Survivor has been on the air for 20 years, and its producers are not immune to the passing of time. Host Jeff Probst is now 61 years old, and while he is still very healthy and athletic for his age, he cannot keep up hosting duties forever. These hot climates do a number on the body, and even hosting Survivor is a very physically demanding task. Sooner rather than later, Jeff will need to be replaced.
And that's where past players come in. What better way to honor Survivor's legacy than by having a past player take the hosting reins and lead the show into the future? Redditor's have some ideas about who should lead the series next.
Boston Rob
As Redditor yankeeblue42 writes, "[Boston Rob] is probably the most popular answer going around as a potential replacement host. I personally don't think it would be him, but mainly because he would probably be the one to say no. From production's side, he certainly has the charisma to be a top choice."
Boston Rob is a fan-favorite Survivor cast member, and he is a legendary aspect of the show's history. He is also quite charismatic and athletic to boot. Few people would be upset with a Boston Rob replacement.
Malcolm Freberg
Originally appearing on Philippines, Malcolm Freberg is the perfect choice for host. As Redditor yankeeblue42 explains, "He's young, energetic, and I think he has the face and personality for television. Malcolm is pretty active in the Survivor community and I believe he already hosts his own show, so he has some experience already in that department."
Malcolm's age and inviting personality are indeed favorable aspects, and the show that yankeeblue42 is referring to is the online travel program, Wayfaring.
Andrea Boehlke
A three-time player, Andrea Boehlke has two defining traits: a long history with Survivor and television hosting experience. As Reddit user john_muleaney writes, "Andrea is way more likely than Wentworth. She checks all the same boxes Wentworth checks and is also a host for People."
Andrea was a co-hostess of People Now, so she knows how to act in front of a camera. She also has a winning personality, and her knowledge of Survivor is obviously vast. She's also very young, so she could have a long Survivor hosting career ahead of her.
Parvati Shallow
Parvati Shallow is a Survivor legend, and many people would be happy to see her hosting. As Redditor lph1235 states, "Parv’s already got experience hosting since she hosted Survivor After Show."
She's obviously very knowledgeable about the show and its strategic workings, and her hosting talents would likely carry over to national television. She also has a fantastic personality, resulting in a number of great Parvati quotes on Survivor.
Rob Cesternino
There's one major reason that Rob Cesternino could host Survivor, and that's Rob Has a Podcast. It's one of the best reality TV podcasts to listen to after watching Survivor, and it has made him a household name in the Survivor community.
As Reddit user lph1235 writes, "Rob obviously has experience from RHAP." Rob knows how to host, and he's very good at it. Furthermore, he knows every little intricacy of the game and personally knows many of its past players through the podcast. In short, Rob Cesternino is a shoo-in for host.
Jonathan Penner
A three-time player and widespread fan favorite, Jonathan Penner is another great choice for host. Redditor gally1995 writes, "Penner? Probably the best storyteller and seems passionate about the game."
Penner has experience crafting stories from his work as a Hollywood screenwriter, and he is indeed very passionate about the game of Survivor. He also has a great and hilarious personality that is ready-made for national television. It's been a while since he's played, but legends never fade away.
Rick Devens
Reddit user SpiritedMetal5 believes that Rick Devens from Edge of Extinction would make for a great replacement host. As they write, "Honestly Rick Devens could do it, he isn't that old and has TV experience." Devens turned 37 years old in 2021 - just one year younger than Jeff Probst when he hosted Survivor Borneo.
He also works as a morning news anchor, so he's obviously very comfortable in front of a television camera. He's also very experienced in the show's workings, having finished in fourth.
Wendell Holland
Furniture designer Wendell Holland was the winner of Ghost Island, and he later competed on Winners at War. Reddit user gally1995 believes he would make a great host, writing, "Wendell might be good too. He has a good demeanor and he talks a little trash. I think he’d bring good value plus he’s young."
Wendell's personality mirrors Jeff's in many ways, including his charisma and use of playful trash talk, as gally1995 states. His age is also a benefit, as Wendell will turn 38 in March 2022 - the same age Jeff was when he began his hosting duties.
Adam Klein
It's not often that superfans do well, but Adam Klein proved the exception by winning Millennials vs. Gen X. Reddit user realGOPOnly thinks he would make a good host, writing, "I’d personally like to see Adam do it because I know he’d be passionate 1000% of the time."
Adam Klein is arguably one of the most passionate Survivor players of all time, which comes from his status as a superfan. He knows everything there is to know about the game, he's very young (also one of the youngest Survivor winners), and he's extremely enthusiastic about the show. What's not to love?
Colby Donaldson
Reddit user Banglayna writes about Colby Donaldson: "He is more similar to Jeff than Rob is (more serious and has the same alpha male vibe going on), and he has experience hosting a reality TV show. He is also very iconic to Survivor, only very new fans of the show wouldn't know who he is."
Donaldson's run on The Australian Outback is indeed legendary, and he became the first player to win five individual immunity challenges. His alpha personality is also very fitting to the rigors of Survivor, and he has TV experience hosting The History Channel's Top Shot. There's not a lot to dislike here.