The 45th season of the hit reality show ‘Survivor’ is set to premiere on September 27, 2023, and fans are in for a treat. The upcoming season will feature 90-minute-long episodes for the entire 13-episode run, a change that host and executive producer Jeff Probst had long pushed for behind the scenes.
More Time, More Fun
Probst told CBS News that the longer episodes will allow the show to have more fun, more elaborate challenges, and more twists and turns. “It’s 50% more show,” Probst said. “We’re just able to do more things, spend more time with the players, do more elaborate advantages and twists and things that sort of keep our game going.”
The show will also continue to film in the picturesque Mamanuca Islands of Fiji, where it has been set for several years. Probst praised Fiji as the ideal location for the show due to its natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere.
A Diverse and Dynamic Cast
The new season will feature 17 new contestants and one returning player competing for the title of Sole Survivor and the $1 million prize. The cast includes a software developer, a critical care nurse, a school principal, a singer, a civil rights attorney, a gym owner, and a bartender.
The returning player is Bruce Perreault, who was medically evacuated in the first episode of the previous season after hitting his head on a beam. Perreault will get another chance to prove himself in the game.
The cast also reflects the diversity of America, with contestants of different ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. Probst said that diversity is important for the show to represent its audience and to create interesting dynamics among the players.
A Game of Emotional Intelligence
Probst also shared his insights on what makes a great ‘Survivor’ player. He said that emotional intelligence and social skills are key factors in succeeding in the game. “What’s fun about ‘Survivor’ is you are also a detective,” he said. “You are playing this game of who knows what, and what do they know about me, and how can I get around here?”
Probst added that the game is ultimately about the human experience, and that the players often realize that after it’s over. “When it’s over, what you realize is, oh, it wasn’t about the game. It was about the experience. But you had to play the game to get the experience,” he said.
Fans Are Excited
The announcement of the 90-minute episodes has generated a lot of excitement among ‘Survivor’ fans on social media. Many fans expressed their gratitude to Probst and CBS for making it happen, and said they can’t wait to watch the new season.
Some fans also speculated on how the longer episodes will affect the editing, storytelling, and strategy of the show. Some hoped that it will allow more time for character development, camp life scenes, and jury speeches.
‘Survivor’ season 45 will premiere on Wednesday, September 27 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. It will also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
