CBS sticks with "Survivor"; Probst re-ups as host

By Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - CBS has renewed "Survivor," ordering 17th and 18th installments of the long-running reality series.

Additionally, Jeff Probst has signed a new deal to continue as host.

The series' 16th edition, "Survivor: Micronesia," premieres February 7. Casting for "Survivor 17" is under way.

"I still get excited to get on the plane and travel to another exotic location with another group of adventure-seeking, type-A personalities," said Probst, who has been host since the series' inception. "It is without question the best job I've ever had."

The most recent installment, "Survivor: China," averaged 15.2 million viewers and a 5.1 rating/14 share among adults 18-49. While the franchise has been trekking downward in the ratings since its early heyday, it still dominates its time period, anchoring CBS' Thursday lineup.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter