“Survivor” veteran Rob Mariano, popularly known as “Boston Rob,” recently shared his thoughts on the show’s 50th season during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. The beloved reality series, which features 24 returning players vying for a generous prize of £1.6 million, has introduced several new elements and twists that have sparked varied responses among its fan base. Mariano, who is no stranger to the competitive landscape of “Survivor,” expressed his ambivalence towards some of the innovations seen this season.
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The show’s milestone season has included celebrity cameos, notably from country music star Zac Brown, who participated in a reward challenge, and television host Jimmy Fallon, who introduced a unique twist to the game. Despite these high-profile appearances, Mariano expressed a sense of disconnect regarding certain new advantages, suggesting that not all of them have resonated positively with the audience.
In a candid moment during his interview aboard The Beast, a popular amusement ride in New York City, Mariano stated, “Survivor takes a lot of swings. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. I don’t love all of them. I think, at its core, Survivor’s fan base are their fans. I don’t know if [the twists] add to it, but it’s cool to see different celebrities love the show so much.”
A prime example of a twist that failed to impress Mariano was the introduction of the Billie Eilish Boomerang Idol. While he was excited to learn that the Grammy-winning artist was a fan of the show, he felt that the execution fell short. The Boomerang Idol concept requires the contestant who finds the idol to secretly pass it to a member of an opposing tribe. If that player is voted out without using the idol, it comes back to the original finder. However, this season’s players eliminated both contestants who found the clues before they could see their advantages play out.
Mariano commented, “Some of them didn’t really play out, like the Billie Eilish Idol. […] If it doesn’t play, then leave it on the cutting room floor, right?” This notion reflects a larger sentiment among fans who prefer the game mechanics that have traditionally defined “Survivor.”
Conversely, Mariano voiced his approval for a recent twist introduced by YouTuber Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson, wherein Rick Devens successfully called a coin toss that doubled the prize money to £1.6 million. Mariano described this turn of events as “pretty epic,” highlighting the thrill of risk-taking, which has always been a fundamental aspect of the show.
As the season progresses, Mariano is keen to see how Jonathan Young, a contestant he has mentored extensively, performs. Young, along with other contestants including Aubrey Bracco and Tiffany “Tiff” Ervin, is competing for the coveted title of Sole Survivor. Mariano emphasised the importance of developing one’s own gameplay strategy while noting, “I give him a lot of credit. He’s doing great.”
Mariano himself continues to remain active in the realm of entertainment. After his recent stint on “The Traitors,” he is now channeling his energy into a YouTube series titled “Everything’s a Competition,” which he co-hosts with former co-star Dylan Efron. Outside of the limelight, Mariano looks forward to spending quality time with his family during the summer, including his wife Amber Mariano and their four daughters.
Furthermore, Mariano has partnered with Dramamine for their “Your Why. Your Way.” campaign, which encourages people to travel confidently without the fear of nausea. Reflecting on his experiences, he recounted a difficult anniversary cruise where he dealt with seasickness. Now, he is eager to embark on summer holidays free from such concerns.
As he reminisced about his family’s trip to Fiji during “Survivor” season 40, he noted the profound significance of sharing that experience with his daughters. “That’s where it started, and then we’re all there together,” he reflected, emphasising the special bond formed through their shared experiences on the show.
“Survivor” airs weekly on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on CBS, engaging audiences with its blend of strategic gameplay, emotional moments, and exciting twists, as it continues to redefine itself in its landmark season.