The Tribe Listens
I’ve been watching Survivor since season 1 day 1 episode 1. And in all these years, I’ve only missed one episode (stupid VCR didn’t record it, if that tells you how long ago it was). So when I heard that CBS was doing an official podcast with Survivor host Jeff Probst, I knew I’d be tuning in. After three episodes, I’m hooked on On Fire with Jeff Probst.
The podcast actually has three hosts. Jeff is one of them, and he does a lot of the talking, as you might expect if you’ve watched the show. The second is Brittany Crapper, who is a producer on Survivor. Rounding out the trio is Jay Wolff, who is producing the podcast and is coming at the show from a fan perspective instead of someone who has been involved in creating the show.
While this podcast is being released weekly after the episodes of the current season of Survivor air, it is only marginally about the current season of the show. Yes, they do talk about the events of the most recent episode, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve seen it before you listen to avoid spoilers. They are also using the most recent contestants and season as examples of what they are talking about, although some classic players and moments get mentioned as well. However, it is more of a behind the scenes show instead of a recap show.
So far, we’ve heard about what happens before they even get to the first day of filming, the ideas behind advantages and idols, and how they cast the contestants. This coming episode is supposed to look at what goes into challenges.
As a fan of the show, I am enjoying it very much. The biggest take away I’m getting is that they are constantly trying new things to see if they work or don’t. And they tweak. And they bring back what works well.
I also appreciate getting some of the why they do what they do. I don’t always think it works the way they think it should be working, of course, but it is easy to judge that from my couch or if it impacts my favorite player. Still, it makes me appreciate what they are trying to do and why much more. It’s like how Jeff will love and talk up someone in interviews that I can’t stand. And if you listen, you can tell who he really likes this season who is driving me batty.
They close out the show with a couple of fan segments. The first is answering a few emails that have been sent in. The second is a segment where one person gets to tell Jeff why he is lousy. He seems to take that in stride.
The podcast does have a couple of commercial breaks, but they are very short, which is nice. Like about a minute each.
If you are a fan of Survivor, you’ll definitely find On Fire with Jeff Probst worth your time. I certainly am.
I love survivor too. I'm adding this one to my TBR! Thanks Mark
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