Jeff Probst Says a ‘Survivor’ 47 Player Is Getting Season 50 Invite — Is It Rome?
Spoiler Alert
[Warning: The following contains MAJOR spoilers for the Survivor Season 47 Episode 6.]
Ahead of Survivor Season 47’s premiere, TV Insider asked Jeff Probst if anyone from this season would be getting an invitation to come back for Survivor 50, the next returning players season. “That’s a really good question,” he replied. “And the answer is yes.” With a major player eliminated in Season 47 Episode 6 on Wednesday, October 23, we now have a gut feeling about who that potential returning player could be.
The sixth episode of Season 47 featured the merging of the three tribes, but like past seasons in the new era, the castaways were not guaranteed a spot on the merged tribe; they had to fight for their spots instead. The episode featured a new twist, which was that only one player would be safe from elimination and guaranteed a spot in the merged tribe.
Last season and in ones before it, the group was split into two teams for the immunity challenge, and the winning team was safe from elimination and got a feast. This time, the winning team did earn a meal, but it wasn’t the official merge meal. That team of six then competed against each other for individual immunity that would protect them when everyone went to tribal council. Genevieve found the advantage that placed her with the winning team, thus securing her a meal, but it was Kyle who won the first individual immunity and became the first official member of the merged tribe.
Flash forward to tribal council — the largest one in show history, with 13 players involved — and the biggest personality of this season, Rome, was eliminated with a large majority vote. This came after Rome made himself the finisher in the challenge and didn’t perform well. The season has definitely lost one of its main draws with this vote. He ruffled more than one person’s feathers in the cast with his unapologetic opinions about who he did and didn’t want to work with, but he made for great viewer entertainment.
With much of this episode told from Rome’s point of view, it’s clear that he caught the attention of Survivor‘s producers. Other than possibly Andy, there’s no bigger standout personality from this season so far. And even though Andy has been memorable for some negative reasons, he hasn’t been an agent of chaos like Rome. And Probst and his team like agents of chaos, like Q Burdette from Season 46, whom Probst previously told TV Insider is definitely on their list for Season 50 invitations. We think that Rome will be on this list as well.
Here’s what Probst hinted about the Survivor 47 cast member that could be asked to come back.
“As we were playing 47, all of the producers were going, ‘Hmmm, it could be an interesting choice for 50,'” Probst told TV Insider, referencing a noteworthy player who was left unnamed.
“It’s still evolving, and we’re not there yet, but I just want fans to know that we take it as seriously as they do,” Probst continued. “And the way we’re approaching it is from joy. Those seem like they’re conflicting, but they’re really harmonious to me. I seriously want Survivor 50 to be joyful. Those words seem in conflict, but they’re not, and I think 50 is going to be really fun. But first we’ve got to get through 47, 48, and 49.”
On the latest episode of the On Fire podcast, Probst dropped even more hints that Rome is the player he was talking about in our interview when explaining why the producers told Episode 6 from Rome’s point of view — and why Probst let Rome sit in his seat at tribal council.
“If you go back and watch this entire episode again, what you’ll notice is that the entire episode is really told through Rome’s point of view. It’s subtle, but it’s there. Every turning point is essentially seen through Rome’s eyes. And it’s something we’ve talked about this season and in other seasons that we want to continue to find ways to take the audience deeper inside the mind of a player or deeper inside the strategy of a moment or deeper inside the anatomy of a blindside,” Probst explained on On Fire. “This one really lined up because we had a great narrator in Rome. He’s fun to watch, he’s fun to listen to, he’s full of ideas, he’s constantly turning the game and he’s always very forthcoming. So having it be a Rome episode, knowing that Rome was going to get blindsided, made it really appealing and the shift in perspective didn’t come until the end of tribal council. Now the audience is ahead of Rome and they realize Rome, you got it all wrong, you’re not in charge, actually, you’re going home.”
Rome is the first player in Survivor history to sit in Probst’s seat at tribal council. The moment drew shocked reactions out of the other cast members and no doubt viewers as well. Probst said on On Fire that his decision to let Rome take his seat was completely improvised and just felt right for that moment. While in the host’s chair, Rome explained why the amulet advantage doesn’t work. Probst said he “knocked it out of the park” and revealed that his early casting notes about Rome said to “have Rome call a challenge if he sits out or if he falls out early.”
“I know Rome’s a broadcaster and we had this delicious topic ready to talk about an advantage that none of them liked, so this was going to be really interesting,” Probst explained. “It really felt right. I got to say, Rome delivered. He knocked it out of the park because he had a point of view and he had confidence and he made his case efficiently and with just enough pop to make it entertaining. And the interesting thing about Survivor is those same qualities, that point of view and that confidence which are essential to play Survivor, are often the same qualities that can get you voted out, which is what happened when we say goodbye to Rome, a much larger than life personality and a ton of fun to have out there.”
How could you hear that and not think that Rome is being invited back for Survivor 50? Probst talks about Rome as if he’s not only a potential returning player, but someone who could host the show! Do you want to see him return? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, below, and check out the full episode of On Fire, embedded below.
Survivor, Wednesdays, 8/7c, CBS
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Conversation78 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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P
I absolutely did NOT enjoy watching Rome play. I don’t like his conceited, pushy inflated self. He was not a team player and bullied players. I was very pleased to see him exit.
89
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G
Rome was a sloppy egotistical player. I don't need to see him on another season.
69
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B
I was so happy to see him go. Way to much focus on him and what the show thought was enjoyable to see just was cringe worthy.
65
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R
I don’t enjoy him at all. I wouldn’t enjoy his returning.
60
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R
No - please don't bring him back!
51
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C
I would love to see him back again. What a bunch of boring comments. We need more contestants like Rome He is so entertaining.
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O
I could not stand Rome and would NOT like to see him again, ever!! He was an obnoxious bully who was constantly dictating to his tribe. He was terrible in the challenges. I can't think of one good thing that he brought to the show. The look on his face last night when he realized that he was being voted off was priceless. It was my favorite moment of the season so far.
49
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C
U must like a boring show. Rome was great entertainment. I like the way he played the game.
Pleas bring him back for 50.
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C
Agree 💯! & Rome better not ever host Survivor in the future! Rome is so full of himself but he was terrible!
I do enjoy listening to Jeff's podcast
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B
If the show supports bullies then yes, but personally I think he is dangerous and I don't support bullying.
43
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G
Rome being part of the cast again would make me not want to watch the show. I did not find him entertaining in the slightest but I know fan opinions really don’t matter
37
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C
There wasn't anything I liked about Rome. He was horrible at every challenge that he bullied his team mates into being always in the number one spot, to later fail time after time. There is no I in team but there is a Rome, he made sure everyone was second to his self imposed greatness. I have watched every season of Survivor but will definitely not continue watching it if the narcissistic, egotistical, bully of Rome has any primary role. If he does come back in season 50, I will probably skip that watch. I'd rather see Russell again, he was just sneaky, he wasn't mean spirited.
34
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O
Rome is a bullying venomous snake. I am so glad that he is gone.
33
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C
Will probably stop watching Survivor (and I have watched since the first Survivor premiered). Need to do a better job of screening players. We need someone to root for--not cringe and just hope they can get voted out. Could not stand Q or Rome. What were they thinking of even having them on the show?????? Certainly do not want to watch them again in Season 50!
32
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P
NO!
32
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P
He was not a team player. As a matter of fact he may have been the worst puzzle solver ever on the show. He was never contrite, too big an ego.
30
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G
So glad Rome is gone! Can't stand the guy!!
30
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L
God forbid bringing back Rome. That man is slimey. If I met him on the street I would avoid him with everything I could. He is not trustworthy. Ugh! Even my hubby thinks he is not a good pick and one to avoid. Yuck, yuck, yuck!!!!!😱😯
28
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G
I was thinking of not watching because of Rome's behavior. I can now enjoy the rest of the season.
27
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O
I was glad to see him go and have little interest in seeing a return. He's an overconfident, self-absorbed blowhard that in many seasons would have gone farther. It was liberating to watch this group see through him AND vote him out. Usually they see it but wait far too long to get rid of them or they win. This was refreshing
18
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B
Okay, judging by the comments here, my guess is that Jeff will completely ignore them and do what he thinks is best and bring him back.
