Probst Draws the Line with Quitters on Survivor
In a bold and significant change, Survivor host Jeff Probst has announced that he will no longer snuff the torches of contestants who quit the game. Speaking during an appearance on Live With Kelly and Mark on November 15, 2023, Probst made it clear that if a player voluntarily leaves the competition, they will not be given the traditional “torch-snuffing” moment. He said, “If you are a Survivor player and you quit, your torch will not be snuffed. That’s over. To get your torch snuffed, you got to play the game.” This decision follows recent walkouts by players Hannah Rose and Sean Edwards in Survivor season 45, who left the game before the halfway point.
This change reflects Probst’s growing frustration with players who voluntarily exit the competition, particularly as the game has become even more grueling following the shift from a 39-day format to a 26-day schedule after the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision highlights the heightened stakes of the game and Probst’s belief that quitting undermines the spirit of Survivor.
The Emotional Impact of Quitting on Survivor
The emotional and physical toll of Survivor has long been a point of discussion among both fans and producers. Probst himself has acknowledged the extreme pressures contestants face, citing the harsh realities of the Fijian jungle—constant rain, tough terrain, and dangerous wildlife—as factors that can drive players to quit. “The one thing you can’t test for in all the psych testing is all the real elements — the rain, the bamboo, the snakes and all that,” Probst explained, shedding light on the intense environment contestants endure.
Though quitting has been a rare occurrence in the show’s history (less than 1% of players have quit over 45 seasons), Probst’s remarks indicate that he sees it as a serious challenge to the integrity of the game. His decision to eliminate the torch-snuffing ritual for quitters underscores his desire to hold contestants accountable for their commitment to Survivor.
A Long History of Quitting on Survivor
Survivor has seen a handful of memorable exits throughout its long history, with the first quitting incident occurring during season 7, Survivor: Pearl Islands. Contestant Osten Taylor was the first to ask to leave the game, citing the physical toll it was taking on him. Probst made a notable decision during this exit, famously saying, “Per your wishes, go home,” rather than delivering the traditional line, “The tribe has spoken.”
Probst later reflected on that moment, admitting that he was deeply upset by Taylor’s choice. In a 2013 interview, he shared, “I was so upset about it. I was like, ‘I’m not saying “the tribe has spoken.” You gotta earn that line!’” This pivotal moment marked a shift in how Probst would approach quitters in future seasons, leading to his more stringent stance today.
The Future of Survivor Contestants
With Probst’s new policy on quitters, Survivor fans can expect a shift in how exits are portrayed on screen. While quitting has always been a rare event, Probst’s frustration with players who choose to leave voluntarily is now evident. The decision to stop snuffing torches signals a stronger sense of accountability for those who opt out of the game, emphasizing that walking away will no longer be treated with the same respect as a traditional elimination.
The impact of this change on the overall dynamics of Survivor remains to be seen, but it seems likely that the focus will now shift more towards the importance of perseverance and grit. Contestants who choose to remain in the game will need to demonstrate a deeper commitment to the experience, making it clear that, for Probst, only those who truly “play the game” deserve the honor of having their torch extinguished. As Survivor continues to evolve, this shift could play a key role in shaping the future of the game.
