Television

NEW YORK – It's not that Jeff Probst seems out of place amid the traffic gridlock and yowling sirens of New York. It's just that, after 16 seasons hosting Survivor, he's more readily identified with wilderness half-a-world away.

Yet here he is in Manhattan, big as life (including those dimples) and eager to talk about Survivor: Micronesia, whose finale airs tonight from Broadway's Ed Sullivan Theater.

"This has been a season of blindsides and dumb moves," he zestily sums up. "We've had a really strong women's alliance for the first time. We've had people out with injuries. A woman lost her mind." (Or, at least, her will to continue: On Day 19 of the 39-day ordeal, Kathleen begged tearfully to be sent home to Glen Ellyn, Ill., and was.)

What began with 20 castaways – divided into rival teams of Survivor fans and veterans from seasons past – will be down to four finalists. One of them will win the $1 million prize as Sole Survivor.

Then the process starts over again, with Mr. Probst presiding at the next exotic site as Survivor No. 17 goes into production in July.

Who could have dreamed during its inaugural run in summer 2000 that Survivor would display such staying power?

Not Mr. Probst, who, with undisguised amazement, notes that he has signed to host another four seasons.

"It was a show I was certain would be over after three," he declares. He theorizes that success has stemmed from starting with a good idea, then sticking with it.

He thinks back to the first season, as the series took the plunge with its distinctive style and pseudo-mythology.

"We wanted to make an impression, and we wanted our own vernacular: 'castaways,' 'survivors,' 'the tribe has spoken.'

"I knew it was corny," he adds with a laugh. But, to his credit, he never let on.

For his next career move, the 46-year-old Mr. Probst wants to do something as innovative as Survivor. Easier said than done.

"I go out on these meetings and I talk to people, and it's like, 'You're kidding me. That's what you're going to do?' It sounds so derivative!"

On the other hand, he feels no pressure to expand his portfolio.

"I don't have aspirations to conquer the world," he says. "Maaaaaybe, a little side job would be OK. But I like hanging out with my friends. I like being at home [in Los Angeles]. I don't want to work and work and work. I've got a great job!"

7 p.m., CBS (Channel 11). 2 hours.

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