Jeff Probst

Jeff Probst Headshot

Host • Producer

Birth Date: November 4, 1962

Age: 61 years old

Birth Place: Wichita, Kansas

Thanks to the popularity of the primetime reality series "Survivor" (CBS, 2000- ), host Jeff Probst became one of the most recognizable faces on television and ushered in one of the more famous lines in reality show history: "The tribe has spoken." But his profile extended beyond his hosting duties. The veteran TV personality also wrote and directed the critically acclaimed indie feature, "Finder's Fee" (2001), starring Ryan Reynolds and James Earl Jones, while working extensively with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation to raise funds and awareness for the organization. Prior to his Emmy-winning stint as the host of "Survivor," which brought him to the four corners of the globe, he was the host of "Rock & Roll Jeopardy" (VH1, 1998-2001) and a correspondent on the syndicated "Access Hollywood" (1996- ). Turning to sketch comedy, Probst parodied his "Survivor" persona on "MADtv" (Fox, 1995-2009), while continuing to travel to such far-flung places as Guatemala, Fiji and Borneo for the series that many considered to be the height of achievement for reality television, while developing secondary careers as a children's author and film director.

Born on Nov. 4, 1962 in Wichita, KS, Probst spent his formative years in Seattle, WA, attending Seattle Pacific University. He gained early public performing experience in school plays and in a local rock band, but his first professional hosting job came when he was hired by Seattle's CBS affiliate KIRO to do a local gardening show sponsored by a hardware store. Probst also worked at B ing for a period, where he produced and narrated marketing videos for the aircraft giant. He soon relocated to New York, where he began working for the FX Network on the show "Backchat" (1994-98), which answered viewer mail about the network. Probst soon jumped to VH1, where he served as host of "Rock & Roll Jeopardy" (1998), and then to the NBC entertainment news program "Access Hollywood" (1996- ), where he logged a reported 300,000 miles worldwide as a correspondent.

In 2000, Probst got wind of a new show called "Survivor" by a chance listen to a radio program. "I was driving down the 101 Freeway in Los Angeles, and I heard this crazy British guy, (producer) Mark Burnett, carrying on about this show called 'Survivor,'" he explained. "He didn't give a lot of details, but it sounded exotic, and absolutely the most unique thing I'd ever heard. And literally, from the moment I heard him talking about, I started investigating, and it became my goal to get a meeting with Mark Burnett. If they needed a host, I wanted him to see me for that job." As it turned out, Burnett did want a host, and after a high-intensity meeting in which Probst reportedly got down on his knees to plead his case, Burnett hired him. The first season of "Survivor" premiered in the summer of 2000. The show's combination of survival skills, backstabbing politics, and full-contact physical competition quickly made it an audience favorite, with Probst's frequently repeated catch phrase "The tribe has spoken" (issued after a contestant is voted out of the show) earning its spot in the pop culture lexicon. For his efforts, Probst garnered an Emmy and four nominations, as well as two Teen Choice Award nominations.

However, critical reaction to Probst's role on "Survivor" was not always kind. TV writers labeled him as bland and found his role as host/competition referee/judge confusing and ill-conceived. Probst had even voiced the opinion that even his employers at CBS don't quite understand his role on the show. But with each passing season, Probst's personality asserted itself more fully; a 2006 article in The New York Times discussed how Probst "came into his own" during the 2004 season on the Pearl Islands. Faced with some of the program's most colorful personalities (including the duplicitous "Johnny Fairplay"), Probst seemed unafraid to voice his opinion about questionable decisions. When one participant decided to quit the show due to exhaustion, his tone was professional but unquestionably stern. The new steeliness in his on-air persona seemed to silence critics in later seasons.

