"The history of idols in 46 made an impact" — Jeff Probst on how season 46 shaped Survivor 48

Survivor 48 premiered on February 26, 2026, with the episode titled The Get to Know You Game. This new season brought together a fresh group of contestants, many of whom were influenced by the events of Survivor 46.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly on February 26, Jeff Probst discussed the lasting impression Survivor 46 left on the game. One of the major takeaways from that season was the fact that several contestants were eliminated while holding unplayed immunity idols. This pattern shaped the mindset of the Survivor 48 players.

“The history of idols in 46 made an impact. It was ruminating in everybody’s head that ‘If I have an idol and there’s even the slightest question that I’m in trouble, should I just play it to ensure that I’m here tomorrow?’” Probst shared.

The premiere episode introduced the new tribes, the opening challenge, as well as early alliances and rivalries. Contestants needed to make quick decisions, and the influence of past seasons was evident. The episode set the stage for what Probst described as a fast-paced game featuring strategic players.

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Early strategies and idol concerns in Survivor 48

With Survivor 46 still fresh in their minds, Survivor 48 contestants were more cautious about idols. Many recognized that holding onto one could be both an advantage and a risk.

“What players saw in 46 is playing a risky game is part of playing Survivor,” Probst explained. “Playing a risky game with an idol—that's a big roll of the dice because they're very hard to get, they're very powerful, so you don’t want to waste them.”

During The Get to Know You Game, a hidden immunity idol was discovered early on, but the contestant who found it had to decide whether to keep it a secret or use it as leverage.

Conversations around camp reflected this dilemma. The first Tribal Council tested this mindset, as the vote was close, and speculation about an idol being played added tension. Ultimately, the contestant in possession of the idol chose not to play it, taking a calculated risk.

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Tribal decisions and shifting dynamics in the game

The premiere episode of Survivor 48 introduced early alliances and rivalries, with some contestants quickly forming connections while others remained more cautious. Jeff Probst has long encouraged active gameplay. In the interview, he discussed this idea, saying,

“Yeah, making big moves is a way to get your name in the Survivor Hall of Fame, but I stand by it. You cannot win this game by playing a passive game. So I like that.”

Some contestants adopted this strategy from the beginning, aiming to seize control over the vote early. Others were cautious, considering the risks of making a move too soon. The first challenge tested both physical and mental endurance. The winning tribe secured camp supplies, while the losing tribe headed to Tribal Council.

With little time to build trust, players had to make swift decisions about whom to target. At the Tribal Council, some contestants remained loyal to their initial alliances, while others appeared to adjust their strategy at the last minute. As Probst explained, Survivor often comes down to crucial risks.

“What players saw in 46 is playing a risky game is part of playing Survivor.”

With the first elimination complete, the remaining contestants moved ahead, aware that their early choices would affect their long-term game.

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Survivor 48 episodes air every Wednesday at 8/7c on CBS.