Season 39 of The Challenge is stirring up quite the buzz, but not all positive. As MTV gears up for the new season, aptly titled The Challenge: Battle for a New Champion, they’re deviating from the usual formula that has brought them massive success over the years.
This fresh approach, sidelining beloved champions from the main competition, has divided the fandom. While change can invigorate, the show’s decision has drawn sharp critiques. The Challenge boss, Emer Harkin, isn’t turning a blind eye to these reactions and is stepping up to address the fiery feedback.
‘The Challenge’ faces backlash over the casting for season 39
For season 39 of The Challenge, fans should anticipate crowning fresh faces as champions. Recently, MTV unveiled its next installment, dubbed The Challenge: Battle for a New Champion, and it’s taking a different direction from previous years.
This time, 24 participants, none of whom have ever tasted victory,...
This fresh approach, sidelining beloved champions from the main competition, has divided the fandom. While change can invigorate, the show’s decision has drawn sharp critiques. The Challenge boss, Emer Harkin, isn’t turning a blind eye to these reactions and is stepping up to address the fiery feedback.
‘The Challenge’ faces backlash over the casting for season 39
For season 39 of The Challenge, fans should anticipate crowning fresh faces as champions. Recently, MTV unveiled its next installment, dubbed The Challenge: Battle for a New Champion, and it’s taking a different direction from previous years.
This time, 24 participants, none of whom have ever tasted victory,...
- 9/21/2023
- by Perry Carpenter
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
MTV's flagship reality franchise, The Challenge, is gearing up for one of its biggest seasons yet.
The cabler on Tuesday morning confirmed The Challenge Season 39 will be subtitled "Battle for a New Champion."
"This season, returning contenders are hungry for their first victory, competing against each other and legendary Challenge champions in a fight for the throne," the logline teases.
The Challenge: Battle for a New Champion will feature 24 fierce contenders vying for the crown as they endure the ultimate test of willpower with unpredictable formats and shocking twists.
This season, mental and physical limits will be pushed further than ever before as contenders must face off against rotating vets in surprise eliminations.
With the stakes higher than ever, this new era of competitors must beat the best to be the best.
Ultimately, who will solidify their legacy and emerge as a first-time champion?
The new season premieres Wednesday,...
The cabler on Tuesday morning confirmed The Challenge Season 39 will be subtitled "Battle for a New Champion."
"This season, returning contenders are hungry for their first victory, competing against each other and legendary Challenge champions in a fight for the throne," the logline teases.
The Challenge: Battle for a New Champion will feature 24 fierce contenders vying for the crown as they endure the ultimate test of willpower with unpredictable formats and shocking twists.
This season, mental and physical limits will be pushed further than ever before as contenders must face off against rotating vets in surprise eliminations.
With the stakes higher than ever, this new era of competitors must beat the best to be the best.
Ultimately, who will solidify their legacy and emerge as a first-time champion?
The new season premieres Wednesday,...
- 9/12/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
“The Challenge” universe is expanding and thriving. Season 39 of the hit reality competition show, “The Challenge: Battle for a New Champion,” created by Bunim/Murray Productions, will premiere on MTV on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. Et.
This season will pit 24 returning contenders, one of who will to take home their first victory. In order to do so, they won’t only compete against each other but also will face 10 rotating “Challenge” legends in surprise eliminations each week. Vets include last season’s winners Tori Deal and Devin Walker, Cara Maria Sorbello, who hasn’t been on the series since 2019’s “War of the Worlds 2,” and five-time champion Ct Tamburello.
In the end, only one of the contenders can take home the win. There are many familiar faces in the bunch, including Olivia Kaiser, who suffered a shocking Season 38 injury and Tula “Big T” Fazakerley, who became beloved on her...
This season will pit 24 returning contenders, one of who will to take home their first victory. In order to do so, they won’t only compete against each other but also will face 10 rotating “Challenge” legends in surprise eliminations each week. Vets include last season’s winners Tori Deal and Devin Walker, Cara Maria Sorbello, who hasn’t been on the series since 2019’s “War of the Worlds 2,” and five-time champion Ct Tamburello.
In the end, only one of the contenders can take home the win. There are many familiar faces in the bunch, including Olivia Kaiser, who suffered a shocking Season 38 injury and Tula “Big T” Fazakerley, who became beloved on her...
- 9/12/2023
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
CBS has announced the lineup of six teams of lifelong friends who will be participating in the upcoming reality competition series “Buddy Games.” Hosted by Josh Duhamel, the show is set to premiere on Thursday, September 14 at 9:00 Pm Et/Pt on the CBS Television Network and will also be available for streaming on Paramount+.
“Buddy Games” brings together six teams of four close-knit friends, who have known each other at different stages of their lives, for a nostalgic summer camp adventure at a picturesque lakeside location. These friends will engage in a variety of physically and mentally challenging activities, aiming to relive their glory days while testing their bonds and friendships. Throughout the series, friendships will be put to the test as they compete to prove their connection is the strongest.
Here are the teams competing in the series premiere of “Buddy Games”:
Derby Squad: Jacky “Shu” Shu,...
“Buddy Games” brings together six teams of four close-knit friends, who have known each other at different stages of their lives, for a nostalgic summer camp adventure at a picturesque lakeside location. These friends will engage in a variety of physically and mentally challenging activities, aiming to relive their glory days while testing their bonds and friendships. Throughout the series, friendships will be put to the test as they compete to prove their connection is the strongest.
Here are the teams competing in the series premiere of “Buddy Games”:
Derby Squad: Jacky “Shu” Shu,...
- 8/15/2023
- by Morgan Hall
- TV Everyday
The trend of turning movies into reality series continues to gain steam.
Buddy Games, the 2019 comedy directed by and starring Josh Duhamel, has been adapted into a reality competition series for CBS.
The series, which comes from Real World and The Challenge producer Bunim Murray and CBS Studios, has been shot with Duhamel as host and the actor will executive produce via his Dakota Kid Productions banner.
The film centers on a group of six friends that reunite after a five-year hiatus to engage in a challenging set of dares and games and help lift one of their own out of depression and also have a chance of winning $150,000 while doing so.
Directed by Duhamel, it also starred Olivia Munn, Dax Shepard, Kevin Dillon and Neal McDonough. It was produced by WWE Studios and distributed by Saban Films. A sequel to the film is currently in the works.
It was...
Buddy Games, the 2019 comedy directed by and starring Josh Duhamel, has been adapted into a reality competition series for CBS.
The series, which comes from Real World and The Challenge producer Bunim Murray and CBS Studios, has been shot with Duhamel as host and the actor will executive produce via his Dakota Kid Productions banner.
The film centers on a group of six friends that reunite after a five-year hiatus to engage in a challenging set of dares and games and help lift one of their own out of depression and also have a chance of winning $150,000 while doing so.
Directed by Duhamel, it also starred Olivia Munn, Dax Shepard, Kevin Dillon and Neal McDonough. It was produced by WWE Studios and distributed by Saban Films. A sequel to the film is currently in the works.
It was...
- 4/12/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The season 38 finale of The Challenge showcased Tori Deal and Devin Walker’s impressive skills and dedication as they dominated the game with their strategic moves and unwavering commitment.
Despite having to face Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio and Nany González in the final, the “Ride or Dies” emerged victorious after beating out other strong teams such as Jordan Wiseley, Aneesa Ferreira, Horacio Gutiérrez, and Olivia Kaiser.
But their win wasn’t without a bit of controversy. After Tori and Devin emerged victorious, Johnny Bananas claimed that the pair cheated early in the finale.
Tori Deal | Cj Rivera/Getty Image Johnny Bananas says Tori Deal and Devin Walker cheated during ‘The Challenge’ finale
The beginning of The Challenge’s final test involved each team landing 10 bolas with an opportunity to sabotage other teams by making them drink a revolting smoothie. Tori and Devin took the lead, swiftly sabotaging Johnny and Nany with the nauseating beverage.
Despite having to face Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio and Nany González in the final, the “Ride or Dies” emerged victorious after beating out other strong teams such as Jordan Wiseley, Aneesa Ferreira, Horacio Gutiérrez, and Olivia Kaiser.
But their win wasn’t without a bit of controversy. After Tori and Devin emerged victorious, Johnny Bananas claimed that the pair cheated early in the finale.
Tori Deal | Cj Rivera/Getty Image Johnny Bananas says Tori Deal and Devin Walker cheated during ‘The Challenge’ finale
The beginning of The Challenge’s final test involved each team landing 10 bolas with an opportunity to sabotage other teams by making them drink a revolting smoothie. Tori and Devin took the lead, swiftly sabotaging Johnny and Nany with the nauseating beverage.
