Jeff Probst says Survivor 51 “blows up the evolution” of the game. The host spoke to TVLine at the Survivor Island event at East Rutherford, New Jersey’s American Dream mall, ahead of Wednesday’s two-hour premiere on CBS at 8/7c.
The season, titled “Permanent Uncertainty,” is the first of the Open Era. Probst tells the new castaways that they are “birthing a new game.” The New Era is over, he says, and the show’s savvy players had already been anticipating the next moves.
The Open Era Comparison
Probst compares the new era to a giant treasure chest that can be shaken up as needed. Anything can pop out at any time.
“Inside that chest is everything we have ever done,” he says. “Every advantage, every twist, every idol, everything, and the question is, what are we going to pull out this season?”
He says they will “shake the chest up again” for Season 52.
What the Open Era Changes
The Open Era does not follow the established pattern. Probst says it “blows up the evolution.”
“Being a superfan can be a disadvantage now because you have all these preconceived ideas of what’s going to happen. They may happen. They may never happen again,” he says.
The first episode is titled “Permanent Uncertainty.” That is the Open Era’s resounding theme, as Probst puts it.
Easter Eggs and Tribal Council
Probst also teased old-school Easter eggs. He shared details about the premiere’s very “live” Tribal Council.
Probst’s Take on the Era
Probst called the first of the Open Era seasons “exhilarating” to produce. The freedom to make each season truly unique was the draw.
| Season | Era | What Changed |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | New Era | 26 days, beware advantages, journeys |
| 51 | Open Era | “Permanent Uncertainty,” live Tribal Council |
| 52 | Open Era | Shake the chest again |
The Full Interview
Full interview with Probst is available above on the TVLine video.
The Open Era’s Promise
Probst’s treasure chest metaphor is a playful way to describe the uncertainty built into the season. It sums up the idea that anything from the show’s history could surface.
Our Verdict
The premiere airs Wednesday, September 23 at 8/7c on CBS.
Are You Ready?
Are you ready to take the plunge?
Source material: “Jeff Probst Says Survivor 51 'Blows Up The Evolution' Of The Game — Watch,” TVLine.
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