The Challenge Historian

Survivor is celebrating it's monumental 50th season and I'm enjoying it too much not to talk about it! Today we will get caught up on the major storylines and moments from the first four episodes of the season. Then be on the lookout every Wednesday night post new episode airing, as we will go live on YouTube (The Challenge Historian) to recap everything that happened (and post as podcast right after).

Chapters:

Introduction (00:00)

My Survivor History (03:20)

Casting Overall (08:56)

Episode 1 Reactions (14:59)

Episode 2 Reactions (26:06)

Episode 3 Reactions (39:52)

The Challenge is coming back! Filming has begun for season 42 which means we’ve got the official cast list to react to! How’d casting do? Who are we shocked to see? Who are we excited to see? Who are we maybe not so excited to see? Let’s break it down!

00:00 Introduction

05:51 Full Cast List

08:27 Female Cast Breakdown

18:57 Male Cast Breakdown

31:22 Alternates & Drops

36:49 Location & Theme

40:42 Health of the Franchise

46:18 Wishes & Predictions

#TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallenge42 #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast #CastReactions

If you hate cheating that much then let's name some names! Plus: CT's mini redemption, Turbo is everyone's alpha just like he likes, Will has some Will moments, put some respect on Jonna, and a draft that is supposed to be permanent but probably isn’t going to be! It’s The Challenge 41 Vets & New Threats, Episode 9 Recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Updates (00:39)

Alpha Turbo, Ashley vs Aneesa (01:54)

Cheaters Get Away With It (07:09)

The Draft (16:08)

Awards (25:15)

Power Rankings (27:48)

#TheChallenge #TheChallenge41 #VetsandNewThreats #TheChallengeHistorian #Real...

They said it could never happen, but here we are, a convoluted format twist that I actually love?!? Plus: Nany gets down, Leo thinks he is Thanos, Ashley is allowed to drive, alliances take final shape, and Tay notches her second elimination win of the season! It’s The Challenge 41 Vets & New Threats, Episode 7 Recap, topics include:

00:00 Cold Open

00:38 Intro & Updates

01:55 Daily Challenge

09:13 Hookups & House Fun

15:04 Alliances Finalize

23:12 Elimination

26:05 Episode Awards

28:34 Points Twist & Power Rankings

#TheChallenge #TheChallenge41 #VetsandNewThreats #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast #Th...

Derek Chavez is HIM! Plus: One two time champ leaves and another enters the game, a movie promo that actually kind of works, surprisingly solid kicking skills, Michaela stays hot, Ben most certainly does not, a tie vote turns into flipping a coin, and we get what maybe should be the new standard for Hall Brawl eliminations!?! It’s The Challenge 41 Vets and New Threats Episode 5 Recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Updates (00:39)

Aneesa Eavesdrops, Cara Leaves (02:07)

Daily Challenge Recap (07:24)

Alliances & Nominations (15:40)

Derek Dominates (24:33)

Awards (30:48)

From I Am The Challenge to I Am Not On The Challenge in one episode! Plus: Turbo learns which body parts come out when, CT and Adrienne the new power couple, Michaela does smart things, Theo huffs and puffs, they don’t show us fun bus things, and Gabe gets his big moment of redemption and glory! It’s The Challenge 41 Vets and New Threats Episode 4 Recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Updates (00:36)

Pre-Daily (01:43)

Daily Challenge (04:26)

Club/Nominations (12:28)

Elimination (17:22)

Awards (26:07)

Power Rankings (27:20)

#T...

Let Nia compete! Plus: Derek’s birthday, rookies gaining confidence, vets looking washed up, Cara the comedian, Olivia is seated on the throne as the clear alpha of the house and her relationship - at least according to Turbo, and Johnny “I am the Challenge” Bananas navigates the game and the cameras like only Bananas can. It’s The Challenge 41 Vets and New Threats Episode 3 Recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Updates (00:39)

Pre-Daily Storylines (02:36)

Daily Challenge (08:54)

Non Olivia-Bananas Things (14:15)

Olivia vs Bananas (25:12)

Best Quote, Moment, MVP (34...

An all time elimination game is born! Plus: Turbo gives Bananas the middle finger, CT goes full house uncle mode, UK learns being the only alliance isn’t a good thing, production may be winning me over with the format, and Will has a full blown crash out over the most professional showmance we’ve ever seen! It’s The Challenge 41, Vets & New Threats, Episode 2 Recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Updates (00:39)

Format Won Me Over (03:22)

Daily Challenge (09:25)

Alliance Moves (16:33)

Will’s Crash Out (21:07)

Great Eliminat...

