The Challenge is entering a new era. After nearly three decades on MTV, the long-running reality competition is making the jump to streaming, and it’s bringing back one of its most memorable formats to mark the occasion.
Season 42, officially titled The Challenge: Cutthroat, revives the three-team gameplay first introduced back in 2010, this time set against the backdrop of Thailand and raising the stakes with a $500,000 grand prize. Here’s everything to know before the season kicks off.
When does The Challenge: Cutthroat premiere?
The Challenge: Cutthroat debuts Aug. 5, with new episodes dropping weekly at 12 a.m. PT/3 a.m. ET.
Where to watch
For the first time in the franchise’s history, The Challenge is leaving MTV behind to stream exclusively on Paramount+. The move marks a major shift for a series that’s aired on the network since 1998, though spinoffs like The Challenge: All Stars have previously found homes on streaming.
Watch the trailer
The Season 42 theme
As the title suggests, Season 42 revives the “Cutthroat” format last seen on Season 20 back in 2010. Filmed in Thailand, this new iteration splits the cast into three teams, competing for a share of a $500,000 grand prize. But there’s a twist: the only way to actually collect that cash is to cross the finish line together as a unit, and the winning captain will be the sole decider on how to split the prize money.
The cast
The 24-person cast blends franchise mainstays with a fresh wave of reality TV newcomers. Leading the veteran pack is Johnny “Bananas” DeVenanzio, the self-proclaimed GOAT who’s chasing a record eighth win after a slump dating back to Total Madness. He’s joined by five-time champ CT Tamburello, who’s looking to erase a rough Vets & New Threats showing, and two-time champion Cara Maria Sorbello, back after sitting out last season to care for her mother and now hunting for a historic third title.
Rounding out the notable returners are Tori Deal, Sydney Segal, Michele Fitzgerald, and Nurys Mateo, among others.
On the rookie side, Big Brother 27 standout Keanu Soto — a fan favorite for his blend of physical strength and (hilarious lack of) social strategy — makes his Challenge debut, alongside newcomers pulled from Love Island, Deal or No Deal Island, The Amazing Race, and Too Hot to Handle.
One of the season’s most anticipated storylines belongs to Nelson Thomas, who returns to the game following a car accident that changed the course of his life. His comeback marks not just a bid for his first Challenge win, but a chance to inspire other amputees watching at home.
See the full gallery of cast photos above (or click here).
Who’s hosting?
T.J. Lavin returns to host, guiding the cast through the season’s trials and eliminations.
