Survivor has not just been a sensation and a pop culture phenomenon in America. It has become a worldwide staple, with editions having aired in all six populated continents. Among the most successful versions, one that fans across the world have tuned in to see is Survivor AU (Australia). In fact, it is one of the most stable franchises overall, even in 2025, with an iconic worldwide all-star season on the horizon.
This stability recently took a big hit, though, as the highly beloved host, Jonathan LaPaglia, affectionately known in the community as JLP, was ousted by Channel 10, the current producers of Australian Survivor. The explanation given was that the show's ratings had been going down, and they wanted to shake things up to try to boost ratings. Unfortunately, based on fan reaction, they may have accomplished the exact opposite.
At the end of June, leaks and rumors came out that Survivor Australia was losing its host and bringing in someone new. Fans were quick to take to X and other social media platforms to express their dismay, and hopes that it was his decision. Rumors also came out that the new host was going to be David Genat, a two-time Survivor Australia player, including his All-Star win, coming off the heels of his sensational win on Deal or No Deal Island.
Channel 10 quickly confirmed the rumors, and fans were distraught. It was still unknown, however, the reasoning behind the change. That is, until JLP himself took to Instagram to share exactly what went down, and unfortunately, the decision was not his own.
Simply put, JLP was completely and totally blindsided. He had just filmed the upcoming Australia versus the World, having no idea it would be his last on the show. He attempted to take it in stride, but there is no question that he was hurting, as evidenced by the post itself. It makes no real sense, either, as many would argue JLP was the biggest draw for the show, not the hindrance to their ratings.
Survivor fan reaction has shown just how popular JLP was
It has become immediately apparent that Channel 10 made a massive mistake. There has not been one bad word said about JLP, or one celebration of his departure. For the Survivor fandom to be this united is practically unheard of. One scroll through his post comments reveals that. First is the outpouring of former players' love.
Luke Toki, one of the show's most popular contestants, said, "Not a bad word in the comments lets you know the impact you have left on everyone that played and watched the game. A big part of my experience out there. You might not of shown it, but I could tell you were upset every time I got blindsided in the game haha… it’s been a pleasure King."
Survivor legend Sandra Diaz-Twine, who made a stint on Survivor AU with her daughter Nina, chimed in, "You’re one in a million. Unreplaceable. One of a kind. Like no other. ️JLP". Nina also shared her respect. "So gutted. Walking up to the mat or tribal seeing you at the for front was the one consistent thing each crazy day of Survivor. So honored to have played with you as our host."
Former winner Jericho Malabonga added, "You're the reason Australian Survivor has had legs to spawn this many seasons. It won't be the same without you JLP. and I can already feel the uproar from the survivor community. If there's one thing we know, Survivor fans are passionate when they see a wrong move!"
Up and down the post, the love continued. But it was not just former players of Australian Survivor that chimed in. Kelley Wentworth, Rick Devens, and other US players also popped in. Kelley even made videos on her own social media about the heartbreak. Shannon Guss, who covers international Survivor for Rob Has a Podcast, and cohost Mike Bloom from Parade, held a tribute show in his honor. Across the community, people were gutted.
Nothing is more telling, though, than the fans themselves. After all, that is where the bulk of the ratings come from. One look through social media makes it evident where fans stand as well. Amandaschat on Instagram, for example, said "Hope [Channel]10 are reading the comments."
Another fan, jedmatthews_, was even more blunt. "If changing hosts is their way of getting better ratings then they’re in for a shock. I am 100% not watching without JLP, he is the absolute heart of that show and the only piece of consistency the viewer gets in a show that’s ever-changing. It always feels cold at the start of a new season because you haven’t warmed to the contestants yet, but having JLP there made it feel like home, for the viewers and the players.Worst mistake ever. We love you JLP."
Tim.dillz came in to share that "Ratings have dipped because of all the stupid non-elimination eps", and this comment got a reply directly from JLP, that quite clearly showed his agreement. It cannot get much clearer where he stands on his situation than that, and his disagreement with many of the production decisions (which may have played a role in his eventual firing).
Based on all these reactions, it is abundantly clear that Channel 10 made a mistake. Whether it leads people to stop watching entirely is still up in the air, but it certainly did not help the situation. If boosted ratings were the goal, this certainly seems to have had the complete opposite effect. Time will tell whether this choice is ultimately the downfall of one of the previously strongest versions of Survivor on television today.
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