Jeff Probst and Mark Burnett Interviews
January 10th, 2010 | posted by conrad walton |Mark Burnett and Jeff Probst were both answering questions during the party. Here are some answers they gave.
We learn why Johnny Fairplay wasn’t asked back, what happened in the first 10 minutes of the season, when they will change the rules to allow Russell to win, and how Russell dealt with not being known to anyone else on Heroes vs. Villains when they filmed it.
Mark Burnett
Why is Survivor so popular?
“I think it is a morality play. I think that the country can really appreciate someone who can come from behind. Look at what I did with Martha Stewart. It’s true. We appreciate second chances. With Survivor, it can change very much from certain impressions that you get from people. The idea that the core value of Survivor is that a million dollars is given by those you got rid of, and that is a very difficult thing to do.
People really wanted Russell to win and thought that the rules should be changed to allow for that. Will you change the rules?
The game is so pure and it is, in the end, a political decision, and you can, like in real life, get to the final two by doing things in an underhanded way, and you’ll never get the million dollars if you’ve done it completely the wrong way. In the end, those that you got rid of, are granting you this. I think the game is just right.
After season one, they said that now that alliances are known, alliances will ruin the game. So we changed things up and mixed the tribes. They never know what’s going to happen. They can’t predict what’s coming next. When will they merge? Maybe there won’t be a merge. Maybe this season there’s no merge.
It’s the unpredictability. You never know if your favorite person might go home this week.
Jeff Probst With Sandy Burgin
“Oh, that’s easy. The reason that Fairplay isn’t here is that this season is called “Heroes vs Villains”, not “Survivor Quitters”.
Why is Sandra here?
“Ah, Sandra to me, was a delicious and devilish villain in Pearl Islands. She threatened to burn down the camp. She got rid of their fish. She constantly walked around saying “As long as it ain’t me, I don’t care about anybody else.” I think after this season, you’ll still say “she’s a villain”, you might like her more, but she’s not walking around, like a Stephanie or an Amanda, with that heroic way about her.”
What happened with Russell?
About halfway through Samoa, they decided that Russell would be so memorable that they wanted him on this season.
“The minute that the show ended, we pulled him into a room and said “Here’s the deal. We want to invite you back.” and he said “I’m in. I don’t care it is, I’m in.” But we told him that you can’t talk about this season at all. You can’t tell people that you did well. You can’t lie and tell people that you were voted off first. You can’t say that you found idols. You can’t say A WORD. What we said them was that Russell is not allowed to talk about Samoa, but you can definitely read into the fact that we have anointed him as one of the 5 most villainess men to play the game. Read into that. He’s here for a reason. They all knew that this dude did something or he wouldn’t be here.
Did anything interesting happen that you can tell us about?
“We did a challenge right off the bat, 10 minutes into the show, and there was so much energy going, combative energy, that we had a broken toe, a dislocated shoulder, over and over and over, it kept dislocating. We had a square off between a Hero and a Villain with a surprising result, and we had one women finish the challenge, and win it for her tribe, topless. That was the first challenge. We all looked at each other and went “I think we are off to a good start.”
How did the Villains react to being called Villains?
They all bonded because they all had a chip on their shoulders, because it was like they are not liked as much as the other guys. The tone was set pretty early that “we’re the villains and they’re the heroes and it’s on! I’m as likable as anyone else. Why am I a villain?”.”
What about challenges?
He explained about Schmergenball, the challenge that took out Mike Borassi in Samoa. “We liked it so much that we brought it back and another person was injured. I won’t say wether it was an evacuation, but there was another major problem. So then that challenge was thrown in the trash. It will never be back.
How much are you aware of that happens in the camps when you are at Tribal Council? Do you know about alliances?
“I know the big stuff. The truth is that the alliances shift so fast these days, that one of the problems we have is that they play a game with us, even when we ask them not to. They’ll have signals and things and they will shift at Tribal Council. They’ll do this (scratches his nose) and now the vote is for this guy. We look around and say “I think this guy just gave a signal to this guy. There’s no way to stop it. You can say “Don’t give signals” when we’re not rolling and they’ll go “yeah. yeah. yeah.” (scratches his cheek)”.
