On Fire: The Official Survivor Podcast

The path to victory is never easy. Jeff, Jay, and Rick discuss the central dilemma of the game—you have to play to win, but there will be a target on your back the minute you start to do so. Austin and Dee’s budding showmance is sure to impact their final days on the island, but will it complicate their game or make it easier to reach the final three? As the betrayals continue, Jeff shares how storytelling is largely driven by, not just what new information is shared, but WHEN it is revealed to the audience. The new era emphasizes who players are in their real lives, leading to more personal stories, like one Katurah courageously and vulnerably shares about her past. With the end in sight, Jeff teases what’s to come in the finale...Hint: like most things on Survivor, it has to do with fire. Watch the latest episode of Survivor every Wednesday on CBS and Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire” right after the show. You can watch Survivor and more on Paramount+. Subscribe at paramountplus.com and use the code SURVIVOR45 by 12/20/23 and get your 1st month of Paramount+ on us. Must be age of majority to subscribe, US only. Payment method required. Terms and conditions apply. Visit pplus.legal/subscription for more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Survivor is a mentally and physically demanding game, but it’s hard on your emotions, too. Feelings of betrayal, anxiety, and longing are daily occurrences on the island. But there’s also joy, which overcame Emily when she won the Reward Challenge. Jeff, Rick, and Jay discuss the difficult choice she must make of who to bring with her on reward for an overnight at the Sanctuary and loved ones' letters. As the players dwindle, certain castaways are proving to be masterminds behind Survivor 45’s most shocking moves — will their manipulation win them jury points or put a target on their backs? Jeff wraps the episode by shedding light on how the show helps the castaways prepare their bodies and minds for what’s ahead in the game and for life after they leave the island.  Watch the latest episode of Survivor every Wednesday on CBS and Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire” right after the show. You can watch Survivor and more on Paramount+. Subscribe at paramountplus.com and use the code SURVIVOR45 by 12/20/23 and get your 1st month of Paramount+ on us. Must be age of majority to subscribe, US only. Payment method required. Terms and conditions apply. Visit pplus.legal/subscription for more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The only thing we love more than a three-stage challenge is a three-stage challenge with A TWIST! Jeff, Jay, and Rick discuss how production designs multi-tier challenges and how they’re upping the stakes with the potential to lose your vote and a trip to the Sanctuary. For the second week in a row, we’re left with the oldest players on the island, Bruce and Julie, duking it out for immunity. How come there aren't more older people on Survivor? Jeff responds to this frequently asked question, along with a few others from the “On Fire” mailbox, shedding light on the producer-players relationship and what happens if a challenge malfunctions.  Jeff, Jay, and Rick wrap the episode with their thoughts on what’s to come in the final weeks of Survivor 45!  Watch the latest episode of Survivor every Wednesday on CBS and Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire” right after the show. You can watch Survivor and more on Paramount+. Subscribe at paramountplus.com and use the code SURVIVOR45 by 12/20/23 and get your 1st month of Paramount+ on us. Must be age of majority to subscribe, US only. Payment method required. Terms and conditions apply. Visit pplus.legal/subscription for more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Survivor 45 is on! Eighteen new castaways are marooned on the islands of Fiji and there’s already some surprising friction between the group. What drives Emily to confront Bruce the moment they get to the barge? Rick Devens and Jay Wolff dig into this moment and the other major turning points in the premiere episode — including a frightening medical incident, the strategy behind the new “Sweat vs. Savvy” and the very shocking twist at Tribal Council. But first, Devens details just how much preparation and sacrifice each castaway makes leading up to their time on the island. Jeff Probst then shares a behind-the-scenes look at the approach to designing the game for the new, longer 90-minute TV episodes, how the castaways are organized into their tribes, and just how he felt during the tribal council that nobody expected.  Watch the latest episode of Survivor every Wednesday on CBS and Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire” right after the show. You can watch Survivor and more on Paramount+. Subscribe at paramountplus.com and use the code SURVIVOR45 by 12/20/23 and get your 1st month of Paramount+ on us. Must be age of majority to subscribe, US only. Payment method required. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Survivor 45 is here and with it comes the return of "On Fire: The Official Survivor Podcast"! Showrunner Jeff Probst is back to answer fan questions and share his perspective as host and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning reality series. However, this season, the podcast is introducing a twist and welcoming a new host who has experienced the grueling challenges, shocking tribal councils, and even torch snuffing all firsthand. Some hints? This former player found at least one idol, they endured a remarkable 30-pound weight loss on the island, and they know a little something about coming back from Extinction... Whether you’re a superfan or new to the show, “On Fire: The Official Survivor Podcast” is the ultimate companion to Survivor — revealing HOW the show is made and WHY they do the things they do. You’ll get it all, from the fan, producer, AND now the player's POV. Watch the latest episode of Survivor every Wednesday on CBS and Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire” right after the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let the bidding begin! The auction is back with new layers of dilemma and “dangerous fun.” Jeff discusses the new twists and unpredictable variables that went into reinventing it for the new era. The castaways indulge in the fruits of their bids, like ice-cold beer, a decadent chocolate cake, and...a pair of gigantic fisheyes. Jeff explains how the audio department captures sound to bring moments like Austin’s massive wet bite of the eyeball to the next level. Negotiations color the castaway’s gameplay at every step, begging the question: what are you willing to give up for something you want? The subtle actions of the players, from Bruce barely putting in the effort to get cash to Jake slipping in a line about “his” idol, can change the game in an instant. And if there’s one thing we know for sure, it's that Survivor loves a good blindside — especially one that leaves even Jeff caught off guard. Watch the latest episode of Survivor every Wednesday on CBS and Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire” right after the show. You can watch Survivor and more on Paramount+. Subscribe at paramountplus.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Endurance is the name of the game this week as the castaways take on the iconic Survivor challenge, “Get a Grip.” Jeff shares what inspired the creation of this challenge, how it was designed, and why it’s all about will (and in Dee’s case, long toes). Then, down to 12 castaways, a two-vote twist means one player voted out will make the jury, and the other, crucially, won't. Rick, Jeff and Jay dig into just what it means to miss out on the jury. Then, finally, Jeff shares the moment of the episode that made him spit out his coffee the first time he saw it because it was just that shocking. Watch the latest episode of Survivor every Wednesday on CBS and Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire” right after the show. You can watch Survivor and more on Paramount+. Subscribe at paramountplus.com and use the code SURVIVOR45 by 12/20/23 and get your 1st month of Paramount+ on us. Must be age of majority to subscribe, US only. Payment method required. Terms and conditions apply. Visit pplus.legal/subscription for more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone get flexible, because we’re in limbo! The castaways have just 10 minutes to gather all their belongings (and, in Bruce’s case, find an idol) before they board the boats to merge on one beach. Rick shares what it is like to experience the merge as a player and Jeff pulls back the curtain on producing this turning point in the game — it’s a HUGE lift, from timing the arrival of the boats to filming a dozen reactions all at once. And we can’t talk about the production of this episode without mentioning the colossal “Earn the Merge” challenge. Jeff explains how they designed, tested, and made these jaw-dropping structures come to life. The blue team went hard in the mud and rightfully earned their feast and safety, but our player of the week has to go to Kaleb — that guy has luck on his side. His larger-than-life social game leaves us wondering if it will help him or harm him in the long run. Watch the latest episode of Survivor every Wednesday on CBS and Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire” right after the show. You can watch Survivor and more on Paramount+. Subscribe at paramountplus.com and use the code SURVIVOR45 by 12/20/23 and get your 1st month of Paramount+ on us. Must be age of majority to subscribe, US only. Payment method required. Terms and conditions apply. Visit pplus.legal/subscription for more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ten days in, the Survivor castaways all share one common feeling: hunger. Jeff dives into how a player’s mental clarity, physical energy, and emotions are impacted by no food and why that's a critical part of the game design. Speaking of hunger, would you pick an advantage over a sandwich? Austin, J, and Kellie are faced with this decision and their shared dilemma may inspire a new alliance - Rick, Jeff and Jay dive into the double-edged sword of any shared advantage. Later, they discuss fake idols, including Sifu's, and Rick, an idol master in his own right, shares what it takes to put together multiple fake idols out on the island. And, they discuss voting for a future merge, when nothing on Survivor is guaranteed.  Watch the latest episode of Survivor every Wednesday on CBS and Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire” right after the show. You can watch Survivor and more on Paramount+. Subscribe at paramountplus.com and use the code SURVIVOR45 by 12/20/23 and get your 1st month of Paramount+ on us. Must be age of majority to subscribe, US only. Payment method required. Terms and conditions apply. Visit pplus.legal/subscription for more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drop your Buffs®! We are switching tribes—Jeff discusses how they approached the first tribe swap of the new era from the producer's perspective. Some core alliances—Dee and Julie, Drew and Austin—made it through the swap while others, like Brando and Kellie, are now on opposing teams. Rick shares his personal experience of what runs through a castaway’s mind when the new buffs are drawn and talks about some lone wolves—like Emily—who have an opportunity to completely change their gameplay. With a new chance to make