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Exclusive: Jeff Probst creates new show for CBS

Oct 20, 2008, 03:00 AM | by Dalton Ross

Categories: TV Biz

Jeffprobst_l Survivor’s Jeff Probst has created — and will host — a new reality pilot for CBS, EW.com has learned exclusively. The show, Live Like You’re Dying, will feature a person who has been given a terminal diagnosis with a finite amount of time to live and “take them on the last adventure of their life,” according to Probst. That adventure will include reunions with lost friends or formerly feuding family members, a “legacy moment” that will ensure their name carries on forever, and living out a personal dream. “It could be playing guitar with Eric Clapton or jumping out of a plane into a volcano,” Probst explained to EW.com. “Whatever it is that you’re still desiring to do in your life — we want to make it happen.” (A new subject will be profiled for every episode should the show get picked up and go to series.)

Of course, a program profiling people with terminal diseases runs the risk of being just a tad morbid, but Probst insists the show will be inspirational rather than depressing. “The focus of the show is not death,” says Probst. “The story we’re going to tell is about living. This is a show that is intended to inspire everybody to get the most out of their lives every day.”

Joining Probst on the project is his Survivor boss Mark Burnett, who will also be executive-producing, and Denise Cramsey of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Trading Spaces, who will act as showrunner. Production on the Live Like You’re Dying pilot will begin in January (after filming has wrapped on season 18 of Survivor), and no airdate has been set should the show make it to series.

More on Jeff Probst:

Jeff Probst's EW.com Survivor blog

Last week's Survivor: Gabon recap

Survivor: Gabon: meet the cast

Jeff Probst: Why I stayed on Survivor

Mark Burnett enters the  Dragon's Den


CCinCA Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 09:57 AM EST

Well!?!

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CCinCA Sat, Feb 21, 2009 at 04:56 PM EST

Thanks for the info Paul. I hope the guy had a great time! I think this will be a very special, one-of-a-kind show! If must have been rewarding to be part of it.

Paul Sat, Feb 21, 2009 at 12:10 AM EST

They filmed at our helicopter squadron at North Island, CA today for 1 of the episodes which we took the indv. up for a pretty fun ride. Very much was about living life to the fullest and they shipped in a lot of long time friends and family to surprise the guy. Was very well done.

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What is with all of this letters stuff? Is it a way to keep this page active? I just would like to know when they are going to air the show: Everyone have any idea?

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CCinCA Wed, Jan 21, 2009 at 10:55 AM EST

Any information on air date for this show?

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Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 11:52 AM EST

This is "Make A Wish Foundation" meets "Extreme Home Make Over". I for one think it will be a hit! And Jeff is the man for the job!

http://survivor-fan-blog.blogspot.com

CCINCA Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 11:57 AM EST

What do you mean by "KEEP WATHCING, AMERICA! KEEP WATCHING!"
Comments to your statements:
1. How can it be exploiltation if I volunteer to share my story to educate and inspire others: both with and without terminal diseases - and I get a dream fulfilled that is very important to me. Conseqeuntly, I see this as a win-win opportunity!
2. You are completely missing the point of the show! I do not look at having a terminal disease as a tragedy - I look at it as part of the cards I was dealt in life. I have not and will not allow the disease to control me! I have the POWER to live and continue doing what I want until my time comes. My family is 100% supportive of me LIVING for today! Having a terminal disease is not a TRAGEDY it just is and how each person deals with the situtation is their choice. By your writing, if it happened to you - I think you would have a difficult time handling it. So, Jeff's show maybe be just what YOU NEED to see to gain perspective and insight! Just wait!

Dan Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 05:45 PM EST

"KEEP WATHCING, AMERICA! KEEP WATCHING!"

