Christmas is over, as is Spies, Lies and Allies. A new year is right around the corner, and we’re getting ready for some changes.
In many regards, 2021 was a great year for The Challenge and The Real World. We can thank Paramount+ for the improvements. While we saw the second half of Double Agents on MTV, the only full season we got was Spies, Lies and Allies. Meanwhile, we saw 2 All Stars seasons filmed along with 2 seasons of Real World Homecoming.
In 2022, a lot could happen. Here are some of my predictions, but they’re just that: predictions. I could be dead wrong on some of them. Other predictions are based on existing rumors and facts, so I will link and reference any real or credible sources.
All Stars Becomes the Main Series
It’s no secret that another All Stars season is on the way. While the past two seasons are a lot of fun, season 3 is packed with big names. People like Wes, Kailah, and Jordan could compete on the main series, but they’re opting for All Stars. This will cause a shift in the All Stars perception and make it a bigger event than before.
MTV Will Only Get One Challenge Season
Inherently, this is not a bad thing. Challenge seasons are longer than ever, and Season 38 hasn’t even filmed yet. With a rumored target filming date of March 2022, it seems like Season 38 won’t be airing any time soon. This would likely mean the show films in March, premiers in June, and wraps up in November or December. However, we could see two seasons filmed this year, but it seems doubtful MTV will air more than one.
The Second Spin-Off
Rumors of another spin-off coming to Paramount+ have been in the works for a while, but it seems like it will become a reality soon enough. Expect people from CBS shows to compete, maybe some MTV natives, and some international representation. From the sounds of it, the spin-off might be more similar to The Challenge in format than in casting.
All Stars 4 Happens
While Season 3 has a big cast, All Stars 4 is not guaranteed. In fact, Gamer has even teased that it may be the last. But I’m calling it now: season 4 will happen.
A Weird Push for Real Worlders
Casting for Season 38 is going to look a bit odd. Many of the Real World mainstays are taking time off or moving on. Looking at the Real World cast members on Spies, Lies and Allies, I can only see Nany coming back without any issue. But MTV will try to get a couple of Real Worlders to keep the legacy of old Challenges alive. Maybe Bananas will be back, but we might see some people jump from All Stars to the main series. They do love Nehemiah.
International Representation Will Continue
We will still get newbies from reality shows from overseas and some people from CBS franchises. This has been expected for the past four years, so nothing new here.
Veterans Will Be the Same Faces
While some veterans will take a break, others will keep coming back. I’d expect to see Kaycee, Josh, Devin, Tori, Nany, Fessy, and Nelson continue on the show. I’d also expect to see five or six newbies from Spies, Lies and Allies get their second appearance on Season 38. Unless you appeared on Double Agents or Spies, Lies and Allies, your chances of returning are slim.
Paramount+ Will Get New Seasons Faster
As ratings decrease across all of cable television, streaming will become more important. No, I do not think The Challenge will air on Paramount+ alongside MTV, but I do think it would be smart for Paramount+ to let us stream more recent seasons. Spies, Lies and Allies should be available on the service before Season 38 airs. There’s no reason to hoard old episodes.
If Paramount+ was smart they’d allow you to add-on live streaming of MTV, but I don’t anticipate that.
The Real World Homecoming Continues
With a third season on the way, Homecoming has been a spark of joy for old-school fans. Gamer has even teased us with rumors of a season 4 on Twitter. While I don’t think this can go on forever, I do think there are some seasons that could reunite. I see Miami, Boston, Las Vegas and Austin being serious contenders.
No New Real World or Road Rules
At one point, Paramount+ teased new Real World and Road Rules seasons. Time has passed, and there hasn’t been any movement. At this point, I don’t see it happening.
Stop Being Polite 