CBS announced today that Survivor, now in its 18th season, will be back for season 19 and 20 for the 2009-2010 season. Despite the all too often talked about ratings decline it has seen, Survivor continues to be one of the top 20 shows on TV every year.
“SURVIVOR is one of CBS’s signature series and a symbol of enduring quality and entertainment on prime time television,” said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. “Every season delivers a fresh new adventure for viewers and a time period-winning performance on the network. We’re excited to deliver audiences two more editions of outstanding production values, exotic scenery, new castaways and, of course, our Emmy Award-winning host.”
“I am happy to be able produce two more editions of survivor for our loyal fans,” said Mark Burnett, Executive Producer of SURVIVOR. “Our show stands for high quality family entertainment and all of us on this team will continue to deliver on this promise.”
“We have a unique relationship with our audience,” said Jeff Probst, host of SURVIVOR. “They tell us what they like and we listen. It’s worked for 18 editions and we’re looking forward to delivering two more satisfying seasons!”
Jeff Probst will continue to host the show at least through next year. Whether he will be back beyond that is anybody’s guess, including his own, as his answers on the subject have ranged from denying he would be back to just saying he doesn’t know. The quality of the show, which had a few very dry seasons before rebounding in China, seems to have convinced him that the show is still worthwhile, though.