61 Responses to “Jeff Probst and Mark Burnett Interviews”
By shannon on Jan 11, 2010 | Reply
When did this Survivor actually happen? (Heroes vs. Villains?) I’m always interested in knowing when the actual dates are! thx.
By Seth on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
So again, why is Russell there? Is the show titled “Heroes vs. Sore Losers”?
By norma on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
I love it and hope that Rupert is on this one
By Ryan on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
Rusell wasn’t a sore loser…
he deserved to win !
If YOU got a call that said you won a million bucks and after a week or so.. they said they had to take it back how would YOU feel..
ignorant jack@$$
By Raymond on Jan 12, 2010 | Reply
Shannon: Filming of Season 20 started on August 9th and ended on Sept 16th, one day before Season 19 started to air on television.
By Chris on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
Have you ever thought of making a canadian survivor.
By Bob on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
LOL @ saying Russell couldn’t blab anything, but he did anyway and not only gave away the final 3, but that Natalie kicked everyone’s ass.
And LOL @ Ryan not making any sense. Who called Russell and told him he won? Russell lost because he was President Douchebag. There’s a thing called editing; shocking as it may be, what was portrayed isn’t necessarily how things were. Sounds like you’re the ignorant one.
By David on Jan 13, 2010 | Reply
I think if they brought back Sugar they needed To bring back ace that would have been something to watch. After she stabbed him in the back iver a lie and then she said she felt bad when she found out it was a lie. I hope coach doesnt win, the best thing that happened in survivor was russel not winning.
By Jerre' Willbanks on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
We are so glad that you brought back Rupert and J.T We think they will make a good team if they can get together..
We have watched Survivor since Ritchard.
The only thing we see different is that the new Survivors are not having to eat all the alful things the first ones had to..
We are really looking forward to Survivor 20
Sincerely Jerre’ Willbanks
Layton, Utah
By CB on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
Russell is back because he is completely awesome. Watching the first few episodes, I hated him and yes, he was a terribly poor sports on the finale. Be that as it may, I disliked him so much at the beginning that I’d decided NOT to watch last season. And I have never missed a season! After about 3-4 weeks Russell really grew on me and I did find the little jerk fascinating.
By jennifer spencer on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
I am so glad to see cutie-pie Boston Rob again, it’s so much fun watching him.He made survivor and amazing race so much fun, I could hardly wait for the next weeks show. Also glad to see sweetie-pie Rupert and Russell from last year. I at first hated Russell,but he was so clever and different-I ended up wanting him to win.
By Kevin on Jan 14, 2010 | Reply
i hope this season Rob and Russel team up. They will run the show if they do.
By Neville on Jan 15, 2010 | Reply
Survivor needs to leave the hot summery islands for a season and go arctic! But then you say “then we wouldnt get ratings because we wont have bikinis” but there are places that are frozen solid and still have hot springs. So do it Survivor! No excuses!
By linda cottom on Jan 15, 2010 | Reply
i have watched survivor since day one. love it. i love the new cast, it will be interesting to watch. i thought russell was terrible, i was happy he did’nt win, and such a sore loser. depending how colby plays, i would like to see him win, he was cheated the first time around. can’t wait to watch.
By BigFan on Jan 15, 2010 | Reply
I think the survivor fans(public)should vote off the person each week and pick who gets the million dollars at the end of the season..
By Wayne(survivormad) on Jan 15, 2010 | Reply
I agree with Neville above.Ive been saying for ages to get off the islands aswell and go to somewhere arctic.I had also thought of fans vs fav and heroes vs villians a few years ago.My next prediction for survivor is a cast with all the winners from all seasons.Anyway got to get off the islands and go to another country.