- 2/22/2023
- by Perry Carpenter
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
MTV’s The Challenge Season 38 final is nearly over, and fans continue to watch the final teams duke it out for 100 hours over the grand prize. Tori Deal and Devin Walker compete against Nany González and Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio in the last legs, and Tori and Devin come out on top. Here’s what producer Emer Harkin said about Tori and Devin’s teamwork that led them to win.
[Spoiler alert: The Challenge Season 38 final spoilers ahead.]
Tori Deal from MTV’s ‘The Challenge’ Season 38 smiling at a party | John Lamparski/WireImage ‘The Challenge’ Season 38 spoilers note Tori Deal and Devin Walker win
The Challenge Season 38 final spoilers noted Tori Deal and Devin Walker take home the win. Tori and Devin played a near-flawless season, as they communicated, played to their strengths, and worked hard during the 100-hour final to get to the end. The “ride or dies” only had one more team to beat after Jordan Wiseley,...
[Spoiler alert: The Challenge Season 38 final spoilers ahead.]
Tori Deal from MTV’s ‘The Challenge’ Season 38 smiling at a party | John Lamparski/WireImage ‘The Challenge’ Season 38 spoilers note Tori Deal and Devin Walker win
The Challenge Season 38 final spoilers noted Tori Deal and Devin Walker take home the win. Tori and Devin played a near-flawless season, as they communicated, played to their strengths, and worked hard during the 100-hour final to get to the end. The “ride or dies” only had one more team to beat after Jordan Wiseley,...
- 2/16/2023
- by Lauren Weiler
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
MTV’s The Challenge Season 38 final is nearly over, and fans get to see which of the three remaining teams takes home the win. Jordan Wiseley and Aneesa Ferreira, Nany González and Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio, and Tori Deal and Devin Walker remain. Here’s what producer Emer Harkin said about a “gigantic surprise” at the end of the season.
[Spoiler alert: The Challenge Season 38 final spoilers ahead.]
Jordan Wiseley and Aneesa Ferreira from ‘The Challenge’ Season 38 | MTV 3 teams remain to run the last few hours of ‘The Challenge’ Season 38 final
Jordan Wiseley and Aneesa Ferreira, Nany González and Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio, and Tori Deal and Devin Walker are still fighting for the big money in The Challenge Season 38 final. Tori and Devin have remained steady throughout the final, whereas Jordan and Aneesa have shown their cracks after Aneesa’s rolled ankle. Nany and Johnny have also had severe highs and lows, though...
[Spoiler alert: The Challenge Season 38 final spoilers ahead.]
Jordan Wiseley and Aneesa Ferreira from ‘The Challenge’ Season 38 | MTV 3 teams remain to run the last few hours of ‘The Challenge’ Season 38 final
Jordan Wiseley and Aneesa Ferreira, Nany González and Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio, and Tori Deal and Devin Walker are still fighting for the big money in The Challenge Season 38 final. Tori and Devin have remained steady throughout the final, whereas Jordan and Aneesa have shown their cracks after Aneesa’s rolled ankle. Nany and Johnny have also had severe highs and lows, though...
- 2/16/2023
- by Lauren Weiler
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“People like to see other people, for some weird reason, do crazy stuff on TV.” That’s Kaycee Clark’s explanation for why MTV’s long-running reality competition show The Challenge has remained so popular since launching in 1998. But Clark isn’t just a fan of the show; she’s a winner too, having triumphed in Season 37’s Spies, Lies & Allies edition.
“It’s just very relatable to a lot of people,” said Clark, who won Big Brother 20 on CBS before jumping to play The Challenge during Season 35 (Total Madness) and Season 36 (Double Agents). Clark, along with longtime contestant Chris “Ct” Tamburello, showrunner Emer Harkin and host T.J. Lavin, joined Deadline’s Contenders Television: Documentary + Unscripted award-season event to discuss the show.
“It’s the weirdest thing. But I think with this game, it’s just so strategic,” she continued. “It’s hard not to get into it, and it...
“It’s just very relatable to a lot of people,” said Clark, who won Big Brother 20 on CBS before jumping to play The Challenge during Season 35 (Total Madness) and Season 36 (Double Agents). Clark, along with longtime contestant Chris “Ct” Tamburello, showrunner Emer Harkin and host T.J. Lavin, joined Deadline’s Contenders Television: Documentary + Unscripted award-season event to discuss the show.