moves and test their social games, how will players’ loyalties shake out? Jeff also speaks to how influential Survivor’s editors can be in telling stories from the player’s point-of-view—like unpacking the friction between Katurah and Bruce through Katurah’s eyes rather than Bruce’s. With so many twists and turns in one episode, how could we ignore the shocking departure at Tribal Council? Jeff, Jay, and Rick have different thoughts about who would leave but no one expected another castaway to ask to be voted out in yet another emotional tribal speech. Jeff also answers listeners' questions about previous Survivor traditions he’d like to bring back and the chances of a Tribal Council where everyone loses their vote. And get ready—Jeff braces for the return of "This Is Why You Suck". Watch the latest episode of Survivor every Wednesday on CBS and Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire” right after the show. You can watch Survivor and more on Paramount+. Subscribe at paramountplus.com and use the code SURVIVOR45 by 12/20/23 and get your 1st month of Paramount+ on us. Must be age of majority to subscribe, US only. Payment method required. Terms and conditions apply. Visit pplus.legal/subscription for more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you know if someone is lying if you haven’t had an opportunity to test their loyalty? When a tribe like Lulu continually faces Tribal Council, trust gets tested with each vote. But for tribes like Reba and Belo who have yet to cast a vote, insecurities only grow as time goes on. Jeff, Jay and Rick dig into Survivor 45 episode 3 which was full of emotional highs and lows. The “Lulu losers” finally win a challenge, giving Kaleb the all-new “Goodwill Advantage” designed to forge future alliances. Speaking of goodwill, Drew’s strategy of sharing his wins is paying off when Kaleb gives him the reward — will Drew come for Rick’s record for advantages won? After all, it’s not about how many advantages you win, but what you do with them...like Sabiyah barbecuing an idol at Tribal... Jeff also shares how they created the elaborate hunt for the Idol — despite the plans, he has no sense of how it will all play out. It’s a true testament to the show’s production teams, whose next-level cinematography skills bring the emotion of the Survivor experience to the screen. Watch the latest episode of Survivor every Wednesday on CBS and Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire” right after the show. You can watch Survivor and more on Paramount+. Subscribe at paramountplus.com and use the code SURVIVOR45 by 12/20/23 and get your 1st month of Paramount+ on us. Must be age of majority to subscribe, US only. Payment method required. Terms and conditions apply. Visit pplus.legal/subscription for more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s headline: “Over-Sharing.” Jeff, Jay and Rick discuss how making connections and building deeper relationships are critical to help savvy Survivor players move through the game. Sharing secrets is a great way to build trust, but how do you know WHEN to share them and WHO to share them with? For example, Drew shares his advantage with the Reba tribe as soon as he returns from his journey — was that the right approach? From Hidden Immunity Idols to lost votes, this week is full of risky situations that test their loyalty and force players to trust each other. Jeff also shares an Easter egg in the show’s main title, discusses Survivor’s footprint in Fiji, and takes you behind the scenes of how camera operators capture secret castaway activities (often with hidden idols under their noses).  Watch the latest episode of Survivor every Wednesday on CBS and Paramount+ and then catch all new episodes of “On Fire” right after the show. You can watch Survivor and more on Paramount+. Subscribe at paramountplus.com and use the code SURVIVOR45 by 12/20/23 and get your 1st month of Paramount+ on us. Must be age of majority to subscribe, US only. Payment method required. Terms and conditions apply. Visit pplus.legal/subscription for more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a season of epic twists and turns, Survivor 44 has come to a close and with it this season of On Fire. Hear from the final 3 and winner of Season 44 as they each join Jeff, Brittany and Jay to unpack all of the unforgettable moments from this season.   Watch episodes of Survivor on CBS and streaming on demand on Paramount+. For details on how we manage your personal information, please consult our privacy policy at www.viacomcbsprivacy.com/en/policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a recap of episode 12, Jeff, Brittany and Jay take a moment to recognize the incredible journey each of the remaining castaways have endured and celebrate their best moments from this season. Jeff points out how Lauren, Heidi, Carson, Carolyn and Yam Yam all rose to the occasion throughout the season to become top Survivor competitors despite expectations and personal setbacks. Jeff underscores how all the castaways are real people, not actors or reality stars, who are determined to prove to themselves and others that they deserve to win.  