In the modern media landscape, it seems like the vast majority of celebrities are afraid to say anything publicly that could get them in hot water. On the other hand, Jeff Probst doesn't seem afraid to defend controversial Survivor tactics, and he recently said that a twist that was deemed "insane" by others was working as intended.
During Survivor 49, Jeff had an interaction with a player that cast a light on the strange relationships that the host has developed with some of the show's competitors. The show's host went on to be asked about the unusual way that he interacts with many of the series' players. In response, Jeff addressed his relationships with Survivor players and defended the highly unusual bonds he builds with them.
Jeff Probst defended the personal relationships he builds with Survivor players
During episodes of The Traitors, Alan Cumming will occasionally break character and show some emotion to the camera. However, the reality show's host typically holds himself apart from the show's competitors and seemingly tries to remain impartial. Not only does Alan do that, but the vast majority of reality show hosts behave like there is a line between them and the players. However, Jeff Probst tends to build strange relationships with Survivor players by acting like he is pals with them.
During Survivor 49 episode 2, "Cinema," there was a moment that encapsulated how the show's players seem to feel personal bonds with the reality show's host. Before a challenge began, Jawan Pitts notably called the show's host "Uncle Jeff."
After that, an episode of "On Fire with Jeff Probst: The Official Survivor Podcast" featured Jay Wolff asking Jeff if he is okay with players giving him a nickname like that. "Are you good with being called Uncle Jeff? Uncle Jeff. " In response, Jeff told Jay and his other podcast co-host, Jeremy Collins, that he is okay to have unique relationships with Survivor's players.
"Any term of affection is okay with me. I cherish my relationship with the players. I do... So yeah, Uncle Jeff, I love that. It makes me feel like I'm a part of the vibe. All right."Jeff Probst
On top of stating that he is okay with Survivor players affectionately talking about him, Jeff recognized that competitors can have complicated feelings about him. For example, Jeff talked about a Survivor 49 audio clip of Sophi Balerdi talking about him like he is the show's principal, which was included earlier in the podcast episode. Finally, Jeff stated that he is happy to play whatever roles players need him to and that he wants to be the biggest fan of Survivor's players.
"It's complicated. I represent a lot of different things based on the player. You heard Sophi at the beginning of this podcast say, I feel like we're back in the principal's office. Okay, to her, I'm the principal. To somebody else, I'm the dad that you want to prove something to. I represent a lot of different things to players out there, and I get that. And so I try to hold space for whatever relationship I mean to you, but all I want to be is a steward to your adventure. That's all I want. I spend my whole year trying to be a part of a team that's creating the adventure, and then when I'm out there, I want to be your biggest fan."
Survivor 49 airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on CBS.