Some of this cast is good but it could have been better
By survivormad on Jan 15, 2010 | Reply
To Mark Burnett,
Love watching Ponderosa but I think it gives the jury time to conspire and form opinions as to who will win.The jury members should make up their own mind and not listen to the opinions of other tribe mates
By Glenn on Jan 19, 2010 | Reply
How about a survivor international guys,teams from various countries rotating through both a sea, desert and artic survivor scenario.
Judged by Rudy and Russell, now that would be interesting
By Deborah on Jan 19, 2010 | Reply
Why did Jeff Probst go off on Shambo’s hairstyle when his own hairstyle hasn’t changed in 10 seasons???? Except for that slightly receding hairline, he still looks the same. What gives???
Not saying he ain’t cute, just saying what’s good for the goose, is good for the gander.
By Deborah on Jan 19, 2010 | Reply
Raymond, are you sure about those dates? I realize that they film this earlier than it is shown, but am surprised at the amount of time lapse you mention.
It is snowing in Maine and I would love to see a Survivor, Maine Winter, but alas, since there would be no Blonde babes in bikinis, it’s a no go.
By Survivor Fan on Jan 20, 2010 | Reply
I am excitied for season 20. I wasn’t happy about the whole Russell Hantz thing when I first looked at the cast, but now I kinda like that idea of him being back. I am excited to see if he will win this time and if he will be able to monopolize everyone again. I just don’t really want him to win. I am excitied for this episode, because i don’t know anyone except for russell hantz, because i just really started watching Survivor last season. Good Luck to all the cast.
By Lobo on Jan 21, 2010 | Reply
Why is Rupert back ? This is his THIRD shot
at winning Survivor. Is CBS gonna keep bringing him back until he finally wins ?
I know everyone loves Rupert, but this is ridiculous.
I’m glad Randy is back. Even tho he was hated by everyone, he was hilarious.
By Patricia on Feb 3, 2010 | Reply
I am extremely excited about the heroes vs. villains Survivor coming up. I have been watching this show since the first episode. People may hate some reality shows..but, I think this is some of the best television ever. I know I will enjoy the cast of this upcoming season..Russell was a pain in the a** couldn’t stand hearing him run his mouth off about women..however, I have to say ..I couldnt wait to see what antics he would pull next. Im hoping however to see Boston Rob..maybe Rupert pull it off this time..I know, I will enjoy every minute.! Keep survivor going..it gets me through my week!!
By Kelly on Feb 7, 2010 | Reply
I am truly one of the most dedicated fans of Survivor!! I have never missed an episode of any season! I personally think that without Jeff the show wouldn’t have been so popular!!I feel like I know Jeff through watching each season. He is someone I would love to have as a friend or neighbor!! What a great concept to entertain people. Survivor was one of the original reality shows ever aired on T.V. I am excited to watch the upcoming “Heroes vs Villians season!I also would like to thank you!My Thrusday nights @ 8:00 would not be the same without Survivor!!Keep entertaining me Survivor!!!
By maureen smith on Feb 7, 2010 | Reply
Survivor is a popularity contest.
Dump the jury and lets have a final challenge where the winner has to outplay and outwit those remaining.He/she will then be the true survivor.I think living conditions are getting easier each series.
Maureen(Australia)
By Dreadlock on Feb 17, 2010 | Reply
Hey! U can think and say what you want about “Evil” Russell but he practically single-handedly made Samoa an exciting, funny season. His ideas of burning people’s socks and spilling their water and all his comments were not just evil but also funny, more like a prankster kid then an intentionally mean person and that’s a big difference. Don’t necessarily approve of everything he did but enjoyed it thoroughly and was quite sure and glad he’ll be in it again. Besides all, he found 4 idols all alone with no clues so that should tell you something! I love the game and Jeff’s a big part of the why and hope they’ll never change the main structure of this game! Go Villains!! & Go Heroes!!
By merryjaz on Feb 19, 2010 | Reply
Pardon me for asking, but you guys all seem to know more about Survivor than I do. What are the contestants allowed to bring with them? How many clothes? How many swimsuits? Etc…?
By SasseyLassey918 on Feb 19, 2010 | Reply
What islands are the Heros and Villain’s on? I have never heard this time….Thanks
By Bobby on Feb 19, 2010 | Reply
Great Great show. I tend to form opinions early on. I probably am 85% correct in my assumptions of good versus bad/ And my Bad is surely different than your feelings. Especially of some of the HOT chicks.
Does the “Survivor’ show sell off any of the trinkets uses, like an Immunity Idol’?
Keep up the good work, Im glad you did away with some of the disgusting food. Thanks again.
By Mariann on Mar 10, 2010 | Reply
Here in country Western Australia we are way behind everyone else in getting survivor – one season it didn’t air until 11 pm on a weeknight but these year is great. I am so glad Boston Rob i8s back – I so love him – he reminds me of my son – I wish him and Amber every every happiness and was pleased to hear that they now have child
By machob on Mar 13, 2010 | Reply
I would love to see Guns vs Hoses (Cops vs Firemen). The natural rivalry would be priceless.
By Christina on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
I agree with one of the people above, who asked about a CANADIAN survivor! We love watching this show and can never even have the opportunity to be involved!
We have just as interesting people here who are extremely competative!!!
Maybe canadians vs americans…break down borders people…how about brtis, canadians, americans and some other country!!!
By Mark on Mar 24, 2010 | Reply
I think Russell’s role model growing up was Danny De Vito a.k.a. Louie de Palma on “Taxi”. Louie loved to call all the cabbies “a bunch of losers.”
By Ginim on Apr 1, 2010 | Reply
“LOVE THE SHOW, BUT RUSSELL IS A PIG~~~AND THE VILLAINS ARE NOT TOO SMART~~
By Bonnie on Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
Love Survivor! Haven’t missed a show since the second season. Love Jeff but it appears that he’s not as impartial as he should be as the host of the game. He does a great job at stirring up the emotions and keeping things interesting, especially during tribal council. He made several comments that made it seem that he was personnally upset that his “best friend and buddy” Rob was voted out! Hey – that’s the game. Rob is no better than Russell. At first I also hated Russell and could hardly wait to see him gone! Now, I love the guy and think he’s one of my favorite players, he’s smart, funny, devious, and greatly entertaining! Rob was devious and a liar, but not entertaining or funny. So, Jeff, what’s up with the personal insults, are you prejudiced against anyone voting off your favorite players? The last two seasons has been the best so far!
By John on Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
It was a huge mistake to get rid of Rob and Coach at this stage of the game.
It seems that every season the women feel that an all “girl” team is the way to go even though that means they will self-destruct.
Courtney has sat out more challenges than any person is Survivor history.
One of the problems is the young demographics. They just want to argue, scream, bitch and have that ME ME ME mentality. Get more mature plays instead of tweens.
By Carolyn Skuse on Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
Russell is not all that Smart except for finding the idols. He’s getting rid of the Male strength and the Women are playing him. They’ll eat him up and he’ll say Dam what happened. Keep it up and see Russell. That’s only reason he is still here cause he is scuzzy and a draw. But not for long.
By Lisa on Apr 30, 2010 | Reply
Russell DID NOT EVER WIN, go back and look at the shows. The jury did not let him win AT ALL. Russell was to STUPID to even know why that jury is there. People don’t forget a dirty player.
By Lisa on Apr 30, 2010 | Reply
The last comment was for Ryan, and so is this one. Russell CRIED because he did not win. He was a miserable little troll sitting up on that stage next to Natalie with tears welling up all over him. Duh watch the shows
By You Need Their Votes on May 3, 2010 | Reply
Russell Hantz is the best player ever to play the game? Let’s see now, shall we? Parvati’s got him by the cock, Sandra loathes his guts, the other Villains have little use for him, the Heroes are pissed off at him, and the jury can’t wait to blast his balls off. Yeah, he’s the best, all right.
Eyeball roll.
By Joanne on May 11, 2010 | Reply
Russell H. is a bully and thinks WAY!! too much of himself. I never like Pavarti that much, but I give her props for having the two idols and keeping it from Russell. He can never shut up about found idols. Also, when he doesn’t have control, he flaks out! He can’t keep it together and the way he fights is lying, bullying, sneakiness, and on and on. If he is part of the final 2, I expect no one will vote for him, he is such a pathetic braggert; loser; bully; cheater; and on and on.
By TMAC on May 12, 2010 | Reply
Hey Seth, idiot, what do you think this is? Russell is THE KING. He is the true Survivor, and is unstoppable. I love Russell, and i am prepared to do battle with you!
By TMAC on May 12, 2010 | Reply
Hey “you need their votes” i hate you. Russell is the best. Get with the picture. He’s done with Parvati, and Sandra’s a dummy. KING RUSSELL LIVES ON.
By TMAC on May 12, 2010 | Reply
Hey Lisa, i’d watch my step if i were you. Russell is the smartest man ever, and half of the jury came up to him after the live show to tell him they should’ve voted for him. I think you are blonde, because you sound stupid.
By Terry M on May 14, 2010 | Reply
Russell is Survivor and Survivor is Russell. He is so awesome. Manipulating the other players and making them fear his wrath. At no time does he show weakness. This is why he is in control of the game. Last season he got totally ripped off. He was the hands down winner. So hush all you “Russell Haters” and go play a game of musical chairs. Maybe your feelings will not get hurt.
By Dana on May 16, 2010 | Reply
What?! Russell shows no weakness?! Russell is a big ball of weakness. Not only did he cry when he didn’t win, he offered Natalie $10,000 for the title of Sole Survivor. He tried to buy what he couldn’t earn! He has to be extremely insecure if it’s that important to have that title. As for his game, it’s a shame he’s getting so far by being an asshole. That’s his one and only strategy. If he had to think for a minute he might get hurt.
By lizz on May 16, 2010 | Reply
Like him or hate him but if you are truly a survivor fan from the beginning you have to admit that Russell has been one of the most entertaining players of all time. He did deserve to win last time no matter how he played…but like someone else said it is all about popularity in the end…the jurors never seem to vote for who truly outwitted and outplayed….they tend to vote for the coat tail riders or the player who pissed the least amount of people off…I think the jury should be instructed to vote for who truly played the best not the nicest…
By Laurie Aubin on May 16, 2010 | Reply
Russel is right Jeff, if the fans had any votes i guarantee you Russel would have won again, come on bull, bring the fans in,,,, come on pls get back,,,, Russel’s # 1 fan
By terry Todd on May 17, 2010 | Reply
Jeff you were out of line last night, Russell was the best and deserved to win, show was too long last night, if it wasn’t for Russell ratings would have been very low this year, i watched Celebrity Apprentice, till winner was announced, then went back to celebrity app. the show was too long lame and not cool this year again the jury voted opposite for Sandra, who did nothing, and just hated Russell. Wasn’t this show called boring finale!
By terry Todd on May 17, 2010 | Reply
Mark bet your ratings will be low next season after this time to call it quits! Survivor has lost its real meaning!
By Lana on May 17, 2010 | Reply
LOVE Survivor! Have watched every season. I think I hate Russell the most of any players – he is a hothead, a control freak and down righ nasty. Only player I liked less was Johnny Fairplay and that was because he was slimy and creepy.
I would never have voted Russell to win anything!
Way to go, Sandra!
By Vickie on May 17, 2010 | Reply
Mark Burnett and Jeff Probst,
I HOPE THE SHOW DROPS RATINGS SO LOW THAT IT HAS TO BE CANCELED. RUSSELL, I AM YOUR #1 FAN! ALL THOSE SORE LOSERS NEED TO REMEMBER THAT THE GAME IS CALLED SURVIVOR NOT WHO WAS THE NICEST OR THE LAZIEST. IT IS OUTPLAY, OUTWIT AND OUTLAST ALL OTHER PLAYERS. EVERYONE LIES AND MANIPULATES SO WHY WAS WRONG FOR RUSSELL HE DID WHAT HE HAD TO DO!!!!!!!!