“It’s the weirdest thing. But I think with this game, it’s just so strategic,” she continued. “It’s hard not to get into it, and it...
- 4/23/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
MTV announced that the new season of “The Challenge,” subtitled “Spies, Lies and Allies,” will premiere on Aug. 11.
For the first time, the franchise — now in its 37th season — will feature 17 international players competing alongside U.S. contestants. The season will take place on the Mediterranean coast of Croatia.
This season’s cast includes veterans Tori Deal, Nany Gonzalez, Aneesa Ferreira, Ashley Mitchell, Kaycee Clark, Amanda Garcia, Big T, Nelson Thomas, Cory Wharton, Josh Martinez, Kyle Christie, Fessy Shafaat, Ct Tamburello, Devin Walker and Nam Vo, alongside rookies Michela Bradshaw, Michele Fitzgerald, Tacha Akide, Emy Alupei, Berna Canbeldek, Priscilla Anyabu, Tracy Candela, Bettina Buchanan, Esther Agunbiade, Lauren Coogan, Corey Lay, Jeremiah White, Tommy Sheenan, Gabo Szabo, Hughie Maughan, Emmanuel Neagu, Logan Sampedro, Kelz Dyke and Renan Hellemans.
Executive produced by Dan Caster, Julie Pizzi, Emer Harkin, Ryan Smith and Danny Wascou, “The Challenge” was created for MTV by Bunim/Murray Productions.
For the first time, the franchise — now in its 37th season — will feature 17 international players competing alongside U.S. contestants. The season will take place on the Mediterranean coast of Croatia.
This season’s cast includes veterans Tori Deal, Nany Gonzalez, Aneesa Ferreira, Ashley Mitchell, Kaycee Clark, Amanda Garcia, Big T, Nelson Thomas, Cory Wharton, Josh Martinez, Kyle Christie, Fessy Shafaat, Ct Tamburello, Devin Walker and Nam Vo, alongside rookies Michela Bradshaw, Michele Fitzgerald, Tacha Akide, Emy Alupei, Berna Canbeldek, Priscilla Anyabu, Tracy Candela, Bettina Buchanan, Esther Agunbiade, Lauren Coogan, Corey Lay, Jeremiah White, Tommy Sheenan, Gabo Szabo, Hughie Maughan, Emmanuel Neagu, Logan Sampedro, Kelz Dyke and Renan Hellemans.
Executive produced by Dan Caster, Julie Pizzi, Emer Harkin, Ryan Smith and Danny Wascou, “The Challenge” was created for MTV by Bunim/Murray Productions.
- 7/14/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
“I take neither the credit nor the blame,” executive producer Jonathan Murray smiles when asked about being billed as a pioneering leader and innovator in the reality TV genre. Thanks in large part to him and his producing partner, the late Mary-Ellis Bunim, the genre has spawned hundreds of formats, series and specials, becoming a juggernaut across the television landscape. So after decades of producing some of TV’s most recognizable reality franchises, it seems fitting that this season Murray was finally able to revisit his first foray in the genre with the latest iteration of MTV’s groundbreaking observational “Real World” reality TV series, “The Real World Homecoming: New York.”
Watch our exclusive video interview with Murray above in which he shares anecdotes about the trials, tribulations and joys of working on the show while also looking back on past highlights from his celebrated career to date.
See Exclusive...
Watch our exclusive video interview with Murray above in which he shares anecdotes about the trials, tribulations and joys of working on the show while also looking back on past highlights from his celebrated career to date.
See Exclusive...
- 6/21/2021
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
Nickelodeon announced that the two new animated series “The Patrick Star Show” and “Middlemost Post” will debut back-to-back on July 9 at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Both series will continue to roll out new episodes on Friday nights.
“The Patrick Star Show” marks the second “SpongeBob SquarePants” spin-off series after “Camp Coral” made its debut on Paramount Plus earlier this year. The series will follow a younger Patrick Star living at home with his family, where he hosts his own variety show for the neighborhood from his television-turned-bedroom.
In the premiere episode, “Late for Breakfast,” Patrick presents a show about food after missing out on a hearty breakfast. Then in “Bummer Jobs,” Patrick and SpongeBob experience the wonders of the workforce.
Bill Fagerbakke returns to voice the iconic starfish alongside an array of new cast members, including Tom Wilson as Cecil Star; Cree Summer as Bunny Star; Jill Talley...
Both series will continue to roll out new episodes on Friday nights.
“The Patrick Star Show” marks the second “SpongeBob SquarePants” spin-off series after “Camp Coral” made its debut on Paramount Plus earlier this year. The series will follow a younger Patrick Star living at home with his family, where he hosts his own variety show for the neighborhood from his television-turned-bedroom.
In the premiere episode, “Late for Breakfast,” Patrick presents a show about food after missing out on a hearty breakfast. Then in “Bummer Jobs,” Patrick and SpongeBob experience the wonders of the workforce.
Bill Fagerbakke returns to voice the iconic starfish alongside an array of new cast members, including Tom Wilson as Cecil Star; Cree Summer as Bunny Star; Jill Talley...
- 6/17/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: MTV has renewed The Challenge for season 37.
The latest season of the MTV competition series will take place in Croatia, long-time host T.J. Lavin revealed in a teaser, which you can watch above. Contestants must go through extreme challenges and avoid eliminations to walk away the winner.
“This is going to be the most epic season yet,” Lavin teased in the brief video.
Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV Shows Ended Or Continuing In 2020-21 Season
Season 36, The Challenge: Double Agents, saw Amber Borzotra and Chris “Ct” Tamburello walk away victorious in Reykjavik, Iceland. The latest iteration also earned a .94 full season average, making Double Agents one of the highest rated season of the series in years. Throughout the season, Double Agents was the most-watched program in its time period in the 18-34 demographic, among others.
MTV will unveil the full cast list and premiere date for The Challenge Season 37 at a later date.
The latest season of the MTV competition series will take place in Croatia, long-time host T.J. Lavin revealed in a teaser, which you can watch above. Contestants must go through extreme challenges and avoid eliminations to walk away the winner.
“This is going to be the most epic season yet,” Lavin teased in the brief video.
Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV Shows Ended Or Continuing In 2020-21 Season
Season 36, The Challenge: Double Agents, saw Amber Borzotra and Chris “Ct” Tamburello walk away victorious in Reykjavik, Iceland. The latest iteration also earned a .94 full season average, making Double Agents one of the highest rated season of the series in years. Throughout the season, Double Agents was the most-watched program in its time period in the 18-34 demographic, among others.
MTV will unveil the full cast list and premiere date for The Challenge Season 37 at a later date.
- 6/17/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
“We just try to keep raising the bar as much as we can and we’re shooting for the stars,” declares executive producer Emer Harkin about the trials, tribulations and joys of working on the latest Iceland-set season of MTV’s reality action series phenomenon “The Challenge,” its most ambitious to date. “We seem to sort of deliver the undeliverable, season after season,” she smiles. “It’s a pretty crazy space that we work in, but it’s pretty amazing!” Watch our exclusive video interview with Harkin above.
See Exclusive Video Interview: James McGowan (‘The Challenge’ production designer)
“The Challenge” is a ratings powerhouse for MTV, usually featuring alumni from all over TV competing against one another in various extreme challenges to avoid elimination and to win a share of the coveted cash prize. The series is now in its 36th season, premiering well before more recent reality series in the genre.
See Exclusive Video Interview: James McGowan (‘The Challenge’ production designer)
“The Challenge” is a ratings powerhouse for MTV, usually featuring alumni from all over TV competing against one another in various extreme challenges to avoid elimination and to win a share of the coveted cash prize. The series is now in its 36th season, premiering well before more recent reality series in the genre.
- 6/7/2021
- by Rob Licuria
- Gold Derby
“It was one of the most intense seasons that we’ve ever created,” said Emer Harkin, executive producer of MTV and Bunim/Murray Productions’ long-running reality competition series The Challenge.
Filmed in frigid Iceland, Season 36 of the series, dubbed The Challenge: Double Agents, drew inspiration from espionage thrillers like James Bond movies, Atomic Blonde and Charlie’s Angels.
During the show’s presentation at Deadline Contenders Television: Documentary + Unscripted awards-season event, Harkin was accompanied by Julie Pizzi, president of Bunim/Murray Productions, along with cast members and Challenge veterans Leroy Garrett and Aneesa Ferreira.
