The Challenge

The Challenge

Legends will fall. A new champion will rise.

Created by Mary-Ellis Bunim, Jonathan Murray

On MTV, Paramount+

1998–42 seasons656 episodes42 min7.2 / 10

A high-energy, long-running competition series built on physical challenges and interpersonal drama, where the weekly reset and predictable format provide comfort despite genuine competitive stakes.

Each Challenge pits numerous cast members from past seasons of reality shows against each other, dividing them into two separate teams according to different criteria, such as gender, which show they first appeared on, whether or not they're veterans or rookies on the show, etc. The two teams compete in numerous missions in order to win prizes and advance in the overall game.

Where to watch

Questions people ask

  • Is The Challenge sad? Barely. Less sad than 80% of series.

  • Does The Challenge leave you hopeful? Somewhat. More hopeful than 69% of series.

  • Is The Challenge easy watching? Somewhat. More comforting than 66% of series.

  • Is The Challenge violent? Not especially. Less violent than 65% of series.

  • Is The Challenge scary? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

These describe how the series comes across across its whole run, compared with other well-known series. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked episode by episode, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

59/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this series gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Familiar shape, done well.

Rarity76

How unlike any other series this one feels

Surprise58

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love46

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Like The Challenge

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as The Challenge

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like The Challenge, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like The Challenge, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like The Challenge, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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