Dan Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 05:22 PM EST

Ever heard of Make a Wish? Leave it at that- exploitation is unnecessary. Aren't you rich enough from Survivor, Jeff? THE DEAD GUY by Eric Coble was meant as a satire of the twisted American public, not a challenge to emulate it. You're supposed be horrified by the notion. Why would one want to be known for dying other than for a noble cause? Because no matter what argument you may attempt to pull from your rancid bowels, this does not support one. Terminal illness is a tragedy meant to be coped with by the individual and his or her loved ones, not a tool exploited for greed and personl gain.

CCINCA Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 04:54 PM EST

Excellent point! My disease is so rare that when I tell DOCTORS what I have - THEY do not known about it!!! Consequently, many people with this disease go undiagonosed until they are on Death's Bed! That is very sad. This show could do a wonderful service for both doctors and the general population by educating everyone about rare diseases.

GreatIdea Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 12:22 AM EST

I have a terminal illness too. This is a great idea to bring hope and to teach others to enjoy life and to act every day toward friends and family as if it were the last time they may see them. For many more rare diseases this could bring much needed awareness on a national scale. Done tastefully and with an inspirational message, this could do well and go far. Awesome job.

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Kathy Martin Thu, Nov 6, 2008 at 12:15 PM EST

Thanks Jeff for giving people with a terminal illness the chance to do one thing that they have always been wanting to do but didn't think they would have the time or money (because medical bills). I think your idea is inspiring, and that it will give these people a day to just release and have what ever it is they want to happen. Not to mention the millions of people who will be watching, just think of the millions of prayers that will go up for those people to somehow live longer, get better. Who knows we may here of answered prayers for these people. I think of it as a wonderful opportunity for these people.

survivor Fri, Oct 31, 2008 at 05:12 PM EST

I have always watched Jeff's reality shows but never have I had as much interest as in this one.
I received my first 6 month prognosis 20 years ago, as a full-blown AIDS patient. I was placed on permanent disability. I had a stroke at that time, recovered fully from it in a year; I have taken many AIDS meds over the years, graduating from AZT to the most current. Obviously, I'm still here and was in reasonably good health until the lastest diagnoses.
Last spring I had my gallbladder removed due to gallstones; 10 days later I was told it was cancerous but had not spread.
Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer - lesions in the liver and assuredly in other places. Again, I have been given 6 months to live - no treatment recommended.
I have no doubt that my positive attitude helped me survive this long; scant as they were for years, we did have treatments; this time, there are none. I can only hope I live long enough to see this show to fruition.

Mara Abrams Wed, Oct 29, 2008 at 06:01 PM EST

I volunteer for an organization Cancer Hope Foundation (CHF) that puts on two free cancer camps each year. We sponsor these free camps for people in active treatment, remission and survivors of cancer. The camp is a very uplifting happy, fun and inspirational environment for people affected by cancer. It is all about how your view life and your situation. Sadly the reality is, we all are going to die, we at CHF choose to focus on how you live. This is a quote from a previous camper who now is a volunteer at camp that pretty much sums it up, "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." Author Unknown. I hope that your show goes on and I look forward to having some of our campers benefit from this venture. Thank you.

Virginia Williams-Rudd Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 01:36 PM EST

What i find "sick" is all of the horriable pepole on here who have stated so much negativeity towards helping someone find joy and peace in thier last days. My sister was recently told she has stage4 cancer in her throat and they can't tell her how long she might have. The family has already burnt through all of the funds they have just to get started on treatment, and there is so much more still to come. I think Jeff is a god send to those who are suffering from cancer. He has already done so much work in this area. I say "WOOHOO" you go Jeff, and i will be submitting an e-mail for my sister.

SWK Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

I think this is great opportunity for people knowingly in the last stage of their life. It's like make a wish for adults. I would imagine, most people with a terminal diagnosis can’t afford to take that last adventure of their life trip due to medical bills, family obligations, financial limitation and most importantly simple being fatigue. Timing is everything at this stage of their life. On that note, I have a family member who was diagnosis with stomach cancer in 2002. Last year he was told he only had 6 months to live. I am happy to say he has lived beyond the doctors’ time frame given. How do I sign him up?

LLYD casting Mon, Oct 27, 2008 at 02:25 PM EST

If you or someone you know might be interested in participating in this show, please email livelikeyouredying@gmail.com with your contact info and we will give you a call.

CCinCA Fri, Oct 24, 2008 at 08:11 PM EST

I have a rare, terminal illness and I think this is a great idea! You others do not get it - this is my chance to live out a dream! Jeff is going to show how to finish-up with class and have the time of your lfe doing it. My dying is a fact and I am fine with it. So, now my goal is to do everything I can to live the best I can until my time. It is not a sick idea! It is meant to show people how to live and the value of life. This is: real reality TV! I am dying to be on this show! So, keep an open mind and see how Jeff does - you may be surprised and inspired!

mangagirl Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 03:43 PM EST

I thought for sure the article was a joke,, in fact I was expecting the last sentence to be..."just fooling!" Oh well, that means just about anything can and will be put on TV.

Tommy Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 07:03 AM EST

This has to be a joke.

Tom Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 09:44 PM EST

I have a terminal illness and would love the chance to do a thing or two on my bucket list. how do I get in touch with the show?

TVGRL Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 03:10 AM EST

Can't wait for the spinoff, "Die Like You're Dying" hosted by Dr. Jack Kevorikian

Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 10:05 PM EST

Holy S&*t ! I guess since MSM is DYING anyway they might as well do DEATH as THEATRE.

What a bubch of desperate a^)&#s !!!

mary loving Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 03:01 PM EST

sooooo sick

CM Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 12:35 PM EST

What's next--"Choose your own coffin"?

kitchenbeard Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 11:36 AM EST

This is one of the most obscene ideas for a show I've ever heard of.

supdread Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 05:00 AM EST

More "reality"(?) tv crap! Who would've thought it possible?

human being Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 01:29 AM EST

If you wanna help the terminally ill, fine, but don't exploit it on television. I can't watch this crap!

Luis PJ Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 01:24 AM EST

I don't want to poo poo this idea and remember that it just an idea, we hear alot of new shows that don't even get made yet...It just we had shows like these before and didn't turn out well since people didn't tune in well, still I don't have a problem with it

Pat Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:52 PM EST

This has got to be the most offensive, tastless thing I have ever heard of. If I was teminal, I wouldn't want to leave a reality
tv show as a legacy for my kids. Shame on you Jeff and the network!


Kristina Applegate Lutes Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:30 PM EST

Bucket list..I hope the show can be compassionate and truly charitable. I would be pleased to see Jeff Probst donate proceeds from each show towards a foundation.

cmon Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:18 PM EST

Since the participants will most definitely know they are appearing on TV, and as a kind of "entertainment," but hopefully inspiration, for the "gawking masses," I wish this project all the best, and will follow its progress.

Lisa Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 08:49 PM EST

How pathetic. Why not just give the gift of adventures to those living with a terminal illness instead of filming it and profiting on it.....When is this reality stupidity going to stop?

sb Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 06:37 PM EST

after loosing a spouse to a terminal illness, how dare you profit from the pain of people like me. SICK SICK SICK. All for money. SHame on you.

andy timko Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 06:01 PM EST

Yeah, once again Jeff Probst is trying to top Phil Keoghan. Barbara said it right with Phil's show No Opportunity Wasted. Get an original idea Jeff! Loser.

Stefan Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 05:43 PM EST

sure it is kinda-good for these people to have the opportunity to fulfill some of their dreams.. but in the end, they are exploiting them for a tv show.. i think thats rather sick

Elizabeth Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 05:24 PM EST

OMGosh! This has to be the bottom of the barrell. And I thought reality TV had sunk as low as it could go... this has to be the most crass, and horrific thing I've heard of. I had respect for J. Probst till this, but capitalizing on a terminal person's last days is just plainly wrong. Shame on CBS.

Robby Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 05:18 PM EST

So many people are afraid to face their own mortality, I included. I give many kuddos to the people who want to face their own eath and to live it the best way possible with no regrets.

Jenny Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 05:06 PM EST

Seriously, do we need another reality show?

Bryan Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 04:53 PM EST

I don't understand how this could be construed as offensive. If I were dying, I'd sure as hell want to live out a few of my dreams before I left this world, and I'd have no qualms appearing on this show.

Brad Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 04:29 PM EST

This will go over really well i think.

DanOregon Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 04:24 PM EST

I dig Probst, but I turn away from these types of stories whenever I see them on TV. I can't think there would be much advertising support for a show like this.
It's a nice idea, better executed if it just focused on deserving individuals whether they were dying or not.

aunthelen Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 04:21 PM EST

This is amazingly tasteless!

Zsa Zsa Giggleman Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 02:28 PM EST

What's next Stem Cell Island

Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 01:31 PM EST

This sounds like fun! Hope I get cancer so I can be on it and win a bunch of free crap!

Barbara Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 12:43 PM EST

Sounds like he stole his idea from Phil Keoghan who does No Opportunity Wasted... Just my opinion.

wishful thinking Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 12:36 PM EST

So... you have to be dying to have a wish/dream come true. Why not help those who just never "seem to get ahead" instead of the dying or down & out on Extreme Home Makeover. I have worked all my life for my children & grandchildren. No doubt work till I'm 80 yrs old for retirement benefits not going to keep me alive very long. Guess the average Joe/Josephine have to fend for themselves.

greg l Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 12:35 PM EST

Jeff Probst sucks.

Carlynn Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 12:07 PM EST

I think its a great idea. To live out your dream in a period of your life that otherwise seems depressing. I figure if its the end why not shake it up a bit and get crazy. What do you have to lose? And on someone else's dime, well all the better!!!

pinky Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:34 AM EST

ninedaves..... it's just you
For the people who have no choice knowing they are going to die what an oppurtunity to lift their spirits up one last time. feel occomplished in something. I would love to have a chance to do one last thing before I go.

Isabelle Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:15 AM EST

I think this is a great idea. Kind of like "make a wish" for adults. I think that there are a lot of people out there that would participate, after all how many of us could afford to fulfill our "bucket lists" if we were told that we didn't have long to live? I know that if I was given such a prognosis, there would be a lot of things that I would like to do, that normally I'm to scared to do.
No Opportunity Wasted was for people trying to get over fears, totally different.

Doug Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 11:04 AM EST

Sounds like "Bucket List" to me...way to make an idea your own!

NineDaves Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 10:45 AM EST

is it just me, or does this sound like "no opportunity wasted" on the discovery channel, which is hosted by the amazing race's phil keoghan. isn't the premise of that show to give people money and three days to live out their dreams? hmmmm...

DR Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 10:41 AM EST

At first glance, this does sound morbid, but hey, if it inspires another person to live every day like it's their last one instead of sitting around waiting for life to happen, then it's a good thing. Jeff Probst is experienced enough to handle this material with class. It's not like the drafted Ryan Seacrest or Simon Cowell...

thedude Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 10:27 AM EST

This idea's pretty sick

Lils Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 10:12 AM EST

I think that it's a good cause, and that it's a good thing to help out people by giving them opportunities. Why is this such a bad idea?

lee Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 09:50 AM EST

Jeff Probst has been very successful with the "SURVIVOR" series for the past several years and has done very well with it. So I think that it is very good that He wants or would like to go onto different and better things with his life. GOOD LUCK JEFF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hello_world Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 09:39 AM EST

I find the idea for this show extremely offensive. It turns dying people into entertainment for the gawking masses. Without question, the lowest point that reality TV has yet reached. Shame on you, Probst.

Stefan Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 08:19 AM EST

wow.. i don't think they should make a tv show about stuff like that O.o

Lex Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 06:55 AM EST

:S Isn't that like the "make a wish foundation" for TV? :/


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