It’s a Survivor: Game Changers deluge, as a new interview with Jeff Probst has some details on what to expect on the upcoming season.
Not only do we have an official cast confirmation today for Survivor: Game Changers, we also have the first of what may very well be a long series of teases and interviews with the host of the show, Jeff Probst. Gordon Holmes, writing on the XFINITY TV Blog, has the first batch of details, including some new twists to Hidden Immunity Idols. Based on Probst’s wording throughout, it sounds like this interview took place before the season filmed.
First off, Probst confirmed that the third tribe twist would return. It’ll be like Millennials vs. Gen X, where players will start in two tribes, but a third will be added after the second episode. That makes a lot of sense, since the game will start with 20 players. After two episodes, we’ll have 18 players. That divides perfectly into three tribes of six, and it’s an early way to shake the game up, as Probst himself noted.
Second, the process of finding Hidden Immunity Idols will once again change. They’ve been hidden at challenges before in seasons like Second Chance. Then, Millennials vs. Gen X used the “hidden in plain sight” theory. Apparently, players may be able to find Idols at Tribal Council this year, among other places. “The theme is there is no theme,” he said.
With so many canny players of the game, refusing to make Idols themed around something will throw many of them for a loop. Might we see a season that doesn’t feature players finding an Idol often at all? However, Probst mentioned that they had a long list ready of places to hide Idols. If nothing else, that’s excellent preparation.
Finally, we come to the players Probst mentioned by name. Holmes specifically asked who would win. Cirie Fields, Jeff Varner, Sandra Diaz-Twine, and Ciera Eastin all received shout-outs. Tony Vlachos, Tai Trang, and Troyzan Robertson also had mentions. However, since it seems safe to conclude that this interview took place before the season filmed, it’s tough to read anything into his choices, other than that even Probst thinks Tony’s in trouble from the word go.
Next: Game Changers Cast Videos Released
Survivor: Game Changers premieres Mar. 8 with a two-hour episode.