“We just got creatively inspired from that world and then built this immersive environment for our cast within Iceland, which as you can imagine is extremely unforgiving hostile and breezing in the middle of winter,” said Harkin. “So they sort of went beautifully hand in hand to create an environment for the cast that was really challenging...
Filmed in frigid Iceland, Season 36 of the series, dubbed The Challenge: Double Agents, drew inspiration from espionage thrillers like James Bond movies, Atomic Blonde and Charlie’s Angels.
During the show’s presentation at Deadline Contenders Television: Documentary + Unscripted awards-season event, Harkin was accompanied by Julie Pizzi, president of Bunim/Murray Productions, along with cast members and Challenge veterans Leroy Garrett and Aneesa Ferreira.
“We just got creatively inspired from that world and then built this immersive environment for our cast within Iceland, which as you can imagine is extremely unforgiving hostile and breezing in the middle of winter,” said Harkin. “So they sort of went beautifully hand in hand to create an environment for the cast that was really challenging...
- 5/1/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The Challenge recently crowned a winner for its 36th season, but it looks like the next season is already in doubt.
According to The Ashley Reality Roundup, The Challenge Season 37, which was in production in Croatia, has been completely shut down.
The reason is that someone associated with the show tested positive for Covid-19.
While there's no confirmation, a source has claimed to the outlet that it was a cast member who tested positive for the virus.
Stringent protocols were in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19, meaning that the cast members had to pass countless tests before being allowed to be a part of the cast.
The positive test came five to six days into filming, but producers announced they would be testing cast members multiple times per week.
“[The cast member] tested positive after [he/she] had already been in the Challenge House and had completed and filmed the first daily challenge,...
According to The Ashley Reality Roundup, The Challenge Season 37, which was in production in Croatia, has been completely shut down.
The reason is that someone associated with the show tested positive for Covid-19.
While there's no confirmation, a source has claimed to the outlet that it was a cast member who tested positive for the virus.
Stringent protocols were in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19, meaning that the cast members had to pass countless tests before being allowed to be a part of the cast.
The positive test came five to six days into filming, but producers announced they would be testing cast members multiple times per week.
“[The cast member] tested positive after [he/she] had already been in the Challenge House and had completed and filmed the first daily challenge,...
- 4/27/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
In April 2020, just when “The Challenge” audience was getting used to sheltering in place in their own homes due to the Covid-19 pandemic, MTV launched the “Total Madness” season of that reality competition series, which sealed its contestants off from the general public and housed them in a bunker, due to its post-apocalyptic theme.
Having shot that season before the pandemic swept the globe meant that production on “Total Madness” was business as usual for the team, led by showrunner Emer Harkin. It wasn’t until the “Double Agents” season, which premieres Dec. 9, that they had to figure out how to safely scout, travel cast and crew and film full-contact competitions amid the ongoing real-world pandemic.
“For everybody [in the cast], it was about getting [their] head wrapped around [the new] steps that would get us to the show, and then once they were in the house they could proceed as normal,” Harkin tells Variety. “By...
Having shot that season before the pandemic swept the globe meant that production on “Total Madness” was business as usual for the team, led by showrunner Emer Harkin. It wasn’t until the “Double Agents” season, which premieres Dec. 9, that they had to figure out how to safely scout, travel cast and crew and film full-contact competitions amid the ongoing real-world pandemic.
“For everybody [in the cast], it was about getting [their] head wrapped around [the new] steps that would get us to the show, and then once they were in the house they could proceed as normal,” Harkin tells Variety. “By...
- 12/3/2020
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
After a 35th season that put its contestants in a post-apocalyptic style bunker, there was no way a global pandemic was going to stop “The Challenge.”
The 36th season, subtitled “Double Agents” and shot on location in Iceland under Covid-safe guidelines, will premiere Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. on MTV, the cabler announced Thursday.
Additionally, MTV announced a “meet the cast” sneak peek special episode, “MTV’s The Challenge: Double Agents Declassified,” airing Dec. 7 at 8 p.m., and that the official “Challenge” podcast through a partnership with iHeartPodcast Network will launch Dec. 10.
“The Challenge: Double Agents” is a partner-format season consisting of 19 episodes in which 30 of players from “The Challenge” history as well as some other reality competition series such as “Survivor,” “Big Brother” and even “America’s Got Talent” compete for their share of a $1 million prize.
This season will feature “Challenge” veteran Chris “Ct” Tamburello, who is the longest-leading vet on the season,...
