Throughout its run on television, and Jeff Probst is also an icon. Sometimes ive and sometimes sarcastic, Probst has been the only constant in the ever-evolving social experiment that is Survivor, which first aired in 2000. Probst even gained the role of executive producer on the series back in 2010, proving that his influence on the show is indeed extremely significant. However, it is inevitable that someday the host will depart from the island once and for all.
Of course, there are a few names who have risen to fame and become almost as influential as Probst in of shaping the show’s legacy. Robert Carlo Mariano, better known by his nickname Boston Rob, is an immediate standout in that arena. Boston Rob has competed on the show five times and served as a mentor during season 39. The reality icon also met his wife Amber Mariano (née Brkich) while competing in Survivor: All-Stars, a season that brought back the best of best from the show's first seven seasons. Rob’s life is intertwined with the show, just like Jeff's is.
It is that last fact that makes Boston Rob the ideal candidate to replace Probst when the time arises. His unique journey with Survivor has granted him insight into the game that no one else has, including Jeff Probst. He has won the game once and lost it multiple times. He has played on some of the earliest seasons and has competed as recently as season 40, in Survivor: Winners at War. As mentioned, Rob has served as a contestant and a mentor. He has shaped the game as a player and watched it evolve as an active participant.
More than any other person, he has experienced the competition's highs and lows. On every season he competes in, other Survivor players fear his wealth of experience and massive personality. As the host, he could use this experience to add a new level of wisdom and analysis which would be needed to fill the void of Jeff's absence.
Hopefully, Probst will continue to host the show well into the future. It has already been confirmed that he will be at the helm when Survivor season 42 season airs this spring. Jeff seemed as strong as ever during season 41, which recently ended. Either way, it is refreshing to know that there is a worthy option in of his replacement. Fans already know Boston Rob and most would trust him to lead the series. However, Survivor is a show known for its twists and surprises. Only time will tell if Survivor legend Boston Rob gets to claim the legacy he clearly deserves.