The “Survivor” host is the latest talker not to get a renewal, following the recent cancellation of “Ricki Lake” by Twentieth Television on 2/4. CBS Television Distribution said 2/13 the show will not return even though it has a two-year deal for distribution on syndicated television. A victim of low ratings and an inability to stand out among so many shows, the series will finish its current run before leaving the schedule in the summer, said The Hollywood Reporter.
“We believe Jeff is an incredible talent and that he and his dedicated producing team delivered quality episodes throughout the season,” said CBS Television Distribution in a statement. “Unfortunately, the audience isn’t there to support a second year. We are grateful to the entire staff, our affiliate partners and advertisers for their ongoing support of The Jeff Probst Show. Production and broadcast of original episodes will continue through the current season.”
Said Probst: “I’m super bummed but extremely proud. The truth is all shows come to an end — ours just ended a decade sooner than we had hoped.”
CBS, according to the story, let NBC and other station groups know they would not be held to the two-year contract for Probst, shackling them with such a low rated show — the second freshman talker to be canceled this month.
The cancelation announcement comes on the same day that Survivor returns on CBS, for its 26th incarnation with Probst as host and an exec producer. Survivor: Caramoan will feature 10 fans of the show competing with former contestants. When CBS renewed Probst’s Survivor contract, it agreed to work out a schedule that would allow him to do both shows — but that conflict has ended.
Probst and Ricki Lake are likely getting pulled down by Disney/ABC’s Katie, starring Katie Couric, which will return for a second season.
In mid-January, former Facts Of Life star Lisa Welchel was added as Probst’s co-host, but the ratings never improved.
See the Hollywood Reporter story here
