David Genat takes a subtle swipe at axed host Jonathan LaPaglia after being confirmed as new Australian Survivor presenter – as fans vow to boycott the show

Television personality David Genat subtly criticized Jonathan LaPaglia, who was recently let go as the host of Australian Survivor, following news that he would be taking over as the host for the Channel Ten show instead.

Genat, who initially appeared on Australian Survivor: Champions vs Contenders back in 2019, directly addressed LaPaglia in a statement, emphasizing to viewers that the show isn’t centered around him. He also made it clear that he wouldn’t disappoint them with his actions.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my deep admiration for Australian Survivor. To me, it’s unquestionably the most thrilling game on the planet. So, being given the opportunity to return as its host, after having played three times, is an immense honor that fills me with profound gratitude.

However, Survivor isn’t solely focused on me. Instead, it highlights the extraordinary individuals who risk it all, using their wits, skills, and endurance to outsmart, outperform, and outlive each other in a challenging competition.

Apart from that, he expressed gratitude to the numerous show viewers and assured them he would meet their expectations: “I appreciate the players, the dedicated fanbase, and the team behind the scenes. Rest assured, as your new host, I won’t disappoint you.

Daniel Monaghan, SVP Content and Programming at Paramount Australia, showed enthusiasm about Genat taking on the new position.

In this evolving phase, there wasn’t a more suitable choice for the handover than David, whose impressive history extends beyond Survivor, as he stated.

However, when it comes to reality TV on a global scale, there is none who can rival [them] in terms of hands-on experience and game insight needed to guide this extraordinary season.

In the realm of worldwide reality TV, [they] stand unparalleled with their extensive practical knowledge and real-time understanding, essential for navigating this epic season.

Alternatively, many viewers showed hesitation towards accepting Genat in the role and voiced their intentions to boycott the series on social media platforms.

It’s quite disappointing to see that Australian Survivor, a show of exceptional quality, has replaced its excellent host Jonathan with someone less suitable, as one individual expressed.

As an advocate for engaging television, I’ve been deeply invested in Australian Survivor. The news that Jonathan, the beloved star of the series, might potentially leave and be replaced by David has left me, along with countless others, disheartened. If such changes were to occur, I fear I would no longer find joy in tuning into future seasons, making it seem as though Australian Survivor, a program I’ve cherished, is facing an uncertain future. A second voice echoes my sentiment, expressing the shared disappointment that has swept through the community of dedicated viewers.

I’m really disappointed, but I keep rewatching Australian Survivor mainly because of Jonathan. I think he makes it more appealing compared to the US version. It seems odd that anyone would let such a valuable asset go.” A bystander added.

“I’m feeling quite disheartened, but I find myself watching Australian Survivor multiple times, primarily due to Jonathan. He elevates it above the US version. It certainly seems unusual to let someone like him go.” Another voice chipped in.

It comes after LaPaglia’s replacement on Australian Survivor was officially announced. 

It’s no longer a secret, as confirmed by Channel Ten on Monday, David Genat – a past winner from Survivor – will be stepping into the hosting role for the TV series.

Genat began his Survivor journey on Australian Survivor: Champions v Contenders in 2019.

In 2020, after being the 14th contestant eliminated from Australian Survivor, he came back for the All Stars season and ultimately emerged victorious.

In June, fans were taken aback when it was revealed that LaPaglia had been let go from the show, marking the end of his nearly ten-year stint as a leading figure.

The television host received an outpouring of encouragement when he announced that the Australia V The World series’ final episode, broadcast on Sunday, would be his last appearance on the show.

He later detailed the brutal way he found out he had lost his job.

According to what was being discussed online, it was believed that I had received an email. However, this wasn’t the case; instead, my Australian manager called me. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive a direct call myself, which he shared with The Daily Telegraph.

Filming for the 2026 season has commenced, as evidenced by Genat’s recent arrival abroad to start shooting. However, it’s been reported that conflicts backstage persist.

The original TV host was swapped out for David, a prior contestant who’s now in the role, causing dissent among viewers and bewilderment behind the scenes due to his surprising elevation.

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2025-08-19 03:07