Jeff Probst understands that his survival as a daytime talk show host weighs on one factor: ratings.

“In daytime right now, the goal is you need to get renewed for a second year,” Probst stated. “That’s what we’re trying to accomplish now; convincing NBC and CBS to say, ‘Yeah, let’s do it another year.’”

The “Survivor” host feels confident with the product he’s put forth thus far.

“I love the show we put on,” he said of “The Jeff Probst Show.” “People have been very positive but the only thing that matters are ratings.”

Probst told me that the transition to daytime has been “a rollercoaster” at times but that he’s found his way, and is ready to bring on a co-host. He’s looking for a permanent seat holder, to offer a “Regis and Kathy” feel that he was comfortable with as a guest host.

Meanwhile, he’ll continue to fly solo as the anchor of “Survivor.” The reality show enters its 26th season tonight with “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites.”

“I did for years wonder, ‘Will we be back next year?’” admitted Probst, who notes that he’s now well-past that. “Now I realize, 13 years in, that it will come to an end at some point, but I don’t worry about when that is now.”

Probst credits that with the show’s “incredibly loyal audience” – because after all, in the end it boils down to ratings.