Though "Survivor" consumed much of Probst's professional life, he managed to branch out and explore other avenues while still retaining his hosting duties. In 2001, he wrote and directed a feature film, "Finders Fee," starring James Earl Jones, Ryan Reynolds and Robert Forster. The film premiered at the Seattle International Film Fest and took home Best Picture and Best Director awards; it later took honors at Method Fest in Los Angeles, the Sonoma Film Festival, and the Sarasota Film Festival. Probst also lent his voice to the quirky and clever Disney Channel animated series "Fillmore!" (2002). He also became a popular guest co-host opposite Kelly Ripa whenever Regis Philbin was on vacation from ABC's "Live with Regis and Kelly," giving rise to tabloid rumors that Probst might be named Philbin's replacement upon the latter's retirement.

But perhaps Probst's most important side project was as the collegiate spokesperson for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Project. He first became involved in AIDS charity work through a "Survivor" season in Africa; Probst helped to launch funding for a hospital in Kenya which received critical equipment, drugs, and education through the show. He continued to support the Glaser AIDS Project through "Survivor," by donating props and memorabilia from each season for auction on eBay. As he continued his philanthropic efforts, the multitasking Probst continued to host his successful reality program, fill in for Regis when called upon, and in 2008, received two prestigious honors: being asked to co-host the 2008 Annual Emmy Awards and winning the new category for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program, beating out his fellow co-hosts and nominees Tom Bergeron, Heidi Klum, Ryan Seacrest and Howie Mandel. His Emmy triumph was clouded, however, by scathing critical reviews following the ceremony, which lambasted the five hosts for their weak performance, particularly the unbearable opening monologue that went nowhere and earned few laughs. In the following years, however, Probst returned to the Emmys strictly as a nominee, winning back-to-back Best Reality Host awards in 2009 and 2010. He was poised to win another after earning a nod for Outstanding Host. While continuing his work on "Survivor," Probst directed his second film, romantic drama "Kiss Me" (2014).

