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.
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Going Inside the Survivor Art Department

Grab your torches and go behind the scenes of the Emmy® Award-winning reality series SURVIVOR like never before. Whether you’re a superfan or new to the show, “On Fire with Jeff Probst: The Official Survivor Podcast” is the ultimate companion to Season 46 — revealing HOW the show is made and WHY they do the things they do. Showrunner and Host Jeff Probst answers fan questions and takes you behind the scenes of the series from the executive producer perspective that you can't get anywhere else. This season, Probst is joined by former castaway and Survivor 45 winner Dee Valladares, and producer Jay Wolff who share insights from the player and fan perspectives on each episode. 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.
"On Fire" listeners can use discount code "ONFIRE” for 20% off all Survivor products on ParamountShop.com.

TV & Film

TV Reviews

After Shows

The million-dollar prize may be the lure, but it's the "Survivor" experience that's the real prize! Jeff, Jay and Dee consider how the island brings people (who likely wouldn’t have met otherwise) together, even while they’re betraying one another. 
As we head into the final days, Dee shares how letters from loved ones give players an emotional push to make it to the end. Jeff explains how the art and challenge departments handle creating new puzzles and retiring old ones, and how they prepare for the very real possibility that “Survivor” hopefuls have practiced with replica puzzles. 
After another castaway gets sent packing with an idol in their pocket, Jeff answers a listener’s question about how long the players get to strategize when the tides turn last minute at Tribal Council. 

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Play or Get Played

Forget a friendly game of hide and seek, now the castaways are all about idol hunting. Jeff explains how production re-evaluated how they show the idol hunt, while Dee shares the reality of a days-long search in the dense jungle. “Survivor” is all about taking calculated risks — from picking reward companions to betraying allies — any decision can change the course of the game. 
Then, Jeff breaks down why the final week is crucial and tackles a listener's question on the not-so-beloved Rites of Passage ritual. Jeff might need more snacks as tribal council chaos continues! 
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The Final Several

Do you take your number one to the end or try to blindside them before they come for you? Dee advises on how to properly execute a blindside but organizing one might not always be a winning strategy. 
Jeff, Jay and Dee revisit Liz’s emotional reaction to not being chosen to join in the reward. Jeff shares how they got a chef all the way to Fiji while reminiscing on his favorite brand sponsorships over the years. The physical challenges on "Survivor" stay demanding and Dee reveals the intense endurance training she underwent to prepare. Then, Jeff and Dee answer a listener's question about what traits make a player a threat. 
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Blindsides and Betrayals

After a messy Tribal Council, the bottom might be the perfect place to be on “Survivor” right now. Jeff, Jay, and Dee discuss the opportunity the castaways have to start over. The three-stage challenge leads to a debate between Jeff and Dee on the merits (or lack thereof) of throwing a challenge. 
Jeff explains how production and the Dream Team test the pain threshold of endurance challenges. Meanwhile, Dee speaks to the mental toughness the Survivors need to focus on anything but how much they’re hurting in these moments. Then, Jeff answers questions about how players, like Liz, deal with food restrictions on the island and if he knows if and when a castaway will play an idol.

Sponsor - RocketMoney.com/SURVIVOR Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Choose RocketMoney to cancel your unwanted subscriptions.
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No Pain, No Gain

It’s Q’s world and we’re all just living in it. Jeff, Jay, and Dee unpack his command of the game, from engineering a strategic (or not so strategic) round of hide and seek to dropping a bomb that led to a heated live Tribal Council. 
With Q running the show this week, Jeff shares how the editors balance the castaways’ airtime. Dee gives her hot take on Maria and Charlie, the dynamic duo playing a tight game, and whether the Six Alliance can make it. As the winner of Season 46’s Get a Grip challenge (remember those toes?), she reveals what’s running through the players’ heads as they hold on for dear life. 
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Going Inside the Survivor Art Department

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