Survivor fans won’t soon forget the Wednesday, March 26, episode of Survivor 48.
In maybe the most emotional moment in the show’s 25-year history, contestant Eva Erickson, who has autism, persevered through the end of a challenge to win immunity for her Lagi tribe. As she continued to struggle to land a ball in a hole at the end of a table maze, her frustration was becoming clear in her expression and body language. When she finally succeeded, she broke down in tears and began to struggle to rein in her emotions.
“I was certainly aware that this was the kind of pressure that could trigger Eva, so I was definitely paying attention to her while also being very mindful to not interfere with her moment,” host Jeff Probst recalled in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, published on Thursday. “This is the kind of test that Eva not only anticipated, but on some level wanted when she applied to be on Survivor.”
Joe Hunter, now a member of the Vula tribe, started the game with Lagi. He was the one person who Eva, 24, confided in during the game’s first couple days. She explained to him the situations in which she struggles and how he can help her in those moments.
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Probst, 63, watched Eva struggle after the challenge and gave Joe, 45, the go-ahead to walk over and give her a hug — even though tribes usually stay separated during challenges. Over the next few minutes, Joe knew what to say and do to help calm his friend.
“My decision to ask Joe if he wanted to go over and give Eva comfort wasn’t really a decision at all — it was instinct,” Probst continued. “I’m sure somewhere in the back of my mind I ran through a quick mental checklist to make sure I wasn’t compromising the integrity of the game. But the truth is, moments like this transcend anything else that is happening. It’s not about logic or rules, it’s about being human.”
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After settling down, Eva told her full story to all three tribes, explaining how doctors told her parents that she would never be able to live independently or hold down a job because of her autism. Instead, her parents believed in her and helped get her the treatment necessary so she could “be mainstream” in school and beyond.
The story even caused Probst, who has never cried on air before, to tear up when he explained that her actions could help inspire someone with autism watching at home.
“When I said the words ‘mom and dad,’ it triggered the parent in me and something cracked open,” the longtime host admitted. “It wasn’t just about Eva anymore — it was about every young person searching for the words to express who they are, and every parent trying to understand, support, and protect their child through it.”
Survivor airs Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