He is such a liar.
I just want fans to know that we take it as seriously as they do,” Probst continued.
No Jeff, you do it your way no matter how many comments you read...I mean ignore.
I used to like Jeff a long time ago. Does he even realize that almost no one is happy with the show any more?
Of course not. His ego won't let him see that.
17
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P
no i don't really see him coming back..there are other players worth making it ..do not need bullies like Angela on Big Brother....there is sneaky and tricks but not attitude
13
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C
No way
13
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O
No to Rome! So annoying and he plays mean. He had way to much air time over others.
12
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G
Jeff has lost touch with reality and what normal people like and dislike
11
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R
Jeff is mistaken-- no one enjoyed Rome, or his ways.
10
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C
WILL NOT WATCH IF HES BACK. . Obviously, not smart enough and obnoxious
9
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C
I disliked Rome from the start! His arrogant attitude isn't fun at all. I really don't want to ever see him again!
9
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O
CBS is all about views these days same issue with Big Brother. We don’t want to see Rome return his behavior should not be supported. I’m
8
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O
The only thing Rome is good for is going home! Do not want to see him on screen again. Have had too many servings of Rome and it makes me want to vomit. Happiest survivor 47 moment thus far was watching him leave.
8
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G
I’ve never missed an episode in 47 seasons but won’t watch 50 if Rome is on it. I’ve never been happier to see someone blindsided like Rome was. He’s an egotistical jerk. I usually enjoy villains but he was just a delusional loser.
8
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O
Definitely DO NOT like Rome. He's arrogant and seems to be a bully
8
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G
Rome is a terrible player. He can't keep his mouth shut and people like Richard Hatch can manipulate him and use him for their benefit.
8
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P
Rome was bullying everyone to the point of making the show unwatchable. He was a venomous snake who thought he could treated people with such little respect as people. He doesn't deserve anymore airtime than was wasted on him to date. If he comes back on a future Survivor, you will have so many of us loyal watchers tune out, not even Boston Rob or Sandra could save you. Just my humble opinion.
7
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O
I want to watch Survivor, NOT 'The Rome Show'. I am so very glad he was voted out before the merge.
7
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P
Rome's ego got in his way and on his way.
Glad he was voted out early!
6
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R
No thrilled he’s gone!
6
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P
I didn't like his style of playing. He bullied his way around like he owned the place. He tried to intimidate a few players and when that didn't work, he would vote them off. Please, don't bring him back. We've seen enough of him.
5
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O
Couldn't stand him. One of the worst most toxic players. Malignant narcissist
5
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G
I was So glad he got voted out..he thought he was all that with the other players..when truthfully he was more of a pain in the buttocks than anything else ! Annoying !
5
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C
We all love to hate a player every season.. there are several villains that we somehow still find endearing and fun to root for, Rome is NOT one of those characters. I find him extremely unlikable and hard to watch. Season 47 to ME is full of annoying players but as a true fan of the show, continue to watch through the cringe lol..
5
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B
No. Rome was too irritating. I want to enjoy shows but can't with his style of play.
5
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O
Please, just NO. Or I won't be watching 50. Bring Yamyam back if you want to bring someone back. He was good natured and funny.
5
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G
Could not stand Rome, please don't ever bring him back !!!1
4
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C
I think Jeff and the producers should listen to some of the comments here.
I was very glad to see Rome booted. The votes not for him were just throwaway votes,
so this blindside was probably the most lopsided in Survivor history. Don't ruin Survivor 50
by bringing him back...please!
4
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O
I won't watch Season 50 if you are bringing back bullies like Q & Rome. Was so happy to see Rome go.
4
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C
No!!!
4
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O
Why is Probst so enamored with Rome? He is obnoxious and uninteresting.