Credits

Live with Kelly and MarkStream

Guest
Talk
2023

CBS - Survivor Season 44 preview

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2023

CBS Mornings

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News
2021

The Price Is Right at Night

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2020

Survivor at 40: Greatest Moments and Players

Executive Producer
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2020

Survivor at 40: Greatest Moments and Players

Self
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2020

Live with Kelly and Ryan

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Talk
2017

Survivor: Game Changers - The ET Canada Pre-Show

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2017

Harry

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2016

The Price Is Right Primetime Special - Survivor Edition

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2016

Life in PiecesStream

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Himself
Series
2015

Up Late NW

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2015

The Late Late Show

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2015

Hollywood Today Live

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2014

Survivor: Extras

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2014

Survivor: Extras

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2014

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonStream

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2014

Survivor Cagayan Preview

Actor
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2014

Kiss Me

Director
Movie
2014

Butterfly Kisses

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2013

Hollywood Game Night

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Game Show
2013

The Greatest Event in Television History

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2013

The Greatest Event in Television History

Actor
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2012

The Jeff Probst Show

Executive Producer
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2012

The Jeff Probst Show

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2012

Live! With Kelly and Michael

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2012

Larry King NowStream

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2012

CBS This Morning

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2012

The Talk

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2010

Access Hollywood Live

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2010

TV's Greatest Surprises: A Paley Center for Media Special

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2010

Surviving Survivor

Self
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2010

Live for the Moment

Executive Producer
Show
2010

Live for the Moment

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2010

Survivor: Samoa Reunion

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2009

The Dr. Oz Show

Guest
Talk
2009

I Get That a Lot

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2009

Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

Guest
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2009

Jimmy Kimmel's Big Night of Stars

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2008

The 60th Primetime Emmy Awards

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2008

The Bonnie Hunt Show

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2008

Head Case

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2007

The Morning Show With Mike & Juliet

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2007

Rachael Ray ShowStream

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Talk
2006

How I Met Your MotherStream

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Jeff Probst
Series
2005
84%

Entertainment Tonight Canada

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2005

The Insider

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2004

Two and a Half MenStream

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Jeff Probst
Series
2003
65%

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

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Talk
2003

Survivor: The Amazon Reunion

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2003

Live With Regis and Kelly

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2001

Live With Regis and Kelly

Host
Show
2001

Finder's FeeStream

Director
Movie
2001
60%

Finder's FeeStream

Writer
Movie
2001
60%

SurvivorStream

Executive Producer
Reality
2000

SurvivorStream

Host
Reality
2000

The Early Show

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1999

Family GuyStream

Guest Voice
Self
Series
1999

The Daily Show With Jon StewartStream

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1999

Rock & Roll Jeopardy!

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1998

Access Hollywood

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News
1996

MADtvStream

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1995
43%

MADtvStream

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1995
43%

Space Ghost Coast to CoastStream

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1994

Jeopardy!Stream

Contestant
Game Show
1984

Entertainment Tonight

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1981

Today

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1952

News aboutJeff Probst

David Jelinsky, Kenzie Veurink, Bhanu Gopal, Tiffany Ervin, Q Burdette, and ess Chong in 'Survivor' Season 46 Episode 1
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ Power Players: The Best & Worst Moves of Season 46 Premiere (RECAP)

Jeff Probst in 'Survivor' Season 46 Episode 1
Preview

‘Survivor’: Jeff Probst Is Bringing His ‘Cutthroat Energy’ Back in Season 46

Jeff Probst in Survivor - Season 43 Episode 5

‘Survivor’ Host Jeff Probst Opens Up About Big Show Change

'Survivor' Season 46 cast group photo

‘Survivor’ Season 46 Cast Revealed: Meet the 18 Castaways (PHOTOS)

Jeff Probst and the 'Survivor' Season 45 Final Five

‘Survivor’ 45 Is the Best Season of the New Era

Jake O'Kane, Dee Valladares, Austin Li Coon, Katurah Topps, and Julie Alley in the 'Survivor' Season 45 finale
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‘Survivor’ 45 Finale: [Spoiler] Wins After Thrilling Jury Pitch Showdown

Bruce Perreault in 'Survivor' Season 45 Episode 9
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‘Survivor’ 45 Recap: Bruce’s Plan Backfires, Emotions Run High

Bruce in 'Survivor' Season 45 Episode 9
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‘Survivor’ 45 Recap: Bruce & Reba Alliance Are Still Unbeatable

Jeff Probst in Tribal Council during 'Survivor' Season 45 Episode 8
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‘Survivor’: Jeff Probst Reveals Plan to Crack Down on Quitters, Fans React to Changes

Jeff Probst in the 'Survivor' auction in Season 45 Episode 8
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‘Survivor’ 45 Recap: Auction Returns With Twists, Reba Pulls Off Last-Minute Blindside

Jeff Probst, Katurah Topps, and Nicholas
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‘Survivor’ 45 Recap: Will Katurah’s Vote Come Back to Haunt Her?

Survivor 45 tribal council

‘Survivor’ Fans Go Wild Over Contestant’s History-Making Move

Kaleb in 'Survivor' - Season 45, Episode 5
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‘Survivor’ 45 Recap: Best & Worst Strategists Emerge as Merge Looms

Jeff Probst in 'Survivor' Season 45 Episode 4
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ 45 Recap: Jeff Probst Shocked as Another Player Quits

Emily Flippen in 'Survivor' - Season 45, Episode 2 - 'Brought a Bazooka to a Tea Party'
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ 45 Recap: Main Titles Return, 90-Minute Format Soars, Good Strategy Wins

Sean Edwards, Hannah Rose, and Brandon Donlon in the 'Survivor' 45 premiere
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ 45 Premiere: Player Drops out in Shocking Tribal Shakeup (RECAP)

Jeff Probst in 'Survivor '
Preview

‘Survivor’ 45: Jeff Probst Reveals Changes Made for Supersized Episodes

Survivor Season 45 Episode 1
Exclusive

‘Survivor’ Host Jeff Probst Reveals How Season 45 Will Be Different (VIDEO)