The 36th season, subtitled “Double Agents” and shot on location in Iceland under Covid-safe guidelines, will premiere Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. on MTV, the cabler announced Thursday.
Additionally, MTV announced a “meet the cast” sneak peek special episode, “MTV’s The Challenge: Double Agents Declassified,” airing Dec. 7 at 8 p.m., and that the official “Challenge” podcast through a partnership with iHeartPodcast Network will launch Dec. 10.
“The Challenge: Double Agents” is a partner-format season consisting of 19 episodes in which 30 of players from “The Challenge” history as well as some other reality competition series such as “Survivor,” “Big Brother” and even “America’s Got Talent” compete for their share of a $1 million prize.
This season will feature “Challenge” veteran Chris “Ct” Tamburello, who is the longest-leading vet on the season,...
- 11/12/2020
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: MTV’s hit unscripted series The Challenge will keep going. The ViacomCBS cable network has picked up the venerable athletic competition series for a record 36th season.
The news comes as the current installment, The Challenge: Total Madness, is pacing to be the franchise’s highest-rated season in eight years, with total viewership up 10% (1.51 mil vs. 1.39 mil) and P18-49 averaging a 1.61 rating in Live+3.
The Challenge also has been key to MTV maintaining its spot as the #1 cable network among P18-34 with 2 of the top 3 cable series — The Challenge (#2) and Jersey Shore Family Vacation (#3).
In The Challenge: Total Madness, veterans team up with rookie prospects from franchises including Big Brother, Amazing Race, American Ninja Warrior and Survivor to go though grueling challenges and brutal eliminations. In the July 16 Season 35 finale, nine finalists compete for their share of the $1,000,000 prize.
The season will be followed in the near...
The news comes as the current installment, The Challenge: Total Madness, is pacing to be the franchise’s highest-rated season in eight years, with total viewership up 10% (1.51 mil vs. 1.39 mil) and P18-49 averaging a 1.61 rating in Live+3.
The Challenge also has been key to MTV maintaining its spot as the #1 cable network among P18-34 with 2 of the top 3 cable series — The Challenge (#2) and Jersey Shore Family Vacation (#3).
In The Challenge: Total Madness, veterans team up with rookie prospects from franchises including Big Brother, Amazing Race, American Ninja Warrior and Survivor to go though grueling challenges and brutal eliminations. In the July 16 Season 35 finale, nine finalists compete for their share of the $1,000,000 prize.
The season will be followed in the near...
- 7/9/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
MTV’s ‘The Challenge: Total Madness’ Season 35 Premiere Scores Highest Ratings In Years In Key Demos
Exclusive: MTV’s The Challenge: Total Madness‘ Season 35 premiere Wednesday saw its highest ratings in years in two key demos.
The hit athletic competition show, which pits 28 cast members against one another in a quest for a $1 million prize, drew a 1.14 rating in P18-49, its best premiere showing in eight years, and a 1.27 rating in P18-34, the highest in seven years, in Live+Sd.
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The premiere episode at 8 Pm Et saw its biggest lifts in M18-49 (+71%) and M18-34 (+69%), perhaps reflecting a void in sports programming during the Covid-19 pandemic. Total viewers were 1.06 million, up 47% from last season’s average (726k). Wednesday’s night...
The hit athletic competition show, which pits 28 cast members against one another in a quest for a $1 million prize, drew a 1.14 rating in P18-49, its best premiere showing in eight years, and a 1.27 rating in P18-34, the highest in seven years, in Live+Sd.
More from Deadline'The Masked Singer' Surges To Wednesday High; 'American Housewife' Ticks Up In Ratings'fbi' Season Finale Hits Season High In Viewers; 'NCIS' Tops Tuesday Ratings'The Voice' Leads Monday Ratings; 'The Good Doctor' Season Finale Matches Season High
The premiere episode at 8 Pm Et saw its biggest lifts in M18-49 (+71%) and M18-34 (+69%), perhaps reflecting a void in sports programming during the Covid-19 pandemic. Total viewers were 1.06 million, up 47% from last season’s average (726k). Wednesday’s night...
