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Season 38 of one of the most loved reality TV shows ever has just come to an end, and it proved to be one of the most polarizing Survivor seasons ever. Back in 2000 when the show first started, the concept was simple: Put over a dozen castaways on an island, get them to vote each other off, and see who makes it to the end for $1 million. But a lot has changed since then. The host and executive producer of Survivor, Jeff Probst, knows he has to keep the game fresh after 20 years. And that means a new twist is upon us with each coming season.

While Season 39 is next, we’re already getting intel about what’s to come for Season 40. And judging from what Probst has said in the past, he might not be too into it.

Rumors emerged that Season 40 is an all-winners season

Jeff Probst puts the immunity necklace on Rob Mariano
Jeff Probst puts the immunity necklace on Rob Mariano | CBS via Getty Images

We can expect to see Season 39 of Survivor back on TV around the fall of 2019, Men’s Health notes. And we also know that the theme for the next season is “Island of the Idols.” According to the publication, two returning winners — “Boston” Rob Mariano and Sandra Diaz-Twine, will help the castaways navigate the game to hopefully avoid getting voted out. And while Survivor super-fans are hyped to see these two returning winners on the show, there’s even more buzz surrounding Season 40.

According to Inside Survivor, Season 40 is rumored to be an all-winners edition featuring a few of the best players the game has ever seen. The publication notes casting calls were sent out to winners ranging from Season 3 to Season 37, and filming allegedly already began for the season on May 22, too.

Host Jeff Probst stated before that he hoped this would never happen

Survivor: Edge of Extinction
Survivor: Edge of Extinction | Robert Voets/CBS via Getty Images

We’ve seen plenty of players come back again and again for their second (or even third) chance at winning the $1 million prize, but if the rumors are true about Season 40, this will be the first time we’ll ever see a season completely comprised of all winners. And while fans may be pleased with the concept, Probst has stated in the past that he doesn’t love the idea.

Back in 2018, Probst told Us Weekly, “We can’t do all winners. As a producer, I would never suggest it. I would say it’s not a good idea.” As for why he’s not keen on it, Probst noted he didn’t think the game actually had enough winners that fans would really want to see play again. “We have 10 great winners that you’d want to see play again. We don’t have 20. We don’t have 18. Some of the winners don’t want to play again. Some of the greats are like, ‘No, we’re done,'” Probst added. The host did say that CBS wanted to green light the idea, however, so perhaps he was overruled.

Who can we anticipate coming back to play?

Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains
Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains | Robert Voets/CBS via Getty Images

Not only are there rumors regarding the theme of Season 40, but there’s also already a rumored cast list as well. Inside Survivor revealed we can expect power married couple Amber and Rob Mariano to return, which should make for interesting TV. It also looks like Sandra Diaz-Twine, the only winner to win twice, will be making another go for the $1 million. And more recent winners, like Ben Driebergen from Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers, Wendall Holland from Ghost Island, and Nick Wilson from David vs. Goliath, might also be making an appearance.

It wouldn’t be an all-winners season without some of the most infamous players, too. Parvati Shallow, Tyson Apostol, and Tony Vlachos might also be going for their shot at the money.

Are any — or perhaps all — of these rumors for Season 40 true? We’ll have to wait and find out, though Probst may not be too happy about it.

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