Watch all new episodes of Survivor, Wednesdays on CBS and streaming and on demand on Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire with Jeff Probst” right after the show. For details on how we manage your personal information, please consult our privacy policy at www.viacomcbsprivacy.com/en/policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff, Brittany, and Jay unpack the latest episode including Yam Yam's epic individual immunity win and Carolyn getting mad at everyone at tribal - including Jeff! Then, the crew dives into all of your unanswered questions from: how long can players go without food during the show to the ground rules all players must follow while on the island. They also answer your questions about the live finale, the famous gross food eating challenge, and more! Watch all new episodes of Survivor, Wednesdays on CBS and streaming and on demand on Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire with Jeff Probst” right after the show. For details on how we manage your personal information, please consult our privacy policy at www.viacomcbsprivacy.com/en/policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a Herculean effort to capture every single moment of Survivor as it unfolds in real time, but it’s all possible thanks to the camera and audio crews who bring their instinct, trust and remarkable skill to shooting the show. Jeff breaks down how the crew captures the reality, the challenges and Tribal Councils. He describes how each piece comes together despite the many environmental and technical challenges that come with shooting on a remote island. Jeff and Brittany also share behind the scenes details about what each filming setup looks like on-set and the strategies they use to ensure the game remains authentic to the castaways and the audience. Also, Jeff answers your questions about what the accommodations look like for the crew, what happened to visits from loved ones as well as what are players allowed to have in terms of personal hygiene products.  Watch all new episodes of Survivor, Wednesdays on CBS and streaming and on demand on Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire with Jeff Probst” right after the show. For details on how we manage your personal information, please consult our privacy policy at www.viacomcbsprivacy.com/en/policy. Learn more about your ad choices.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fire-Making Showdown, The Medallion of Power, Final Two vs Final Three and Change History are just some of the twists and turns that have stirred controversy among Survivor fans and contestants over the past 44 seasons. Find out which of the most polarizing twists Jeff stands by and which ones he regrets. Jeff also answers your questions shedding light on some less controversial topics like would he ever place an advantage at Tribal Council, how do they film idols before and after challenges and why he always wears shoes with socks on the beach. Watch all new episodes of Survivor, Wednesdays on CBS and streaming and on demand on Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire with Jeff Probst” right after the show. For details on how we manage your personal information, please consult our privacy policy at www.viacomcbsprivacy.com/en/policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The role of an editor on Survivor is to authentically and accurately represent each player's journey during their time in the game. Jeff pulls back the curtain on how a team of 20 editors tells the story of 18 Survivor castaways from moment to moment in each episode as well as across an entire season. We’re joined by editor Dave Armstrong to talk through the anatomy of a scene using three different versions of the same sequence, where Carolyn finds the idol without her team knowing. Plus, Jeff answers your questions about how the editors avoid bias, how the show’s music is selected and how long Tribal Council actually lasts! Watch all new episodes of Survivor, Wednesdays on CBS and streaming and on demand on Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire with Jeff Probst” right after the show. For details on how we manage your personal information, please consult our privacy policy at www.viacomcbsprivacy.com/en/policy. Learn more about your ad choices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Curious how Survivor's big themes were born? This episode gets to the heart of how, why, and exactly what it takes to build some of Survivor's most iconic themes. Join us as Jeff discusses some of the most memorable, like Redemption Island, Edge of Extinction and Winners At War. Hear how each theme creates intense, new challenges while revealing the determination and spirit of your favorite castaways. Go inside the creative process for developing the show’s format with a dramatic reading from an original show bible and find out what question White Lotus creator, Mike White, asked Jeff that made Jeff erase all of his ideas going into season 41 and start over from scratch. Plus, we answer your questions about wearing glasses on the island, how castaways communicate during the voting and exactly what happens to all those parchments after each season. Watch all new episodes of Survivor, Wednesdays on CBS and streaming and on demand on Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire with Jeff Probst” right after the show. For details on how we manage your personal information, please consult our privacy policy at www.viacomcbsprivacy.com/en/policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The art department is responsible for creating every single thing you see on the show from torches and idols to challenges and tribal council. Jeff unpacks how this massive team of artisans and designers from around the world is an integral part of bringing the show to life. Jeff also takes your questions about jurors in Ponderosa, the power of the idol vs. shot in the dark, and we hear from casting producer, Jesse Tannenbaum, on whether he would actually cast Jeff as a contestant.  Watch all new episodes of Survivor, Wednesdays on CBS and streaming and on demand on Paramount+ and then catch all-new episodes of “On Fire with Jeff Probst” right after the show. For details on how we manage your personal information, please consult our privacy policy at www.viacomcbsprivacy.com/en/policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices