ow in its 25th year, “Survivor” is in the middle of an unprecedented resurgence, especially with the show’s highly-anticipated 50th season, dubbed “In the Hands of the Fans” set to make its CBS debut in February 2026. “Survivor 49” is also on its way to eager fans this fall, as is “Survivor Australia: Australian vs. The World,” which will feature legendary American competitors like Cirie Fields, Parvati Shallow and two-time winner Tony Vlachos.

“Survivor” has celebrated many international spin-offs since its 2000 debut, including series in Brazil, South Africa and the UK, though the Australian version has easily been the most successful, especially since its revival in 2016 with actor Jonathan LaPaglia as host.

Getty Jonathan LaPaglia poses with the Logie Award
Despite helming the series for ten successful seasons, LaPaglia revealed in a shock announcement last week that he had been axed from the show after a “cold” email from Australian broadcaster Channel 10. The host later revealed that the upcoming “Australia vs. The World” season will be his last.

Now, just ten days after he was let go, LaPaglia is rumored to have landed a major new television gig in the U.S..

LaPaglia Allegedly Taking Over U.S. ‘Survivor’ Hosting Role

Rumors that LaPaglia was taking over the American iteration of “Survivor” from longtime host Jeff Probst were stirred up by New Idea, who called the alleged move “the most epic blindside” against LaPaglia’s former network.

The publication offered no concrete evidence to support its claim, however, beyond commenting on Probst’s less-then-enthusiastic demeanor in a video announcing that filming on “Survivor 50” had concluded.

“Bros not excited at all,” said one fan on social media.

While some “Survivor” viewers speculated that Probst was simply unhappy with how the legendary season played out, others thought it was a sign that the 63-year-old host is ready to retire.
CBS Jeff Probst in season 40 of Survivor, “Winners at War.”
Probst has acted as host and executive producer of “Survivor” since its 2000 debut. Despite already confirming that the show would return for Seasons 51 and 52, fans are already throwing out LaPaglia’s to replace him.

In spite of the rumors, LaPaglia and Probst have previously revealed that they’ve connected over their similar roles, having met for dinner multiple times over the years.

Parvati Shallow Talks Joining LaPaglia’s Final ‘Survivor’ Season

While it remains unclear as to whether Probst even intends to retire his role as host of the Emmy-winning competition series any time soon, LaPaglia will celebrate his Final Tribal Council as host of “Survivor Australia” when “Australia vs. the World” airs later this year.

Despite following essentially the same format as the U.S. version, the Australian iteration is longer – typically around 50 days compared to America’s current 26 – larger – with casts of 24 players compared to US “Survivors” 18 to 20 – and more labor intensive – featuring more endurance-based physical challenges.

CBS/Getty Parvati Shallow on ‘Survivor: Winners at War’
“Survivor” legend Parvati Shallow, who is set to appear on the upcoming season that pits stars from the Australian franchise against international competitors, recently revealed why she was drawn to say “yes” to another “Survivor” run – as long as it wasn’t in the U.S..

“I don’t want to play a 39 day game, I don’t want to play even a 26 day game. I don’t want to play U.S. ‘Survivor’ ever again because it’s not my game anymore,” Shallow revealed during an appearance on the Drop Your Buffs podcast. “But then when ‘Australian Survivor’ reach out, the stars kind of aligned for me to do that. ‘Australian Survivor’ is very similar to the style of game I’ve played in the past, where they kind of keep it, sort of, pure. Social strategy, grit and endurance. Those who suffer well and make alliances and know how to play that style of game are gonna thrive.”

Shallow added that the filming location for the upcoming season only solidified her assurance in return for her fifth “Survivor” appearance globally following runs on “Cook Islands”, “Micronesia”, “Heroes vs. Villains” and “Winners at War.”

“Then they said it’s in Samoa,” she said. “Where I have unfinished business from ‘Heroes [vs.] Villains,’ and I was like, ‘Hmm, this seems like fate offering me a hand at redemption, to rewrite my story.”