Mike White Says He Was “Blindsided” by ‘Survivor 50’ Elimination

The tribe has spoken—it’s time for the old ways to go.

Jeff Probst has been doing a lot to shake up Survivor 50, including by flipping his usually stoic demeanor as host. So far during this season, he has surprised contestants with silly impressions and a gleeful rap to reveal a fan-voted tribe swap.

"I'm willing to be the butt of the joke,” Probst told People about his lighthearted approach to the season in an interview published April 20. “I'm fully aware I'm usually the butt of the joke. I don't take myself seriously."

By subjecting himself to some embarrassing moments, the longtime TV personality is demonstrating that he has "skin in the game." How? Because as a show that asks its contestants to put themselves out there physically and emotionally, the host wants to return the favor. 

"Survivor doesn't exist without people who are willing to come out and be incredibly vulnerable," he continued. “I really applaud that. I wanted them to know, I'll give you my version of that, which is a bad impression."