- 4/2/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Fade up on the sound of a helicopter’s rotor blades. It is a dark but clear night. Inside that aircraft sit 28 men and women in two rows, dressed in the uniform of their chosen battle, “The Challenge.” After they descend onto an open expanse, Tj Lavin pulls the doors open and everyone cheers. They may be walking into the unknown, but for most, it is far from the first time they are doing so. This is a landmark 35th season for the MTV reality competition series — the end of a trilogy of seasons that began with “War of the Worlds” in early 2019 — and everyone from veterans, veterans lite (only a few seasons under their belts) and rookies knows they are in for an experience like no other. There is a reason the season is subtitled “Total Madness.”
“We went into this saying, ‘Let’s deliver something awesome.’ The mandate for our challenge development team,...
“We went into this saying, ‘Let’s deliver something awesome.’ The mandate for our challenge development team,...
- 3/31/2020
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix is dropping new episodes of “Nailed It!” in April and Quibi released the official trailer for “Murder House Flip.”
Dates
Netflix is dropping Season 4 of “Nailed It!” on Wednesday, April 1. The show, hosted by Nicole Byer and Jacques Torres, follows home-bakers, who have a poor track record in the kitchen, as they take a shot at re-creating edible masterpieces for a $10,000 prize. The show is produced by Magical Elves with Casey Kriley, Patrick Doody and Gayle Gawlowski serving as executive producers. Watch the official trailer of the upcoming Season 4 below.
First Looks
Quibi has released the official trailer of “Murder House Flip.” The unconventional new home renovation show takes on the country’s most infamous homes in which there have been mysterious murders. Homeowners turn to high-end renovation experts, Mikel Welch and Joelle Uzyel, to take these homes from “morbid to marvelous.” “Murder...
Dates
Netflix is dropping Season 4 of “Nailed It!” on Wednesday, April 1. The show, hosted by Nicole Byer and Jacques Torres, follows home-bakers, who have a poor track record in the kitchen, as they take a shot at re-creating edible masterpieces for a $10,000 prize. The show is produced by Magical Elves with Casey Kriley, Patrick Doody and Gayle Gawlowski serving as executive producers. Watch the official trailer of the upcoming Season 4 below.
First Looks
Quibi has released the official trailer of “Murder House Flip.” The unconventional new home renovation show takes on the country’s most infamous homes in which there have been mysterious murders. Homeowners turn to high-end renovation experts, Mikel Welch and Joelle Uzyel, to take these homes from “morbid to marvelous.” “Murder...
- 3/18/2020
- by Klaritza Rico
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, MTV announced the premiere date and cast for the 35th season of “The Challenge,” and the CW announces premiere dates for three summer shows.
Casting
MTV has revealed the lineup for season 35 of the reality-competition series “The Challenge,” dubbed “The Challenge: Total Madness.” To commemorate the landmark season, the 28-member cast features a mix of series veterans and newcomers competing in challenges for a million-dollar prize. Among the veterans are Mattie Breaux, Tula “Big T” Fazakerley and Jennifer West, each back for their second-ever challenge; third-time challengers Josh Martinez, Dee Nguyen, Melissa Reeves, Rogan O’Connor and Stephen Bear; fourth-time challenger Tori Deal; fifth-time challengers Kailah Casillas and Kyle Christie; sixth-time challengers Nelson Thomas and Jordan Wisely; seventh-time challengers Ashley Mitchell and Cory Wharton; and eighth-time challenger Jenna Compono. Additionally, mega-veterans such as 13-time challengers Aneesa Ferreira and Wes Bergmann, 17-time challenger Ct Tamburello; and Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio,...
Casting
MTV has revealed the lineup for season 35 of the reality-competition series “The Challenge,” dubbed “The Challenge: Total Madness.” To commemorate the landmark season, the 28-member cast features a mix of series veterans and newcomers competing in challenges for a million-dollar prize. Among the veterans are Mattie Breaux, Tula “Big T” Fazakerley and Jennifer West, each back for their second-ever challenge; third-time challengers Josh Martinez, Dee Nguyen, Melissa Reeves, Rogan O’Connor and Stephen Bear; fourth-time challenger Tori Deal; fifth-time challengers Kailah Casillas and Kyle Christie; sixth-time challengers Nelson Thomas and Jordan Wisely; seventh-time challengers Ashley Mitchell and Cory Wharton; and eighth-time challenger Jenna Compono. Additionally, mega-veterans such as 13-time challengers Aneesa Ferreira and Wes Bergmann, 17-time challenger Ct Tamburello; and Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio,...
- 3/5/2020
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
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