Derrick & Derek swing the vote and likely the game! Plus: never take off your shoes in a daily, self aware CT, MAC Champion Leka, Dee and Bananas start strong, the expected good teams are good, Turbo gets better at talking shit and making jokes, the format is all over the place, Rogan gets what he asks for, and Justin rebounds from betrayal to shine in his debut elimination! It’s The Challenge Vets and New Threats Episode 1 recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Updates (00:45)

Daily Challenge (03:58)

Derek Backstabs Justin (09:42)

Ho...

The Challenge Historian is back to cover the newest season of The Challenge, Season 41, Vets & New Threats. Last week saw the ACTUAL PREMIERE EPISODE of Season 41, and Jacob is here today to quickly cover a couple highlights from episode 0 and power rank the new teams now that they are known. Of course, we start off the show with a few life and show updates, so make sure not to skip through those!

Cold Open (00:00)

Show Updates (00:35)

Episode 0 Recap (07:40)

Power Rankings (23:07)

#TheChallenge #TheChallenge41 #VetsandNewThreats #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeRecaps 

Frank and Sam coming to their breaking point, Melissa and Nicole proving I might have been right all along, Da'vonne and Shane showing out, and Adam and Steve winning by the tiniest of margins and choosing to split the money in the end! It’s The Challenge All Stars Rivals finale recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (02:11)

Checkpoint 5 (04:13)

Checkpoint 6 (06:47)

Checkpoint 7 (11:43)

Checkpoint 8 (18:42)

Outro (30:56)

#TheChallenge #TheChallengeAllStars #TheChallengeAllStarsRivals #TheChallengeRivals #Rivals #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeRecaps 

The final has begun and an upset is brewing! Sam and Frank face fears of the past and present with sand dunes to start, Melissa and Nicole start fast but fade late, Adam and Steve are just not clicking like we thought they would, TJ is putting on a concert mid-final, and Da’Vonne and Shane go from not wanting to participate to taking a commanding lead! It’s The Challenge All Stars Rivals Episode 11 recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:40)

House (03:10)

Checkpoint 1 (09:56)

Checkpoint 2 (16:37)

Checkpint 3 (23:06)

Ch...

One last shot at a star falls short! Plus: Nicole introduces her girlfriend to her hot teammate that she definitely doesn’t flirt with, Shane packs his bags but stops short of walking out of the game, Frank and Sam polish off their damn near flawless run through the season, and Nany and Turbo get their shot at redemption but fall short thanks to a comedic performance for the ages from Steve and Adam propelling them to their record tying 5th elimination win of the season! It’s The Challenge All Stars Rivals, Episode 10 recap, topics include:

Cold...

That’s it, no one let Veronica pack heels for the next All Stars season! Plus: a phone call home that really should have been edited out, a real throwback fun daily, Da'Vonne catches Frank in the act, Shane plays ankle doctor, Turbo gives a pep talk, Nany is super activated, and Melissa and Nicole lock in and maybe lock lips!?!? It’s The Challenge All Stars Rivals Episode 9 Recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:42)

Edit It Out (02:58)

Daily Challenge (07:27)

Veronica’s Foot (13:06)

Elimination (19:16)

Best Q...

Leroy is avenged! Plus: a terrifying spa night, Turbo loves his couches, the house does not love Turbo, everyone goes off the cliff, Steve and Adam win yet again, and Shane and Frank continue battling for the coveted spot as Veronica’s bestie! It’s The Challenge All Stars Rivals Episode 8 recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Coral is Back (00:35)

Turbo and His Couch (05:01)

Daily Challenge (11:25)

Frank vs Shane, Turbo vs Melissa (15:57)

Elimination (26:14)

Best Quote, Moment, MVP (30:56)

Power Rankings & Predictions (33:21)

#TheChallenge #TheChallengeAllStars #TheC...

Down go the potential finals favorites! Plus: the investigation to find They continues, Amber loses friends just as quick as she got them, Shane starts to stir, Frank does a lot of pacing and yelling, Veronica asserts her dominance, and Nany and Turbo give a quick reminder that they might be the team to beat this whole time! It’s The Challenge, All Stars Rivals, episode 7 recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:39)

Amber Figured It Out (03:35)

Daily Challenge (06:18)

Arguments and Nominations (11:42)

Elimination (21:39)

Best Quote, Mo...

