EXCLUSIVE: BARI WEISS PLOTTING CELEBRITY ‘SURVIVOR’ — AND INSIDERS SAY EXPECT A CAST WITH A MAGA TWIST

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Bari Weiss isn’t just shaking up CBS News. Sources tell Naughty But Nice the new boss has her sights set on the network’s entertainment division too—and one of her biggest obsessions is Survivor.

Insiders say Weiss has been floating the idea of a celebrity edition of the long-running reality franchise, complete with a headline-grabbing cast. At the top of her wish list? Tech journalist Kara Swisher.

The connection is a personal one. Weiss’s wife, journalist Nellie Bowles, previously dated Swisher before marrying Weiss.

“Bari talks about Survivor all the time,” a CBS insider tells Naughty But Nice. “She thinks the franchise is due for a major refresh, and she’s fascinated by the idea of a celebrity version that gets everyone talking.”

According to multiple insiders, Swisher’s name has surfaced more than once.

“Bari thinks Kara would be incredible television,” the source says. “There’s history there, there’s personality, and she would love to see her struggle with a tribe that doesn’t agree with her. Put her on an island and people would tune in.”

But that’s not the only change being discussed. Sources say those involved in early conversations have also been looking beyond Hollywood and actively considering contestants from deeply conservative parts of the country, reflecting Weiss’s belief that political and cultural clashes would fuel compelling television.

“Expect more MAGA players,” one insider says. “They’re actively looking for contestants from deep-red states because they think those personalities will create big moments and big ratings.”

The chatter underscores a broader shift taking place inside CBS. While Weiss has made headlines for her plans to overhaul the news division, insiders say her ambitions extend far beyond journalism.

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“People think she’s only focused on news,” another source says. “They’re missing the bigger picture. Bari wants to leave her mark across the entire network. Entertainment is absolutely part of that vision, and Survivor is one of the shows she’s talking about most.”

Whether a celebrity edition ultimately happens remains to be seen.

“Bari isn’t coming to preserve CBS,” an insider tells Naughty But Nice. “She’s coming to reinvent it.”

Cheers,

Rob Shuter

And remember... if you’re going to be naughty, you’ve got to be nice. 💋