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Survivor 48 aired its latest episode on March 26, 2025. During an immunity challenge, contestant Eva Erickson, who has autism, found herself overwhelmed and emotional while trying to complete a complicated maze. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly on March 26, 2025, he reflected on this moment, saying:
"And I imagine that anyone who watches this moment will experience their own version of what I felt. Something very deep and personal — a place where words fall short, but the feeling stays with you."
Jeff Probst described it as one of the most moving moments in the show's history. Eva's closest ally, Joe Hunter, who had been separated from her due to a tribe swap, watched from his mat, unable to intervene. After Eva finished the challenge and became overstimulated, Probst made a decision and allowed Joe to comfort her. This moment led Eva to share her story with the rest of the tribe.
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Probst, who has hosted Survivor for 48 seasons, became emotional himself as he spoke to Eva after the challenge.
Eva opens up after an emotional challenge as Joe steps in for support in Survivor 48
Eva struggled to guide her ball through a table maze during the immunity challenge. The pressure and overstimulation led to tears, and although the challenge was still active, Probst kept his commentary steady, knowing this was a test Eva had anticipated when applying for Survivor. Joe, observing from his tribe's mat, was visibly emotional but unable to assist.
Once the challenge ended, Probst allowed Joe to break protocol and comfort Eva.
"My decision… wasn't really a decision at all — it was instinct. You don't analyze those decisions, you feel them," Jeff shared.
Joe hugged Eva, asked her to take "deep breaths," and comforted her. Later, Eva explained her situation to the rest of the cast. She shared that everyone who has autism shouldn't be "ashamed to ask for help" and even to receive the help.
Probst told her, "You're an inspiration," before pausing as he began to cry. Probst was seen crying on camera for the first time in 48 seasons. Joe and Eva's bond stood out in the episode.
"It was one of the most intense and beautiful displays of saying 'I got you' that I have ever seen," Probst added.
Jeff Probst reflects on breaking protocol and watching it back
In the interview, Jeff Probst recalled how emotional it was to experience it in real time. While holding back tears, he said his emotions shifted when he spoke about "mom and dad." That was the moment he began to cry on camera.
"It wasn't just about Eva anymore — it was about every young person searching for the words to express who they are," he said.
Probst also shared how the Survivor team handled the moment behind the scenes. He praised the casting team for bringing Eva into the game, the directors and cinematographers for capturing the shots, and the editors for crafting the final version.
"We put more time and energy and thought into getting this scene right than anything I can ever remember," he noted.
Jeff Probst revealed that he has rewatched the scene more than any other in Survivor history. He shared that he might cry "every single time" he watches that moment. For Probst, the experience reflected something beyond the game.
Catch the latest episode of Survivor 48, currently streaming on CBS.
