After 10 years, a fan-favorite ‘Survivor’ host says it’s over.
Jonathan LaPaglia, who hosted Australian Survivor for 10 seasons, confirmed on June 29 that he was unexpectedly fired by Channel 10. In a candid Instagram post, the 54-year-old called it the “craziest blindside of all“—one that he didn’t see coming.
“Australian Survivor has seen some of the most epic blindsides over the last 10 years, but this one might just be the craziest of them all… because it happened to me,” he wrote, sharing a video of himself being punched by a giant boxing glove on set.
He continued, “I received a call from the network thanking me for all my hard work and dedication to the show, but for next season they are ‘going in a different direction’.”
Channel 10 Cites Ratings Drop and ‘Drastic Changes’ for Shake-Up
According to LaPaglia, Channel 10 attributed his dismissal to declining ratings and a desire to revitalize the franchise. Known for his dry wit, he didn’t shy away from classic Survivor humor: “None of that non-elim bulls–t tonight! Someone IS going home. And with no idol in my back pocket, that someone is me.”
Still, the veteran host turned sentimental, calling the job “the greatest adventure of [his] career” and adding that he’ll “dearly miss the immensely talented crew, all the crafty players, and our loyal sassy audience.”
He concluded the post with a raw note: “Ps. Whoever said a blindside is the most humane way to put someone down is an idiot. It hurts like a b–ch!)”
Channel 10 Praises JLP’s Legacy
In an official statement, Channel 10 credited LaPaglia with elevating the franchise with his “unique blend of authority, intelligence, and empathy,” calling him “a compelling and memorable figure in the world of Survivor.”
The network confirmed that LaPaglia will still host the upcoming Australia v The World edition, which features major Survivor legends including Cirie Fields, Parvati Shallow, Tony Vlachos, and Aussie fan favorite David Genat.
Fans and Former Players Slam the Decision
Outrage poured in across social media as news of LaPaglia’s firing spread. Fans and former contestants were quick to express their heartbreak in the comments section of his post.
“HUGE MISTAKE!!! It honestly won’t be the same without you!!! This news breaks my heart!” wrote player Logan Johannisen. “Thank you for being the most incredible host ever — you really made Survivor Australia what it is today.”
Matt Tarrant echoed the frustration: “The change no one asked for.”Survivor US alum Kelley Wentworth also weighed in bluntly: “No thanks.”
Castaways Send Emotional Farewells
Sarah Tilleke, part of the Australia v The World cast, wrote, “Nooooo this is the worst news ever. I am beyond grateful I was able to play a returning season with you at the helm – can not imagine it any other way… You’ll be sorely missed JLP – thank you for your service!!”
Kristie Bennett, the 2016 Australian Survivor winner, added, “Talk about brutal! We have all been completely robbed. You made this show with the players from the ground up. Always an icon!”
Nick Iadanza, a two-time player, wrote, “Actually devastated! You are Australian Survivor and we are all so grateful to have had you leading it for players and fans alike. THANK YOU!!!!!”
Three-time castaway George Mladenov praised LaPaglia’s professionalism: “You are the best host in the business @jonathanlapaglia. Let the game breathe, impartial and iconically hilarious… Your excellent hosting let the Episode 7 tribal council unfold the way it did because you had the skills and experience to just let it happen.”
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‘End of an Era’: Fans React as ‘Australian Survivor’ Host Is Let Go After 10 Iconic Years