'Survivor' Season 45 cast group shot

‘Survivor’ Season 45 Cast: Bruce Is Back! Meet All 18 Castaways (PHOTOS)

The final five in the 'Survivor' Season 44 finale
Spoiler Alert

[Spoiler] Wins ‘Survivor’ Season 44 After Tika 3 Alliance Stays Strong

Carolyn, Yam Yam, and Carson in 'Survivor' - Season 44 Episode 12
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ 44 Recap: Are We Heading Toward a Tika Final 3?

Lauren Harpe, Jaime Lynn Ruiz, Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho, Carolyn Wiger, Heidi Lagares-Greenblatt, Danny Massa, and Carson Garrett in 'Survivor' Season 44 Episode 11
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‘Survivor’ 44 Recap: Tika Takes Control With Idol Blindside

Frannie Marin, Carolyn Wiger, Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho, and Danny Massa in 'Survivor' Season 44 Episode 10
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‘Survivor’ 44 Recap: Leader’s Plan Fails as ‘Era of Alliances’ Ends

'Survivor' Season 44 Episode 8
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‘Survivor’ 44 Recap: Shortened Format Has Finally Hit Its Stride

'Survivor' Season 44 Episode 8
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‘Survivor’ 44 Recap: Blindside Divides & Conquers Majority Alliance

'Survivor' Season 44 Episode 7 immunity challenge
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‘Survivor’ 44: Tribal Council Vote Twist Breaks Up Key Alliance (RECAP)

'Survivor' Season 44 Episode 6 merge
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‘Survivor’ 44 Recap: Drop Your Buffs & Listen to Carolyn

Matthew Grinstead-Mayle in 'Survivor' Season 44 Episode 5
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‘Survivor’ 44 Recap: Player Injury Leads to Skipped Tribal Council

Survivor Season 44 Episode 4 reward challenge
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‘Survivor’ 44 Recap: Major Idol Plot Twist Sows Chaos Among Tribes

Jeff Probst in Survivor 44 Episode 3
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ 44 Recap: This Cast Really Knows How to Play an Idol

Matt and Frannie in 'Survivor' Season 44 Episode 2
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ 44 Unveils ‘Dorky’ Showmance in Episode 2 (RECAP)

Yamil 'Yam Yam' Arocho in the 'Survivor' Season 44 premiere
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ 44 Premiere: 3 Med Stops, 2 New Advantages, 1 Wild Tribal (RECAP)

Jeff Probst in 'Survivor' Season 44 premiere
Q&A

‘Survivor’ 44 Premiere: Jeff Probst Dishes on ‘Sophisticated’ Cast & Addresses Gabler Edit

Jeff Probst in 'Survivor' Season 44
Exclusive

Jeff Probst Confirms ‘Survivor’ 44 Has First Showmance in 7 Seasons

Survivor Season 44 Cast

‘Survivor’ Season 44 Cast: Meet the Newest Castaways (PHOTOS)

Gabler, Cassidy, and Owen in the 'Survivor' Season 43 Final Tribal Council
Spoiler Alert

Did the Jury Choose the Right ‘Survivor’ Season 43 Winner? (POLL)

Final five in 'Survivor' Season 43 Episode 13 finale
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ Finale: [Spoiler] Wins Season 43 in Major Plot Twist (RECAP)

Mike 'Gabler' Gabler, Karla Cruz Godoy, Jesse Lopez, Cassidy Clark, and Owen Knight in 'Survivor' Season 43 Episode 13 finale
Exclusive

‘Survivor’ 43 Finale Preview: Frontrunner Jesse Falls Behind in Last Immunity Challenge (VIDEO)

Survivor Season 43 Episode 12 Telenovela
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ 43: Idol Bluff Backfires in Biggest Blindside of the Season (RECAP)

