'Survivor' gets two more CBS seasons

Jeff Probst of 'Survivor: Tocantins'

Credit: CBS

CBS has renewed "Survivor" for the 2009-2010 season.

The renewal, announced Thursday (Feb. 26), is for the 19th and 20th installments of network TV's most venerable reality franchise.

Coming as a package deal with the two additional "Survivor" seasons is host Jeff Probst, winner of the first Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Series.

"'Survivor' is one of CBS's signature series and a symbol of enduring quality and entertainment on prime time television," says CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler in the network's release. "Every season delivers a fresh new adventure for viewers and a time period-winning performance on the network. We're excited to deliver audiences two more editions of outstanding production values, exotic scenery, new castaways and, of course, our Emmy Award-winning host."

The franchise's fall 2008 season, "Survivor: Gabon," averaged 13.8 million viewers, regularly dominating its Thursday night 8 p.m. slot in both overall audience and in the key 18-49 and 25-54 demographics.

In its first two weeks, the spring 2009 season, "Survivor: Tocantins," has averaged 13.6 million viewers and a 4.5 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

"We have a unique relationship with our audience," Probst states. "They tell us what they like and we listen. It's worked for 18 editions and we're looking forward to delivering two more satisfying seasons!"

Adds executive producer Mark Burnett, "I am happy to be able produce two more editions of survivor for our loyal fans. Our show stands for high quality family entertainment and all of us on this team will continue to deliver on this promise."

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