“It’s part of the show… Or is it time to retire that word?”: Survivor 41 Made Jeff Probst Consider Changing an Age-Old Tradition Over Gender Inclusivity

The 41st season of Survivor marked a significant moment in the show’s history, not just for its new format and gameplay twists, but also for a bold conversation about language inclusivity. In a series that has always been known for its intense competition and memorable catchphrases, this particular discussion about one iconic phrase stood out.

Host Jeff Probst, long associated with Survivor’s traditions, found himself reconsidering a word that had been part of the show for over 20 years. What happened was an open, thoughtful discussion about how to stay relevant and respectful in an ever-changing cultural landscape.

How did Jeff Probst address gender inclusivity on Survivor?

In the 41st season of Survivor, Jeff Probst found himself at a crossroads when it came to the language used in the series. For almost two decades, he had greeted contestants with the phrase “Come on in, guys!” before each challenge. However, he recognized that times were changing, and the need for inclusivity was becoming more evident than ever.

During the season premiere, he took a moment to address the contestants about the word “guys” and asked whether it was still appropriate to use in today’s world. He expressed his fondness for the phrase, stating that it had become part of the show, but also acknowledged the importance of evolving with the times. He added via Out:

For 20 years, I have used one phrase to call people in for challenges: ‘Come on in, guys!’ I love saying it, it’s part of the show. But I, too, want to be of the moment. So my question to you to decide for us, in the context of Survivor, is a word like ‘guys’ okay?”

Probst asked, seeking guidance from his contestants. This also marked the beginning of an important conversation about inclusivity. And it wasn’t just about the language on the show – it was about making sure Survivor remained relevant and respectful in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

Jagoda, a genderqueer contestant, pointed out that while the word “guys” didn’t personally exclude her, it might have a different impact on others. This sparked further discussion and led Jeff Probst to reflect on the significance of using language that welcomes everyone.

Ultimately, the cast and Probst reached a consensus, agreeing that the term “guys” might not be suitable for the show moving forward. Probst pledged to retire the phrase, symbolizing a shift toward greater inclusivity and sensitivity.

Why did Survivor 41 take longer to film than expected?

Due to the pandemic, the Survivor team ran into major problems trying to film Season 41. The show usually films in Fiji, but with travel restrictions in place, it wasn’t possible to fly contestants and crew there. This meant the production team had to think of other places to film the show.

Host Jeff Probst shared via Entertainment Weekly that they looked into filming in other locations in the United States, such as Georgia and Hawaii. He added:

We immediately turned our full attention to finding another location and even considered shooting domestically in Georgia or Hawaii.

Probst explained that while Hawaii might have worked because of its tropical feel, filming in Georgia’s forests would have been very different from what fans are used to. But even after considering other places, the team still couldn’t get things going due to ongoing restrictions. They decided to wait until they could get permission to film in Fiji again.

Finally, in March 2021, they were cleared to return to Fiji, but with strict health protocols in place. Probst shared his excitement about the show coming back by adding “Survivor is back, and we’re going to have fun!” To keep everyone safe, the crew set up a “bubble” on several islands, which included the tribe camps and challenge areas.

Everyone involved had to quarantine and test negative for COVID-19 before they could move between islands. Although the delays were tough, the team worked hard to make sure Season 41 could still happen, and fans were excited to see the results.

You can watch Survivor on Hulu.

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