Jeff Probst Says Survivor Fans Claim He’s Lost His ‘Edge,’ but He Teases Season 46 May Be ‘Best’ of New Era (Exclusive)

Enter, critics! Jeff Probst hears you loud and clear.

In the exclusive view of PEOPLE Survived In Season 46, the longtime showrunner addresses complaints from some viewers about his ever-changing hosting style.

“I’ve heard criticism that I’ve gone a little too soft — I hear you,” Probst, 62, says in PEOPLE’s exclusive video, overlaid with new footage and old footage of his stabbing Survivors 45 a bag of rice to the castaways with a knife to force them to make a quick decision. “Maybe I need to get some edge back and I think you’ll start to see that.”

Season 46 returns with a two-hour premiere on Wednesday, followed by a two-hour second episode on March 6. After that, the remaining episodes will be 90 minutes because that length “worked so well” last season instead of the traditional 60-minute episodes.

“We spend more time with the players,” adds Probst. “This group is ridiculous. I had a smile on my face every day because even though they’re still playing this game and trying to figure out how to maneuver, they’re doing it with a personality that’s fun to be a part of.”

Season 46 players compete in the challenge.

Robert Voets/CBS

25 craziest rules you didn’t know contestants had to follow on ‘Survivor’

18 Castaways also took the “game to the next level” this season, which continues the 26-day format that began with Season 41 instead of the typical 39-day seasons.

“I think one of the biggest differences is in the gameplay Survived in the new era it’s a sprint,” explains the five-time Emmy winner. “As soon as your feet hit the sand, it’s game on, what [for contestants] means follow your instinct and just go play.”

The new era included new, polarizing twists and brought back the fan-favorite auction of the past few seasons, with new players accustomed to expecting the unexpected while physically and mentally preparing to outwit, outplay and outlast each other.

“Regardless of all the twists and turns ahead of me, keep your torch alive,” law student Charlie Davis, 26, says in the teaser video, followed by artist Tiffany Nicole Ervin, 33, seemingly commenting on the series’ recent exit by saying, “If you want to play to be safe, sit on your couch.”

“I think one of the biggest differences in playing ‘Survivor’ in the new era is that it’s a sprint,” says Jeff Probst.

Robert Voets/CBS

Survived Flashback: Take a look back at some of the show’s most memorable moments

Survived premiered almost 24 years ago in May 2000. Since then, in the 661 episodes leading up to the Season 46 premiere, 43 players have claimed the title of “Sole Survivor,” with only Sandra Diaz-Twine and Tony Vlachos winning twice each.

“Survivors 46 may go down as the best season of the new era,” says Probst. “All these levels and layers just add to this great gameplay and that’s what you’re going to see this season – gameplay like no other.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Survived season 46 premieres Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education