Survivor's Unbelievable Evolution: Jeff Probst Reveals Mind-Blowing Game Transformations Across 45 Seasons

Jeff Probst has seen his fair share of tribal councils since Survivor premiered 23 years ago — and it hasn’t gotten old.

“There is a phrase that I told myself years ago and it has always stuck with me — a lesson I learned from Survivor — everyone has a unique story,” exclusively shares Probst, 61, in the latest issue of We. “Once you understand their story, their actions become clear. So when someone is behaving strangely, take the time to ask a few questions; maybe you will discover that they're simply having a rough day and could use some support."

Since the premiere of Survivor in 2000, the Emmy-winning host of the long-running reality series has had a remarkable insight into human behavior. Throughout 45 seasons, Survivor has continued to outwit, outplay, and outlast as its participants strive to become the Sole Survivor and claim the $1 million cash prize. While the show has maintained a devoted following, Probst admits that he recognized the need for the game to evolve since its inception.

Reflecting on the evolution of the show, Probst, who is also an executive producer, acknowledges that in the first season, they couldn't have anticipated the challenges they would face in later seasons. However, looking back, he attributes the game's progression to its design.

When Survivor initially debuted, the game was straightforward, with minimal complexities or game mechanics aside from surviving the elements. It wasn't until the airing of Survivor: Guatemala in 2005 that the concept of the Hidden Immunity Idol was introduced, which has since become a defining feature of the competition. Building on the success of the Hidden Immunity Idol, subsequent seasons introduced various advantages, such as the ability to Steal A Vote, the power of Knowledge Is Power, Safety Without Power, and more.

Jeff Probst selling ‘Survivor’ props and memorabilia for charity in 2002 Theo Wargo/WireImage

"We have placed great emphasis on incorporating twists and unique advantages into the game, but their purpose is solely to introduce uncertainty, returning to the essence of what players faced in the early seasons," explains Probst. "In the beginning of Survivor, castaways had no idea what challenges awaited them. However, after several seasons, they became accustomed to what lay ahead. Our responsibility is to recreate that sense of uncertainty."

In addition to the introduction of new advantages and twists, season 45, which premiered in September, has delivered what viewers have long been requesting – extended episodes. In a September announcement, CBS revealed that the latest season of Survivor would feature 90-minute episodes every Wednesday night.

"Knowing in advance that we had 90 minutes, we intentionally created the game with longer episodes. This gave us the opportunity to incorporate additional fun elements," Probst shares, discussing the enhanced hidden immunity idols for this season. "Our idols have become incredibly intricate and require more effort and creativity. You might even need assistance to find them, but we have ample time to showcase it all. Fans will undoubtedly delight in witnessing the unfolding process."