The next season of The Challenge All Stars should be Real World vs Road Rules and I won't hear otherwise! With All Stars Rivals being such a hit, and with Mark Long himself tweeting about it, my longtime desire for All Stars to do a Real World vs Road Rules team season resurfaced in a big way. It was the theme that started it all, and the options for casting are vast (and realistic)!

Today, I'm breaking down why I want RW vs RR so bad as the next All Stars theme, what the best case format...

Challenge Masterclass is back in session! Plus: Amber finally has a friend, Shane & Da’Vonne finally get some screen time, Sam & Frank sort of continue the win streak, Steve and Adam DON’T have to do an elimination, and OG schemers Veronica and Katie have the house in complete panic mode doing exactly what they want! It’s The Challenge All Stars Rivals Episode 6 Recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:41)

Amber Has a Friend! (03:22)

Daily Challenge & Star Twist (09:11)

Veronica Katie Masterclass (14:55)

Elimination (25:47)

Best Quote, Moment...

Four in a row, these OGs can not be stopped! Plus: TJ puts everyone’s true feelings on blast, Sam and Frank take complete control, Corey and Adam have a lil beef, Devin and Dario have a big beef, some nasty stuff gets drunk, and a star is now officially being held hostage! It’s The Challenge All Stars Rivals Episode 5 Recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:37)

Calls Home, Sam vs Bike (02:38)

Daily Challenge (07:31)

Dario’s Mistake & Fight (13:52)

Vote and Pick (22:50)

Elimination (28:38)

Best Q...

Throwing in Ashley and Aneesa? What are we doing team I am rooting for??? Plus: romance strikes the Rivals house, Katie’s masterclass is in session, not the most graceful of flyers in this group, two very different calls home to significant others, and Steve and Adam continue their potentially historic elimination run! It’s The Challenge All Stars 5 Rivals, Episode 4 recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:42)

Ashley Calls Home, Katie’s Masterclass (03:24)

Daily Challenge Shows Weaknesses (07:40)

Party, Noms, Adam’s Pitch (12:40)

Dumb Pick & Elimination (18:53)

Best Q...

The Challenge 41 filming is underway in Chile! I’m breaking down all the vet casting picks in detail, all the rookie casting picks in not so much detail, telling you who I would have called in my own fantasy casting, and breaking down best case formats for this season of The Challenge.

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:37)

Vet Cast Breakdown (05:10)

Rookie Cast Breakdown (20:35)

Who I Would Have Cast (32:04)

Best Case Formats (42:31)

#TheChallenge #TheChallenge41 #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTVPodcast #TheChallengePodcast #TheChallengeRecaps

Sylvia and KellyAnne complete the fastest Rivals season arc ever! Plus: Adam - and maybe some others - are VERY sick, some fears and insecurities are faced and overcome, Devin thinks he’s masterminding while Frank actually masterminds, and the inevitable blow up between Aneesa and Ashley begins it’s countdown! It’s the Challenge All Stars 5 Rivals, Episode 3 recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:37)

Parties and Frank Both Rule (03:26)

Daily Challenge Recap (11:10)

Adam’s Sick, Alliances Shown (15:53)

Elimination, KellyAnne Sylvia Goodbye (23:01)

Aneesa vs Ashley D...

TJ is in the house doing group votes and I couldn’t be happier! Plus: Beth’s got jeans from Gauntlet 2, Leroy’s got poop jokes, no one wants to do the daily challenge, Amber is still good but maybe still too nice, Frank is getting busy, Adam and Steve are old but game, and Sylvia and KellyAnne remind the house that this is in fact a Rivals season! It’s The Challenge All Stars 5 Rivals, episode 2 recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:45)

Beer Pong & Beth’s Jeans (03:10)

Heights, Quitters, Amber Fess...

Six months ago the monumental 40th season of The Challenge kicked off. Now, a few weeks after it has ended, and as we watch a new All Stars season commence, we take one final look back at how things shook out for Battle of the Eras.

Before getting to the season recap and awards, I dive into The State of The Challenge (or kind of the state of my fandom and all Challenge fandom really) and cover why the show is where it is and a bit of how it can get back on track. If that...

