Jeff Probst

NEW YORK >> There was a time Jeff Probst could not imagine doing what he will on Wednesday, being on hand as host for the start of a 44th season of “Survivor.”

That’s not simply because of the transitory nature of television, where a 44th season of anything is a rarity, even a program that created a sensation when it first aired on CBS in the summer of 2000.

In those early days, there was a restlessness about Probst. He’d studied screenwriting, acted and wrote and directed a well-received indie film in 2001. He tried a short-lived talk show. He admits “I had a chip on my shoulder about being called a ‘host.’”

Yet as series creator Mark Burnett began stepping away, Probst added “producer” to his title and has since ascended to the level of “showrunner” — industry lingo that means he’s in charge of everything.

At age 61, he’s all in, an evangelist for “Survivor.”

“I have never been so excited to be part of the show,” he told The Associated Press in a recent interview. “I hope it’s apparent. I hope it’s clear that I’m really into ‘Survivor.’”

“Survivor” has settled on Fiji as a permanent set after bouncing around for several years to different locations. The jungle is a character in itself. High-definition photography and drones makes things more visually appealing than ever, Ross said.

Probst demurs when asked his opinion of the best player ever, and admits some of the seasons start to run together. He’d lose a “Survivor” trivia contest, he said.

And, yes, he’s excited about the new season, calling it one of the most entertaining groups of players the show has put together in a while.

Starting Wednesday, Probst will host a podcast with show producer Brittany Crapper and fan Jay Wolff that will air after the conclusion of each episode. “On Fire with Jeff Probst” will an insider’s look at how the show is put together, he said.

CBS doesn’t want to spoil the magic, but deepen the relationship with fans, he said.