Jeff Probst: Surviving 16 seasons of `Survivor'

But Probst does have a TV project at an early stage. He's mum on details, saying only, "It's the most excited I've been about anything since `Survivor.'"

On the other hand, he feels no pressure to expand his portfolio.

"I don't have aspirations to conquer the world," he says. "Maaaaaybe, a little side job would be OK. But I like hanging out with my friends. I like being at home (in Los Angeles). I don't want to work and work and work. I've got a great job!"

So how does he keep himself fresh on that job, season after season?

"It's easy: Each season brings new people. And we've got great casting," he says, paying tribute to casting director Lynne Spillman, who assembles what Probst calls "a mosaic of players."

"You want people who will `screw the game up,' because they don't quite get it. And people who you know are gonna be quiet and go deep. And then people where you think, `If he gets lucky, he could win it -and be a great character.'"

Probst mentions a candidate for Season 17 whose potential excites him: "A young, quirky (video) gamer!" Not an obvious great-outdoors type. "I never would have looked twice at him." But Spillman did, and Probst thinks he's got a good shot to be picked.

"This kid is jussssst interesting enough," says Probst, already savoring the possibilities. "I hope he makes it!"

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