Jeff Probst Explains That ‘Historic’ Tribal Council

Plus, why he likes the blindfold challenge.

Photo: CBS

The On Fire podcast is back for Survivor 48, with Survivor host Jeff Probst, producer Jeff Wolfe, and Survivor 47 winner Rachel LaMont. Throughout the latest episode, the trio discusses Sai and Mary’s dysfunctional relationship, the reasoning behind the Survivor blindfold challenge, and that crazy tribal council. Plus, Probst answers some fan questions. 

Regarding the entertaining and chaotic relationship between Sai and Mary, Probst comments that it’s one of his favourite duos in Survivor’s history and that he could watch their interactions for a long time. Rachel chimes in and says it’s similar to what she and Genevieve had back on Survivor 47, where there is a new level of respectful and intense gameplay. 

Later, Probst mentions that the Survivor blindfold challenge is specifically designed to reveal who within a tribe is a leader or has leadership skills, as the one who prevails is the voice that can be heard amidst the noise of chaos. “We love this challenge as it always reveals personality and character, how do people respond to stress, and how do you do it with one of your senses gone,” the host adds. 

Also, Rachel advises future players to go on a Journey with a high level of awareness of their place within their tribes and of their relationships. In addition, Rachel said not to plan too ahead of what to say to their fellow tribemates until they know what the impact will be depending on the Journey’s challenge results. Rachel also quips that the best lies in Survivor are half-truths, where only crucial tidbits are changed as to not get too confused in the future. 

When asked about that unprecedented tribal council, Probst responds to those confused by how the process dwindled to only Cedrek deciding who would leave or stay in the game. Justin didn’t have a vote, so he lost his voice at tribal, as did Mary, who played her Shot In the Dark. Sai and Justin were deadlocked with the votes, so the rest of the tribe had to decide who was to leave, or they would draw rocks, which is why Cedrek was the only available option to determine this tribal’s fate. 

Lastly, Probst reveals what happened to the iconic cowboy hat he used to wear in earlier seasons. In summary, Probst has always been against wearing uniforms, and wearing a cowboy hat was a way for him to rebel against the “Survivor host uniform,” but later, he decided to just embrace the situation. Rachel jokes the fans should vote on what hat he should wear in the upcoming seasons. 


Written by

Mariana Loizaga

Mariana is a lawyer and a writer from Mexico City, Mexico. She has a masters degree in International Relations from the University of Surrey. Her hobbies include reading, blogging, and of course watching Survivor. The first season of Survivor she ever saw was Survivor: Philippines and she became so fascinated with the game and its many layers that she went back through the archives and watched every single previous season.


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