CBS ORDERS TWO MORE EDITIONS OF "SURVIVOR"

FOR BROADCAST DURING THE 2008-2009 SEASON

Jeff Probst Signs New Agreement to Continue as Host!

Casting for "Survivor 17" Is Underway!

CBS has ordered two more editions of SURVIVOR to be broadcast during the 2008-2009 season. These will mark the 17th and 18th editions of television's longest-running hit reality competition series.

Additionally, Jeff Probst has signed a new agreement to continue as host of SURVIVOR. Probst has hosted SURVIVOR since its inception.

"I am looking forward to many more seasons of SURVIVOR,” said Mark Burnett, SURVIVOR's executive producer. "It has become an expected treat every Thursday at 8:00 PM, and I am glad our loyal fans can continue their appointment television with us."

"This kind of longevity is achievable only with loyal viewers. We've been very lucky that our fans have stayed with us," said host Jeff Probst. "I still get excited to get on the plane and travel to another exotic location with another group of adventure seeking, Type A personalities. It is without question the best job I've ever had."

"SURVIVOR is a show that defies ratings gravity," said Ghen Maynard, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming & Entertainment Content for New Media, CBS Paramount Network Television Entertainment Group. "It is truly remarkable feat to be winning your time period in all ratings categories after 15 editions. The show's success is testimony to the creativity and passion of Mark, Jeff and the entire production team; and to a brilliant concept that continually introduces new casts and settings, making each season feel like a new series."

This fall, SURVIVOR: CHINA, the franchise's 15th edition, continued its ratings dominance, winning its Thursday (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) time period in viewers and key demographics every week against its toughest competition in several years, including critical favorites "Ugly Betty," "My Name is Earl" and "30 Rock."

SURVIVOR: CHINA (9.0/14, 15.18 million viewers) averaged 5.1/14 in adults 18-49 and 6.2/15 in adults 25-54.

The groundbreaking reality series, which premiered in May 2000, has anchored CBS's winning Thursday lineup since February 2001.

The 16th edition, SURVIVOR: MICRONESIA, premieres on Thursday, Feb. 7 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT).

Casting for SURVIVOR 17 is currently underway via online applications at cbs.com and open casting calls in select cities.

Survivor Cast AnnouncedSeries Premieres on Thursday, Feb. 7

Cliff, try to keep it down. Everyone else: Protect your Tiki Torches!! The Survivor Castaways have been announced, and Fairplay is among them. Good news: so is Ozzy! :) Bad news: no Coby. :( But there are lots of other fan faves. Somehow, shockingly, Steph, is not among them... nor is Rupert. (please detect dripping sarcasm)

Here's the dish from the fine folks at cbs publicity... with commentary from me next to the name of the Fave:

CBS today announced the 20 castaways who will compete in SURVIVOR: MICRONESIA — FANS VS. FAVORITES, when the 16th installment of the Emmy Award-winning series premieres Thursday, Feb. 7 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

In a SURVIVOR first, 10 ultra-fans of the series will take on 10 former castaways to compete as FANS vs. FAVORITES. The two tribes will be marooned amid the Rock Islands of Palau, Micronesia. The skills of the former castaways will be put to the test while the tribe of first-time competitors will see if their enthusiasm and passion for the game is enough to distinguish them as worthy competitors. The FAVORITES have an advantage because they've played the game before, but that could also be their biggest disadvantage…the tribe of FANS know how the FAVORITES have played the game. Although the game play of the FANS is unknown and could prove to be their advantage, the FANS' lack of experience could be their worst enemy and potential downfall. Who will prevail?

Castaways competing in SURVIVOR: MICRONESIA — FANS VS. FAVORITES (in alphabetical order for each tribe) are:

YAU-MAN CHAN - Yeah! :)
55
Martinez, Calif. (born in Hong Kong, raised in Borneo, Malaysia)
Computer Engineer

JAMES CLEMENT - BawChickaWahWah - Long may he strut about half nekkid on the island.
30
Lafayette, La.
Grave Digger

AMI CUSACK - umm.. who?
34 (35 on Jan. 25)
Denver
Nanny

JONNY FAIRPLAY - well. lol. at least there's an established villain from the get-go, right?
33
Danville, Va.
Professional Wrestler/Reality Star

CIRIE FIELDS - yayyy!
37
Norwalk, Conn. (originally from Jersey City, New Jersey)
O.R. Coordinating Nurse

AMANDA KIMMEL - the return of little miss blurry bottom.. hehe
23
Los Angeles (originally from Kalispell, Mont.)
Fashion Designer

OSCAR "OZZY" LUSTH - love, love, love - i hope he aligns with James.
26
Venice, Calif. (originally from Mexico)
Freelance Photographer/Writer

ELIZA ORLINS - ummmm... again, i don't recall. must be the nutra-sweet.
25
New York
Law School Student

JONATHAN PENNER - Jonathan? As in Wooden Blackberry? No - Not that one.
45
Los Angeles (originally from New York)
Writer/Producer

PARVATI SHALLOW - Cool. Another ray of sunshine... I'm guessing she and Amanda will get along swimmingly.
25
Los Angeles (originally from Vero Beach, Fla.)
Non-Profit Organizer

FANS:

JOEL ANDERSON
32
Avondale, Ariz.
Firefighter

NATALIE BOLTON
32
Los Angeles (originally from Houston)
Bartender/Personal Trainer

MICHAEL "MIKEY B" BORTONE
34
Los Angeles (originally from Boston)
Aspiring Writer/Actor

TRACY HUGHES-WOLF
43
Fredericksburg, Va.
Commercial and Residential Builder

ALEXIS JONES
24
Los Angeles (originally from Austin, Texas)
Motivational Speaker

ERIK REICHENBACH
22
Pinckney, Mich.
Art Student

MARY SARTAIN
29
Emeryville, Calif.
Real Estate/Financial Company Owner

JASON SISKA
22
Fox River Grove, Ill. (originally from St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands)
Gymnastics Coach/Student

KATHLEEN SLECKMAN
45
Wheaton, Ill. (originally from Manitowoc, Wisc.)
Golf Course Vendor

CHET WELCH
48
Ford City, Penn.
Pharmacy Customer Service/Pageant Coach