'Survivor' gets two more seasons at CBS

CBS has ordered two more editions of "Survivor," to be broadcast during the 2014-15 season. These will mark the 29^th and 30^th editions of television's longest running hit reality competition series.

Five-time Emmy Award winner Jeff Probst has signed a new agreement to return as host and executive producer. Probst has hosted "Survivor" since its inception in May 2000.

CBS said that, after 27 seasons, 413 episodes and 406 castaways, "Survivor" remains a gold standard of quality in television and a consistent ratings winner.

The most recent edition, "Survivor: Blood Vs. Water," delivered one of the most buzzed about installments in the history of the series as former players competed alongside their relatives for the title of "Sole Survivor." The finale of "Survivor: Blood Vs. Water" airs Sunday Dec. 15 (8 p.m.), followed by the one-hour live reunion show hosted by Probst (10 p.m.).

Currently in its third year, "Survivor" wins its Wednesday at 8 p.m. time period in all key ratings measures, averaging 11.29 million viewers, 3.1/09 in adults 18-49, and 4.1/11 in adults 25-54. It ranks as the No. 2 reality series on broadcast television in adults 18-49.

"Survivor" became an instant phenomenon following its debut in May 2000 with ratings for its finale that summer exceeded only by the Super Bowl. The show's 10-year-run beginning in February 2001 helped ignite a rating renaissance for CBS on Thursday that eventually ended NBC's 20 years of ratings dominance on the night.

"We are thrilled to announce this landmark renewal for 'Survivor,' a groundbreaking show that changed the TV landscape and helped usher in a new era of ratings dominance for the network," said Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment. " 'Survivor' continues to set the bar for outstanding production values, compelling storytelling, while delivering fresh new adventures every season. The show's enduring success is a testament to the creativity and passion of (Exec. Producer) Mark Burnett and Jeff Probst, and an amazing production team. We're proud to continue this incredible journey together."

"I am thrilled that our fans get to continue their love affair with 'Survivor' on CBS through 2015," Burnett said. "This current season has become one of the most-loved seasons ever, and I promise our fans to make season 29 and 30 even better. ... I love 'Survivor'!"

" 'Survivor' has been blessed with incredibly loyal fans," Probst said. "We make this show for them, and I am thrilled that we get to do it again." 

The groundbreaking reality series won an Emmy Award in 2001 in the category of "Outstanding Non-Fiction Program" (Special Class). Probst is a four-time Emmy Award winner in the category of "Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Series."

Click the link to view photos from all 27 seasons of "Survivor": www.cbs.com/shows/survivor/photos/1000722/survivor-400th-episode-celebration/43135/.