4
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O
I get it but not interested in seeing him back, new era is disappointing, hope it gets better or it will end
4
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B
Players like Rome have traditionally been ostracized and were early departures in previous seasons. The current format of Survivor has changed that. Watching a player like Rome slide alongside his teammates in challenges like the one pulling the big heavy bag across the ground was typical of his play in challenges. He saunters along beside the rest of the group as they struggle, not making any effort to help. The puzzle challenge where he sits down in front of the puzzle and has Genevieve hand him piece after piece while he fails to get even 1 piece attached is another example of his inept and selfish play. His lies were venemous. Glad to see him be blindsided, though late at least the unmerged players who had not been his long-term teammates saw him for what he was ... a "shouldabeen" first episode cast-off! Good riddance! No return in Survivor 50!!!
3
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C
I hate when they put past contestants in. Like to see new personalities. They had their chance no need to see them again
Keep to new players Jeff.
3
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B
Definitely don't want to see him back. He was nothing but a bully. Other players shouldn't have to deal with his abuse.
3
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O
They could bring back Jon Lovett
3
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P
NO! Keep Rome off of 50.
He is just too cocky.
2
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G
The producers want to stir up controversy but they need to realize that if viewers really can’t stand a player then bringing them back isn’t controversy but a big turn off. I would mute the sound whenever Rome was talking. He’s not playing a good game he’s just a conceited liar who will do whatever it takes to get a head. I was just waiting for him to tell everyone that “his grandmother” just died.
2
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R
No !!! Not Rome. He was the person that almost made me stop watching this season. A@@###E is too nice a word for him.
2
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O
Do not want Rome to return. Was way to annoying and selfish. Was not a good player at all. Could not contribute to challenges and did next to nothing in camp. He really was a bully and and ignorant person. I don't think he was interesting and don't feel that type of person should be asked back!!
2
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P
NO NO NO,and DEFINITELY NO,!!!!
2
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G
Please no......
I couldn't find anything I liked about him or the way he played the game he was a bully and not a team player he didn't do anything to help the team. SO A BIG NO FROM ME
1
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B
No, I've had enough of him.
1
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P
If Rome was the host of the show, I would not watch it.
He thought to highly of himself. He was his worst enemy. I'm glad he's gone!
1
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G
At first I was happy to see Rome voted off! Since then, I've read a very long interview with him, that changed my mind about Rome. What a really super smart surviver plyer! I'd love to see him comr back,
1
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O
That would make me not watch. I was so glad to see him gone.
1
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G
There is a fine line between confidence and cockyness. Rome was a bit too cocky for me and obviously the rest of the tribe. I would not trust him from the start or align with him because he makes everyone aligned with him a target.
1
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P
Not at fan of Rome. Will skip episode 50 if he is on it.
1
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O
I don’t understand why he would be invited to season 50. He’s just not that good of a player
1
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C
Rome is one of those unaware players. Unjoyable to watch, except in his mind.
1
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P
Just say NO,. mean spirited, notentertaining ..the best part was seeing him voted out...I love to see the competition ...but need to see humanity as well ..kindness goes a long way, even when you have to fake it to make it. Way too cocky
1
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O
Thanks for the heads up to find something else to do when Season 50 is on.
Was glad to see Rome voted out because I was ready to give up on Season 47, but now can go back to enjoying the game.
1
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C
There is no way you just rote an essay about how much you dislike Rome, when he and sam are carrying the season!
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O
I cannot stand Rome if they have him on again I will not watch it.
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C
I think every episode needs the "instigator". Rome was that. I actually liked him in an odd sort of way. He didn't mince words and you knew exactly the game he was playing. We all knew it was going to bite him!! If he is on season 50 with some good veterans, it will make an interesting mix! Think about it! Don't write him off so quickly.
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M
It's hard to believe that we've watched 47 episodes. BUT if Rome was to become the host... " We'd stop watching" .
My husband adds " But if Rob was to become the host; I'd give him a shot. "
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C
So glad Rome is gone. I'm tired of the promotion of bullying on TV. Won't watch season 50 if Q or Rome are on.
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C
I would like to know if the bullying was part of Rome's game strategy. He may not be like that in real life people.
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P
I mean Season 50
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C
Yes! Bring back Rome. He was fun to watch and great TV. I think he would make a great host. Unlike the rest of the viewers, I liked him and did not consider him a villain at all. The rest of the players this season are as bland as pablum. Team Rome now, Team Rome Season 50!
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O
Hopefully not Rome. What a douche
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