Hit reality television series Survivor is expected to remain in Fiji for the foreseeable future, with longtime host and executive producer Jeff Probst revealing that the Pacific nation has effectively “saved” the global franchise.
Speaking ahead of the Season 50 finale of “Survivor: In The Hands of the Fans”, Probst said Fiji’s stable environment, strong government support and established production infrastructure have made it increasingly difficult for the show to consider relocating.
The hit CBS reality competition series has filmed in the Mamanuca Islands since 2016, after years of rotating through locations such as Samoa, the Philippines and Cambodia.
“The truth is, it’s a logistic issue; it’s not really a creative choice,” Probst told fans during a Paramount FYC event in Los Angeles.
He explained that many once-remote filming destinations have since become heavily developed tourist hubs, partly due to the popularity generated by the show itself.
“A lot of places, islands that were empty now have hotels on them because ‘Survivor’ brought a lot of awareness and tourism,” Probst said.
He also pointed to political instability, changing economic conditions and unpredictable weather as growing challenges for international productions.
Despite Fiji experiencing occasional severe weather disruptions, including evacuations during filming, Probst said the country remains the best option available.
“So, Fiji has actually saved ‘Survivor’ and our relationship with their government is amazing. All the land owners, where we stay, the islands we use … if that changed, we’d be back looking, desperately, for somewhere,” he said.
The continued partnership is another major boost for Fiji’s tourism profile, with the globally recognised series continuing to showcase the country’s islands and scenery to millions of viewers worldwide.