The Challenge is SO BACK! Plus: TJ has a sick bike, Ashley gets leading lady honors, Frank is trying very hard to remain chill, Turbo eats berries and doesn’t speak, Dario is very much considering life as a step dad, and oh so many actual juicy real raw rivalries and emotions are at play and this season is going to rule!! It’s The Challenge All Stars 5: Rivals, premiere episode recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:45)

Open, Ashley Spotlight, Pumped Up (04:34)

House, Jonna & Beth, Nany & Turbo (12:40)

Daily, Star...

One week out from the first ever MTV version of All Stars, the first ever themed version of All Stars, the return of the GOAT Challenge format - Rivals, the return of legends Ashley and Frank, a true mix of OGs to downright newbies, and hopefully - fingers crossed - the return of an over the top dramatic and chaotic Challenge season because this thing has a lot of potential! We are power ranking, we are predicting, we are previewing in all it’s hopeful glory The Challenge All Stars 5 Rivals, LET’S GO!

Cold Open (00:00)

In...

Three Champions are crowned (yes, three) as The Challenge 40 Battle of the Eras comes to a close. The Karma Vote plays a major role, Jordan dominates from start to finish, Jenny mostly does as well, Derek and Michele shine in second, Rachel moves all the way up, Bananas gets some solo R&R on the beach, Tori gets some solo singing time, and a whole bunch more in the second part of the final. It’s The Challenge 40 Battle of the Eras Episode 19 aka the finale recap, topics include:

00:00 Cold Open

00:51 Intro & Agenda

04:48 Ov...

Swimming, swimming, and then some more swimming! Plus: gorgeous sunsets, a white whale sighting, simple puzzles but the details matter, some more swimming - not sure if I mentioned that - and the karma points twist partially revealed and it’s as bad as we thought it might be! It’s The Challenge Battle of the Eras Episode 18, yes 18, recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:35)

Karma Points Suck (04:34)

Too Much Swimming (13:25)

Checkpoint 1 (19:33)

Checkpoint 2 (23:53)

Checkpoint 3 (27:13)

Checkpoint 4 (29:50)

Finale Preview (33:45)

#TheChallenge #TheC...

We’ve got plankton eating people, Jordan solidifying his favorite to win status, Michele confirming her puzzle queen status, a short but significant location change, last second birthday parties, new friends, old foes, and one long night in the water for two legends of the game battling for that final finals spot! It’s the Challenge Battle of the Eras Episode 17 Recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Update & Agenda (00:37)

Episode 15 & 16 Notes (08:40)

Location Change (13:45)

Daily Challenge (17:38)

Cara Birthday (23:57)

Elimination (26:51)

Final Preview (34:32)

#TheChallenge #TheChallenge40 #Batt...

All time daily challenge showdown! Plus: Team Young Buck trio makes an appearance, Rachel continues to dominate, Johnny says sorry, Karl and Dave are besties now, and Cory gets his dream elimination leaving poor Josh absolutely no shot. It’s The Challenge Battle of the Eras Episode 14 recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:34)

Off Show Beefs (02:42)

Opening House Segment (12:14)

Daily Challenge (15:48)

House/Club Segment (23:27)

Elimination (34:43)

Episode Awards (41:09)

Targets & Predictions (42:58)

#TheChallenge #TheChallenge40 #BattleoftheEras #WeWantOGs #RoadRules #TheChallengeHistory #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVHistory

I did not sign up for this much foot content, ok? Plus: group meditations, new alliances, best friends facing off, Rachel takes over the Angels, Josh finally picks a side, and Bananas keeps doing what Bananas knows best, stirring the pot! It’s The Challenge Battle of the Eras Episode 13 recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:33)

Feet Come Into Focus (02:12)

Daily Challenge (05:37)

Bus & Club (10:23)

Elimination (15:52)

Awards (21:06)

Power Rankings & Predictions (22:50)

#TheChallenge #TheChallenge40 #BattleoftheEras #WeWantOGs #RoadRules #TheChallengeHistory #TheChallengeHistorian #RealityTV #RealityTVHistory

One minute they put you on Mount Rushmore the next minute you’re quitting because it’s too hot, how embarrassing! Plus: ice baths, GOAT talk, mini finals, purge, angels going down, devils rising up, toenails clipped, threat levels confirmed, and TJ brings a bit of Vegas to Vietnam! It’s The Challenge Battle of the Eras Episode 12 recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:38)

GOAT Talk (02:06)

Daily Challenge (11:24)

Antics & Shenanigans (25:20)

Elimination (27:10)

Awards (35:20)

Power Rankings & Predictions (37:55)

#TheChallenge #TheChallenge40 #BattleoftheEras #WeWantOGs #RoadRules #TheChal...

