here's an interesting article .... gotten from
www.realitytvcalendar.com/"Survivor Guatemala
Can We Survive A World Without Jeff?
Commentary by Alisa
October 10, 2005
In The Beginning
How can a Kansas boy make it big in the world of radio and television? Having a nice presence, good voice and sharp mind are definite assets. Cute dimples don't hurt either.
From Wichita, Jeff's family moved to Seattle where he attended school. Upon graduation, he worked at Boeing's Motion Picture and Television division as a producer and narrator of marketing videos and found his true calling in broadcasting. Jeff hosted a variety of shows for the local CBS affiliate in Seattle. Later, he became a field correspondent for "Access Hollywood" which led to hosting VH1's "Rock and Roll Jeopardy."
Jeff Probst - Moviemaker and Philanthropist
Jeff co-wrote and directed a film entitled "Finder's Fee" which I happened to catch one day just to see how talented the guy is.
The film was great. It had an intriguing plot, a nice twist and was extremely entertaining.
Jeff Probst is also very active as Collegiate Spokesperson for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Hitting the Big Time
As we all know, his biggest break came from being tapped by Mark Burnett to host "Survivor" which was an entirely new concept for network television. Jeff Probst had arrived. He has been the intrepid leader/guide/host for the past nine Survivors and now, after Survivor 10: Guatemala, his contract is "up for grabs" or re-negotiation.
Jeff is tired of trudging to the world's outposts and repeating the same admonitions and rules over and over again. Not too long ago, he stated that he would like his job a lot better if the show was filmed in his backyard.
Even though his living conditions on location are not nearly as rough as the ones that the contestants have to endure, it must still wear him down and it is clearly visible. The dimples have turned into furrows and his questions at Tribal Council have become more acerbic and probing.
Love Walks In and Jeff Wants to "Walk"
As we're all still trying to figure out where the hell Vanuatu is and how to pronounce it, Jeff lost his heart to Julie Berry who was one of the castaways in the show. We all got a big clue when at an early Tribal Council; Julie had drawn a heart with Jeff's name on her chest.
It came as no surprise when later on the two admitted to the world that they were in love and that is still true. In fact, Jeff's inner clock is ticking and he has voiced the desire to settle down and start a family. Although Jeff was married previously, he has no children to date. Looks like Julie has her job cut out for her.
Going on location does not a family make.
Is It a Ploy or the Real McCoy?
Although several sources have already broken the story that Jeff is quitting and Survivor will go on without him, he is still obligated to Mark Burnett through two more seasons. Probst signed the long term contract several years ago which expires after Survivor's twelfth edition, which CBS will air in early 2006.
He has stated that he does not want to become the David Caruso of reality shows. If someone would be kind enough to explain that correlation to me, I would be most grateful. I guess it means that quitting too soon and blowing your career only to remain jobless for a long long time is not a wise move. However, Jeff has given a lot of time and energy and that can't be equated to David Caruso walking out on NYPD Blue after one season.
Does Jeff really want to snuff his own torch? In fact, Jeff is a sentimental guy who has taken the torch snuffer from every season of Survivor as a personal souvenir. They look nice on his mantle next to the Emmy he won in 2001.
Could Jeff be holding out for a bigger paycheck and baiting the hook with rumors of quitting? There is some speculation that is the case. Then again, he stated that he hasn't been "asked back" which is done as a formality. Jeff is on good terms with the show but hasn't been invited to continue hosting after next season. CBS only renews two seasons at a time and hasn't ordered new episodes yet.
Final Words
I have been a Survivor fan since the very first season, but the sameness of it is getting to me. Jeff must feel it even more than I do. All I know is that as long as it's on the air, I will keep watching it. However, I will miss Jeff if he leaves. It certainly won't be the same without him. He seems like a great guy and I wish him all the luck in the world.
Alisa is a California Girl who loves to read, write and critique anything she d**n well pleases.
She can be reached at california_girl100@yahoo.com"
i'm not sure if the show would make it without him. 