THE SHOW SUCKS
By Matthew on May 17, 2010 | Reply
I can’t believe that Sandra kept saying she was trying to get Russell out sooo many times and she didn’t cause she couldn’t, what a loser. Natalie was the same way, ride the coattails and play the nice card so you don’t have to do anything that involves outwiting or outplaying. I thought it was especially fitting in the last challenge when Sandra wasn’t even trying to get through the maze she was just meandering around listening for other people, then at the end she said “I hated thid challenge” because she is a loser with no competitive spirit. And the guy who is the biggest competitor loses again, unbelieveable. The jury has lost credibility in that they don’t respect the game of competition, it used to be that the survivor was crowned for the person who played the best. Not who tried to get rid of Russell and FAILED!!!!
By Vickie on May 17, 2010 | Reply
Hello “you need their votes” Russell is #1 and he should get $2,000,000.00 (MILLION) because, he actually won the last 2 (TWO) seasons back to back. Russell is KING of SURVIVOR.
By Lori Jones on May 17, 2010 | Reply
Russell was right, let America vote, and the true Survivor would have won. Sandra should be ashamed of herself saying she played honestly and truthfully. She should be thanking Russell for letting her ride his coat tails. Everyone knows Russell was the real survivor. She’s a sneaky snake.
By You Need Their Votes on May 20, 2010 | Reply
Hey, Vickie, Russell actually LOST the last two seasons back-to-back; first season he lost 7-2 to Natalie, this season he was shut out by Parvati and Sandra. He refused to play to the one group he NEEDED to be playing to: THE JURY! There is a reason Natalie won last season and Sandra won this season. THESE are the true survivors.
By FUMO on May 24, 2010 | Reply
TIME FOR AN IDENTICAL TWIN SURVIVOR. EACH TWIN GOES ON A SEPARATE TRIBE AND WE CAN SEE WHICH SET IS STILL THERE WHEN THEY MERGE. WE CAN ALSO SEE IF ONE TWIN IS A VILLAIN AND THE OTHER A HERO.
By Mr Hate on May 26, 2010 | Reply
I have watch this show since the beginning. I am addicted. Russell by far is my favorite player. I don’t care much about the goody two shoes. I just root for the villains in anything may it be wrestling, boxing, cop shows. The only good guys I root for is the men and women of armed forces. I can’t wait for the new season of Survivor. Hopefully it will have more villains again.
By Mr Hate on May 26, 2010 | Reply
Does anyone know the dance tune that everyone was dancing to in Suvivor Ponderosa Jeri Pt1. They were have a great time dancing. I am not talking about that Dragons video song. Please let me know if you can.
By FixtheShow on May 30, 2010 | Reply
The production should have given up jury votes long ago. Risk-takers almost can’t win this game!
Seeing Sandra win alienated me as a viewer. She can’t win challenges, she’s not a provider, shes all around lazy, weak, and boring. In an actual tribe the leaders don’t worry about votes. Sandra would be forced to work for them all day, to earn her keep…
By GoJo on May 30, 2010 | Reply
In the future, I’d like to see people who are crafty but not mean. People who are driven and don’t piggy back on stronger players. In some of the past seasons, the most interesting and best players seem to get voted of early. I think the season where Tom won was awful. He had 5 puppy dogs around him in the end and it was obvious he was going to win several weeks before the final. Russell is just annoying, arrogant, condescending, disrespectufl and think-headed. He must be a piece of work in his “oil” business. He’ll never understand how to work the jury, so PLEASE don’t have him back!! Because of his personality, it was absolutely brillant to see Sandra win, mainly because he was so sure she didn’t have a chance. Non-a, non-a, non- a