Is 'Survivor' Host Suggesting 'Amazing Race' Play Nice?

Outwit. Outplay. Outlast. Isn't that the 'Survivor' slogan? In a game where it's all about competition and perseverance, it's a little surprising to hear host, Jeff Probst's, response when questioned about competitor show, 'Amazing Race' winning the category of 'Outstanding Reality-Competition Show' for its seventh consecutive year.

Congratulations are in order for both Jeff Probst and 'Amazing Race' for their 2009 Emmy wins. Jeff Probst won this year's Emmy for 'Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program', making it his second win. Others in this category included Heidi Klum for 'Project Runway', Phil Keoghan for 'Amazing Race', Tom Bergeron for 'Dancing with the Stars', Ryan Seacrest for 'American Idol' and Padma Lakshima & Tom Colicchio for 'Top Chef'.

'Amazing Race' took the Emmy for 'Outstanding Reality-Competition Show', beating their competitors 'American Idol', 'Dancing with the Stars', 'Project Runway' and 'Top Chef'.

According to Robyn Gormish, Newark Reality TV Examiner, Jeff's response when questioned about his competitor's seventh consecutive win was: "Maybe 'Amazing Race' should do what Oprah did and pull itself out of competition." According to People.com, Oprah Winfrey, talk show host and philanthropist, did just this. In 2000 after winning more than 40 Emmys she withdrew from Emmy consideration.

'Survivor' Background

Despite the loss, 'Survivor' is still going strong, recently airing its Season Premiere of their nineteenth season, which was shot in Samoa. According to biographical information, Jeff, the show's well-known host was born in 1962 in Wichita, Kansas. He is an actor, director and writer. Known for his quick assessments and spot on narrations, Jeff Probst has made 'Survivor', with the help of many colorful characters over the years, what it is today. Jeff has been featured in National Geographic Adventure for the show's 17^th season filmed in Gabon, where Andrew Burmon's subtitle says it all: "Filming Survivor in Gabon brought charging elephants, leopards in the catering tent, and the potential for new tourism to the central African nation." Over the years, 'Survivor' has been filmed in many locations, including Australia, Africa, Thailand, Marquesas and The Amazon.

It is, however, unlikely that 'Amazing Race' will step aside. Producer Bert Van Munster, when asked by reporters if he'd consider pulling the show out of the running next year, had a quick, but noncommital response. "I'm going to discuss it with my committee here, but it's unlikely, it was very intimidating to win for the seventh time," was his answer, according to Robyn Gormish.

'Amazing Race' has dominated this category for seven years running, but both shows are passing the test of time, each with large fan bases and loyal viewers. Survivor fans feel it's just a matter of time before they will, you know...
Outwit. Outplay. Outlast.

References:

Robyn Gormish, Jeff Probst and 'Amazing Race' win at Primetime 2009 Emmys - Jeff Probst stunning comment backstage, September 21, Newark Reality TV Examiner

Andrew Burmon, Jeff Probst: The Survivalist, September 17, 2008, National Geographic Adventure

http://www.examiner.com/x-12254-Newark-Reality-TV-Examiner~y2009m9d21-Jeff-Probst-and-Amazing-Race-win-at-Primetime-2009-Emmys--Jeff-Probst-stunning-comment-backstage

http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/2008/10/survivor-gabon-jeff-probst-text

http://www.filmreference.com/film/68/Jeff-Probst.html

http://www.people.com/people/oprah_winfrey/biography

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