Since its inception in 2000, Survivor has had the same host: Jeff Probst. He was reportedly last in the running for the gig against another popular reality show host, Phil Keoghan, who now hosts The Amazing Race.

Today, 41 seasons later, we can't imagine anyone else as host but Probst. He has become synonymous with the show along with his signature blue buttoned shirts, his signature phrase "the tribe has spoken," and snuffing out the torches as each player is voted out.

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Could Survivor survive without the long-time host? Here are reasons why it could and why it could not.

Over: He IS Survivor

survivor jeff probst with logo

When you think Survivor, you immediately think of Probst. Along with some of the most popular past players, competitions, twists, immunity idols, and episodes, Probst has a stake in pretty much all of the most iconic Survivor moments and memories.

As noted above, it's hard to imagine Survivor without Probst. He is a big part of what makes the show so successful.

It Can Go On: Change Can Be Good

Jeff Probst on the beach talking in Survivor

As much as change is sometimes difficult, sometimes it can be good and needed in order to freshen things up. Sure, Probst is a part of Survivor. But if the show is to continue for a new generation of fans, maybe it's time to pass the torch on.

The show can go on just fine it the torch is passed to someone who knows the ins and outs of the show and has experience hosting.

Over: He Digs For Info At Tribal Councils

jeff probst on survivor

Probst has a particular knack for getting players riled up at tribal council and calling them out for their comments, actions, or even facial expressions at someone's response to a question. He knows how to get the wheels of doubt spinning and to push peoples' buttons right before a big vote.

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He sometimes plants seeds of doubt or raises points that are worth discussing among the group as well as in front of the jury. That talent comes from years of experience and would be tough to replicate.

It Can Go On: Let A Former Player Take Over

Parvati Shallow in Survivor: Winners at War

It might be kind of neat to give a former player the chance to serve as a new host and if it was someone beloved by all, it could totally work without Probst. Imagine someone like Rob Mariano or Parvati Shallow being a new host?

Shallow, in fact, has hosting experience, so if it was someone like her, the show could totally go on without issue if Probst left.

Over: History And Tradition

Jeff Probst standing beside the Immunity Idol wrapped around the heck of a statue

There's something to be said for history and tradition, and having someone else say Probst's signature phrases or doing the things he's known for doing just wouldn't seem right.

Sometimes if someone important to a show is going to leave, it's a sign that the show itself has run its course, too. And it might be time to throw in the towel if that should ever happen.

It Can Go On: The Show Is About The Players

While the host is a critical part of any reality show, and is the hub that ties things together, they don't necessarily impact the game itself. That said, Survivor is about the players, not the host.

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It would be tough to see someone else in the hosting shoes, true. But viewers and players would adjust to someone else over time.

Over: He Knows The Dynamics Inside And Out

survivor jeff probst tribal advantage

Probst knows the dynamics of the show inside and out. He knows the kind of commentary to provide when players are engaging in a grueling fast-paced physical competition or an intense endurance competition when the pressure is on.

He says just enough to keep people motivated while not being distracting. It's a true art form that not many possess. That combined with the fact that he is so familiar with the game makes it tough to imagine anyone else in his shoes.

It Can Go On: It's Totally Scripted And Formulaic

Jeff instructs the players in Survivor

Sure, there are parts where Jeff interacts with the players like no other host would understand without having been there since the beginning. But for the most part, it's about delivering lines like "the tribe has spoken" and "come on in guys" and "wanna know what you're playing for?"

What really sets Jeff apart is his play-by-play commentary during challenges. And as long as they can find someone else who is as gifted in this department, the rest of the scripted and formulaic elements of the show just need someone who can follow the lines.

Over: He Knows The Pace Of The Show

There's a certain pacing to Survivor, and no one knows it like Probst. From understanding when players might be reaching their breaking points to the emotions surrounding the family visit, the urgency when someone requires medical attention, and the feelings when he gets to say "drop your buffs," Probst knows exactly how to handle every moment.

This is something someone could learn over time, but is it worth it when Probst has it ingrained in his DNA at this point?

It Can Go On: Fresh Eyes For A Changing Game

jeff probst on survivor

Just like all of the old players were knocked out first in this new Winners At War season, the game is changing and the new players are taking over. So why not a new host? The game isn't what it used to be, and Jeff might have been great for the "old" Survivor, but someone fresh and new can come in to guide the next group of 20-year-old players.

The game is changing, the players change every season, and if the host changes too, it could be a good thing.

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