There will be no major scheduling changes for Survivor heading into the 2019 – 2020 broadcasting period, as season 39 has officially been confirmed.
As we prepare to say goodbye to the 18 players that made up the Survivor: Edge of Extinction cast (with 16 of them being a crucial part of the finale, which seems like insanity), CBS is looking to the future. As part of their annual upfronts (gathering of television and advertising executives to outline the upcoming year of standard and new television programs), CBS has confirmed in a press release that Survivor will return for a 39th season.
Not only that, but it will once again retain its spot on Wednesday nights starting at 8 p.m. ET whenever the show does return. The exact return date for Survivor will likely not be revealed until tonight’s reunion, where Jeff Probst is likely leaving it as part of the teaser for the theme of the 39th season.
Following Survivor on Wednesdays will be SEAL Team for its third season at 9 p.m. ET and S.W.A.T. will move over from its usual Thursday night spot to air on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET. With The Big Bang Theory previously taking Survivor’s classic Thursday 8 p.m. ET slot on CBS’ schedule, it was possible that CBS could have moved it back after that show ends this week. However, Young Sheldon will continue in its spot. Bazinga.
For the first time in a while, there will be a change in competition for Survivor at the other broadcast networks. ABC will continue to start off Wednesday at 8 p.m. with The Goldbergs, and NBC will continue to host their all-Chicago night with Chicago Med. However, FOX is moving out Empire and giving Survivor a run for its money by slotting The Masked Singer at the same time.
Normally, Survivor is the clear ratings favorite for Wednesday nights at 8, but The Masked Singer found breakout success in its first season, often sporting a ~40-50% increase in the ratings over Survivor, albeit at 9 p.m. For the first time in a long time, the island-based reality competition show finally has a true competitor in the ratings.