series premiered in 2000, and this year CBS is airing its 50th season. Not only has the show outlasted numerous television shows, but it did so while producing two seasons a year. That demonstrates that the demand is still there, and fans still find the concept fresh.
“The Survivor format is maybe the best unscripted format that I’ve ever come across,” Survivor host Jeff Probst says during a PaleyLive panel. “I’m so grateful it’s the one that found me because it is really fun to play. I know it’s simple to say this, but it’s every life skill you have you can use. They all have different life skills. I have a different set of life skills. If I played at this point in my life, I would play a very certain kind of game where I’m a 5’4 in my own version. It’s cinematic, and it’s incredible storytelling.”
“The way scenes are structured, things that people wouldn’t know that aren’t in television, but people who are in television, there’s a sophistication to how the story is told. How you weave an interview with reality. When do you tell the audience this? Do you let them wonder why and then tell them or do you let [Rizo Velovic] say, ‘Here’s what I’m going to go do,” and go watch them? I think it’s all of those things. It’s just a perfect storm that continues to work and engage.”
Survivor 50 is currently airing on CBS.
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