Please open a theme park where I can play the daily challenges already! Plus: Tori fights back, those in the shadows get a light shone on them, the ladies of leisure put in some hard labor, Kyland adds another win, Rachel adds another secret number, and for the second week in a row, the tour de force known as classic pot stirring shit talking all eyes on me or else Johnny Bananas is here to burn it all to the ground! It’s The Challenge Battle of the Eras Episode 11 recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

In...

Johnny Bananas aka Captain Save-a-Show reports for duty! Plus: Devin is still here (kinda), the ladies of leisure have a rough day in the sun, Ryan gets last but in an impressive way, and the game has changed and the smart and savvy players have quickly picked up on the new way to play! It’s The Challenge Battle of the Eras Episode 10 recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:37)

Daily Challenge (02:33)

New Game New Strategy (08:18)

Bananas Classic (12:58)

Tori Chose Wrong (18:14)

Awards (22:30)

Predictions & Po...

Down goes the vacation alliance and Challenge fans everyone - ok mostly everywhere - rejoice! Plus: one of the best players ever is better off playing by themselves - who saw that coming, Laurel has never gotten a math question wrong in her life, Josh’s close friends don’t seem to treat him as well as his peripheral friends, and is Kyland that fast or did Devin just perform like ass? It’s The Challenge Battle of the Eras Episode 9 Recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:41)

Daily Challenge (02:49)

Rachel’s Decisi...

The greatest Warrior in Challenge history puts on a show! Plus: Kaycee finally speaks and couldn’t be more wrong, Gladiator promo goes crazy, no adjustments made for Era 1 to have any chance, Cory gets heated, Theo averts the blame, Rachel has a nasty right hook, and I honestly can’t believe they didn’t sneak in any more uses of Are You Not Entertained! It’s The Challenge Battle of the Eras Episode 8 recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:40)

Kaycee Super Wrong (03:30)

Daily Challenge (08:49)

Nominations (18:45)

Eliminat...

I’ve said it before I’ll say it again, ain’t no party like a true Challenge house party! Plus: Teck is OG of the week, Devin is truly smitten and firing from the hip because of it, they finally get to jump off that tall building they kept showing us, a lot of deal making in the shadows, and the collapse of Era 1 continues in every conceivable way! It’s The Challenge Battle of the Eras Episode 7 Recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:38)

Devin’s Birthday Party (03:38)

Daily Challenge...

(Note: Sorry about the audio quality, your boy accidentally had it set to the wrong microphone, whoops)

Bananas the pot stirring villain is officially back! Plus: a vacation alliance handshake, the biggest strangest balloons I’ve ever seen, Derrick maybe breaks his leg, Devin and Michele face their first relationship hurdle, Laurel somehow is just skating by, Cory and Rachel get big elimination wins, and Josh has way too many friends and way too many IOUs and no idea how to handle this situation! It’s The Challenge Battle of the Eras Episode 6 recap, topics include:

Co...

The newest chapter of reality tv’s longest running toxic relationship! Plus: Devin and Michele boo up, Emily desperately searches for positive energy anywhere in the house, Josh gets called out and steps up, Jonna tries to duck, Era 1 remains a complete mess, Nehemiah gets caught deal making then takes out a GOAT, and Tina Tool Time Barta has been to Home Depot way too many times NOT to dominate this elimination! It’s The Challenge Battle of the Eras, Episode 5 recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:42)

Cara & Laurel (05:14)

Josh Owns...

Challenge trivia jeopardy style? What is this Christmas? Plus: CT goes down hard, Jordan is being shifty, Josh bails on his word, date night for Brad and Emily, Laurel is going to do what Laurel wants to do and Johnny is going to go along with it, Aneesa with the near upset over my winner pick Jenny, and Derrick slays another elimination beast in controversial fashion! It’s The Challenge Battle of the Eras Episode 4 Recap, topics include:

Cold Open (00:00)

Intro & Agenda (00:39)

Opening House Segment (04:15)

Daily Challenge Recap (06:55)

Era 1 Is...