'Australian Survivor' Blindsides Host Jonathan LaPaglia by Firing Him

There had been rumors of this move on Reddit all weekend, with a few confirmations on social media from folks on the inside, but now it’s official: Jonathan LaPaglia is out as host of Australian Survivor.

And it makes no sense at all.

When the rumors first started circulating, some speculated that LaPaglia — who, yes, is the brother of Anthony LaPaglia — might be headed to the U.S. to replace Jeff Probst, should the long-running Survivor host step down after next year’s 50th season. That, apparently, is not the case. LaPaglia was as blindsided as the rest of us.

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“I wish I could say, ‘Before we go to vote, tonight is a little different … no one’s going home.’ But I can’t. None of that non-elim bullshit tonight! Someone IS going home. And with no idol in my back pocket, that someone is me,” he wrote. “I have loved and will dearly miss the immensely talented crew, all the crafty players, and our loyal, sassy audience. I’m a huge fan of this incredible game—always have been, always will be.”

LaPaglia will still host the forthcoming Australia vs. The World all-star season (which will include several U.S. Survivor alums), which is set to premiere later this summer. As for his exit, LaPaglia offered little explanation beyond a modest dip in ratings and the producers’ desire to shake things up. Rumor has it David Genat — a former Australian Survivor winner and a recent champion on America’s Deal or No Deal Island — may be his replacement. I don’t know Genat well, but it’s hard to imagine anyone handling the job better than LaPaglia, who genuinely rivals Jeff Probst in presence, poise, passion, and keen ability to handle the Survivor jury.

I only started watching Australian Survivor a few seasons ago (and I’m still catching up on older seasons), so I’m a relative newcomer. But if the ratings were slipping last season, it wasn’t LaPaglia’s fault. If anything is to blame, it’s the commitment required to watch a show that airs three 90-minute episodes a week for most of the season. That might sound amazing to the diehards among us, but people have lives — asking five hours a week from your audience is a lot.

If Probst does retire soon, I still hope they give LaPaglia a look. Or maybe Australian Survivor calls him back once they realize what the show is missing without him.