Survivor type TV Show network CBS genre Reality Where to watch Close Streaming Options

Each week, Jeff Probst will answer a few questions about the latest episode of Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Will wins the first individual immunity challenge and he is your youngest player ever at 18. What were the discussions like about casting someone still in high school on the show and what did you see from him once he got out there in Fiji?

JEFF PROBST: It was pretty easy. We met Will and he was an instant favorite. I’m not sure that I even knew his age until later. We have information on everybody we meet in casting, but I often don’t read it because I like to form my own opinions. Then I learned he was still in high school, which was really exciting since we’ve never had a high-schooler on the show! Will said it was not a problem — school and family were okay with it. That was it. He was on.

And how cool is it to see the youngest guy out there kick everybody’s ass and win first individual immunity? I believe that inspired lots of 7th, 8th, 9th graders, that one day very soon they too could be on the show. Fun fact about Will: He has, without question, the slowest walk to the voting booth that I have ever seen. Every time I called his name to vote I just took it in… the slow rise from his stump, the careful consideration of what he was about to do… and then the first of many very slow steps as he made his way there… and back. I love that kid!

I am simultaneously jealous of and enraged by Taylor’s attitude out there. We see him laughing and joking at Tribal Council, and even Figgy said in her exit press that he never focused on the game at all. That’s frustrating. At the same time, I am deeply envious of his ability to seemingly not stress out about anything. What was your take on this guy out there: Was he invested in the game, or just out to enjoy the ride?

I share your confusion over what to feel about Taylor. My take is a bit different. I’m not enraged. But I am simultaneously jealous of his incredibly appealing carefree attitude… and completely baffled by it. The only conclusion I can draw is that at this point in his life Taylor is living moment to moment. He’s a good-looking guy who is very charming and can be very kind. What is there to sweat? Life is good, bro!

I think the frustration about his attitude comes mainly from older people (i.e. Gen Xers) who want him to “get a clue.” But that’s why this season is so interesting to me. The Millennials simply do not look at life the same way. If Taylor makes it to the end, his “take it as it comes” approach to life could be an asset in his final argument to the jury.

Even with all their early season drama, the Gen Xers put that all behind them and stuck together at the merge while the Millennials splintered, leading to them joining the Gen Xers in voting out Michelle. Did that surprise you, or did it sort of hold form in terms of how you view the two generational approaches to playing this game?

It didn’t surprise me or not surprise me because I really don’t have a strong take on what the Gen X group is doing. I think a bigger factor in the vote was the fact that Michelle backed off of the strategy talk for the first time in the game. She trusted that she was okay and left it in the hands of someone else. The lesson I take from this Tribal is never ever, ever, ever take your eyes off the vote. Survivor is being played at too high a level to take anything for granted.

Tease us up for next week, my man!

Now that we’re into the individual portion of the game, people start to play more aggressively. That can lead to great moves or massive blunders. And information, as always, is king.

Check out an exclusive deleted scene from the most recent episode of Survivor above. Also make sure to read Dalton’s full episode recap as well as our mid-game interview with Zeke, who reveals the big move we did NOT see. And for all the Survivor scoop you can handle, follow Dalton on Twitter @DaltonRoss.