Jeff Probst, host and showrunner of Survivor, has stated that nothing has changed regarding the reality show's approach to diversity despite Paramount rolling back its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies following Donald Trump's return to the White House. Probst described the 2020 CBS initiative requiring unscripted reality shows to cast at least 50 per cent people of colour as "one of the biggest positive changes ever," arguing that diversity makes the show's narratives more compelling and interesting.

Probst emphasised that the commitment to diverse casting stems from storytelling needs rather than external pressure, noting that the casting director remains committed to the approach without external mandates. The show is currently in its 51st season, following the milestone 50th season, with Probst having previously discussed the pressure that milestone created and how it led to the development of the show's new "Open Era" direction for the next decade.