Survivor Season 43 Episode 11 'Hiding in Plain Sight' Last Gasp challenge
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‘Survivor’ 43: Karla & Owen Make History in Classic Challenge, [Spoiler] Voted Out (RECAP)

Survivor Season 43 Episode 10
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ Season 43: Reward Winner Sent Home in Blindside Elimination (RECAP)

Survivor Season 43 Episode 9
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‘Survivor’ 43: Two Rivalries Face Off in Heated Double Elimination (RECAP)

survivor 43
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ 43: [Spoiler] Becomes First Member of the Jury With Idol Still in Play (RECAP)

'Survivor' Season 43 Episode 7 'Bull in a China Shop'
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ 43: Paused Immunity Challenge & Disappointing Tribal Council — Who Was Eliminated? (RECAP)

Ryan and Geo in Survivor Season 43 Episode 4
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ Player Sabotages Challenge to Gain Control (RECAP)

Vesi in Survivor Season 43 Episode 4 reward challenge
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ 43: 2 Tribes Join Forces to Send [Spoiler] to Tribal Council (RECAP)

Survivor Season 43 Episode 3
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‘Survivor’ 43: Splintering Tribes Send [Spoiler] Home (RECAP)

Survivor 43 Episode 2
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‘Survivor’ 43: Beware Advantage Causes Tribal Council Plot Twist (RECAP)

Survivor 43 premiere
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ 43 Premiere Recap: What Stayed the Same & What Changed From Season 42 Opener

Cast from SURVIVOR Season 43

‘Survivor’ Season 43 Cast: Meet the 18 New Castaways (PHOTOS)

Survivor Season 43 first reward challenge
Exclusive

‘Survivor’ 43 First Look: Tribes Face Off in Season Premiere Reward Challenge (VIDEO)

Jeff Probst pointing in Survivor - Season 43
Q&A

‘Survivor’ Season 43: Jeff Probst Teases New Curveballs & ‘Extremely Savvy’ Underdog Cast

Survivor S 42 finale
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ Season 42 Finale: The Tribe Has Spoken (RECAP)

Survivor Season 42 Episode 13 finale

Results: Fans Pick Who Should Win ‘Survivor’ Season 42

Jeff Probst in the Survivor Season 42 Finale on CBS
Q&A

‘Survivor’ Season 42 Finale: Jeff Probst Says Shortened Game Is ‘Here to Stay’

Survivor Season 42 Final Five

Who Should Win ‘Survivor’ Season 42? (POLL)

Survivor 42 Ep 12
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ Season 42 Episode 12: Risky Move Yields Big Reward (RECAP)

Survivor S 42 E3

‘Survivor’: Jeff Probst on What Really Made Him Stop Episode 3 Water Challenge

Survivor S 42 E11
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ Season 42 Episode 11: ‘Do or Die’ Returns (RECAP)

Survivor Season 42 Episode 10

‘Survivor’: Jeff Probst Reveals What Happens Off-Camera Before Each Challenge

Jeff Probst Survivor Season 42 Episode 10

‘Survivor’ Season 42 Episode 10: Season-Long Contender Makes a Fatal Mistake (RECAP)

Survivor 42 Ep 9
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ Season 42 Episode 9: [SPOILERS] Refuse To Let History Repeat (RECAP)

Survivor 42 Ep 7
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‘Survivor’ Season 42 Episode 8: Don’t Disappoint Jeff Probst (RECAP)

Survivor S 42 E6
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ Season 42 Episodes 6 & 7: [SPOILER] Plays Smash or Pass (RECAP)

Survivor Season 42 Episode 5
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ Season 42 Episode 5: ‘I’m Survivor Rich,’ Others Not So Much (RECAP)

Survivor S 42 E4
Spoiler Alert

‘Survivor’ Season 42 Episode 4: The Vibe of the Tribe… Is Horrible (RECAP)