Australian Survivor is entering a new era, with filming now underway in Samoa for season 12, and former champion David Genat confirmed as the show’s new host.
Genat, who first appeared on Australian Survivor: Champions V Contenders in 2019, returns to the franchise to helm the 2026 season titled Australian Survivor: Redemption. The model and reality star went on to win All Stars in 2020 and competed most recently in Survivor: Australia V The World.
Often regarded as one of the greatest players in Survivor history, Genat will now guide audiences through every challenge and tribal council, stepping into the hosting role as castaways compete for the title of Sole Survivor.
“I love Australian Survivor. It truly is the greatest game on earth, so getting to come back as host after playing three times is such an honour,” Genat said.
“But Survivor is not about me; it’s about the incredible players who put everything on the line to outwit, outplay and outlast. I am pumped for the fans to meet the new crop of Survivors next season.”
Daniel Monaghan, SVP Content and Programming, Paramount Australia, said Genat was the natural choice to step into the hosting role as the show enters its twelfth season.
“As we step into this exciting new era, there was simply no better person to pass the baton to,” Monaghan said.
“David’s track record, not just on Survivor but across reality TV worldwide, is unrivalled. There’s no one with more real-time experience and game knowledge to help steer this epic season.”
The upcoming theme, Redemption, offers castaways a chance to rewrite their Survivor legacy. Monaghan added: “Survivor has always been about the players who pour their heart and soul into every moment, and this new batch of castaways certainly have their work cut out for them.”
Australian Survivor Jonathan LaPaglia
‘Blindsided’
Genat’s hiring comes after the sacking of former host Jonathan LaPaglia, who had been in the role since 2016.
At the time of his firing, LaPaglia claimed he was blindsided by the network, taking to social media to express his hurt over the decision: 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 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’. Ratings had dipped a bit recently and they wanted to do something drastic to shake things up. So for the first time ever this is not a tribe swap, but a HOST SWAP®️ Yes, you read that right.”
He concluded his post with: “(Ps. Whoever said a blindside is the most humane way to put someone down is an idiot. It hurts like a bitch!)”
The network was quick to take back control of the narrative, releasing a statement which read: “JLP has brought a unique blend of authority, intelligence and empathy to his role as host of Australian Survivor over the last 10 years. Acting as a referee and managing the intense pressure of the game while also acknowledging the human drama unfolding, JLP has been a compelling and memorable figure in the world of Survivor.
“We look forward to JLP hosting the next epic instalment of Survivor: Australia V World coming soon to 10. We extend our sincere gratitude to JLP for his outstanding contribution over 10 years on Survivor. We wish him continued success in his acting and presenting career.”
Australian Survivor: Redemption will premiere on 10 and 10 Play in 2026.