The executive producer opened up about how the series will start to shift in Season 51, and addressed his concerns about being replaced as host.

As the highly-anticipated premiere of “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans” approaches, more and more fans are speculating how the show will change as it enters its latest “era.”

For the last five years, “Survivor” has  shaken up its stalwart 39-day format with the introduction of the so-called “New Era.” Defined by its 26-day game, three-tribe format, newbie casts and copious amounts of twists and advantages, the “New Era” has received mixed reviews from viewers.

Many “New Era” dissenters have called on the hit reality competition series to return to its old ways, reviving key gaming aspects like themed seasons, casts featuring iconic returning players and a stripped down version of the series with fewer advantages, including “Survivor: The Amazon” fan favorite Rob Cesternino, who argued that Season 51 will serve as a real make-or-break moment for the series to engage in some powerful fan service to keep viewers tuning in after a slew of nearly indistinguishable seasons.

While “Survivor” has been renewed for Seasons 51 and 52 at CBS, little has been revealed in terms of how the upcoming installments will differ from their “New Era” predecessors.

That being said, longtime host and executive producer Jeff Probst did address the series’ future in a new interview with Vanity Fair, finally answering the question: “Where should [‘Survivor’] 51 go?”

Probst Says ‘Survivor’ Will Take ‘Tiny Steps’ Toward Change in ‘51’

CBS

Speaking to Vanity Fair’s David Canfield in the weeks after filming wrapped on Season 50 last summer, Probst was already deep into the casting process for Season 51, reportedly speaking with dozens of hopeful future castaways a day.

Despite anticipation for the newest “era” of “Survivor,” Probst informed Canfield that the upcoming installment – projected to make its CBS debut this Fall – is “probably not gonna be something dramatically different.”

“Tiny steps,” he added, confirming that while “Survivor 51” might not see the series return to “Borneo” roots, it will mark a slight shift away from the features that defined the “New Era.”

One thing that will definitely stay the same as the series enters its 50s, however, is that Probst will continue to sit at its helm as host, executive producer and showrunner.

Probst Addresses Fears That He Will – One Day – Be Replaced

The confirmation that Probst is committed to seeing “Survivor” through as long as humanly possible follows after rumor mills speculated that Season 50 may mark the longtime host’s swan song. Regardless of these claims, however, Probst’s longevity and continued passion for the franchise is well documented.

Even “Survivor 50” contestant Mike White, who’s been Probst’s close personal friend for years, told Vanity Fair, “It definitely feels like if Jeff was exhaustible, it would have happened already.”

“I would have run that show into the ground like 15 years ago,” added the “White Lotus” creator and “David vs. Goliath” finalist. “I’m so in awe of his ability to refresh himself.”

Regardless, the longtime host still worries that the network – or the fans – will eventually tire of his presence.

“My fear is that somebody goes, ‘Why don’t we get somebody new and fresh and get rid of Probst?’” he revealed.

The concern only compounded this summer after Jonathan LaPaglia – who had served as the host of “Australian Survivor” for 10 years – was sacked, only to be replaced by former series champion David Genat.

Network 10

While JLP’s firing rocked the global “Survivor” fandom, Season 50 castaway Cirie Fields assuaged fears that the same fate could befall Probst.

“That could never happen here,” said the soon-to-be five-time player, who similarly competed on “Survivor: Australia vs. the World” under LaPaglia’s watchful eye. “There is no ‘Survivor’ without Jeff. When Jeff is done, ‘Survivor’ is done.”

The statement has been echoed by countless former castaways over the years, including “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X” and “Survivor: Game Changers” alum Zeke Smith, who told VF, “‘Survivor’ is Jeff, and Jeff is ‘Survivor.’”

Probst Thinks ‘Survivor’ Can – And Will – Continue Without Him

CBS

Probst, upon hearing the messages of support from players like White, Fields and Smith, told VF, “I’m flattered about that. If you like ‘Survivor,’ then on some level you also like a part of me. I put my soul into this. My blood is all over that show. Every idea I ever have goes into the show.”

When it comes to beliefs that the show won’t survive without him as host, however, Probst doesn’t buy it.

“I don’t think it’s true – and I’m not being self-deprecating. The show would be fun and it would be different [without me],” he concluded.