A new year is right around the corner, and The Challenge is still chugging along. The current state of the show isn’t super rosy, and the fate of MTV looks even more bleak, but the show must go on.
Just like I’ve done in years past, I’m going to make predictions about the show. Keep in mind, these are just predictions — they can be (and likely will be) wrong. This is mostly written for fun, but some of my choices are informed by spoilers, news, or current patterns among Challengers.
Season 42 Gives a Better Blend of Veterans and Rookies
Battle of the Eras gave us zero Challenge rookies, and then we saw a 50% rookie cast on Vets & New Threats. Season 42 will likely have rookies, but fewer than Vets & New Threats.
I’m looking at a season like Ride or Dies for inspirations. We’ll have a few big names on the cast, a decent number of early career “veterans” and maybe a quarter of the cast will be rookies.
Season 42 Will Be Chasing a Moment
If someone on the season 42 cast manages to see this article, take this as your warning. The Challenge is trying to reestablish its footing in the ever-changing reality TV world, so producers will look for a big twist that gets people talking.
Think big here. They’ll want a twist on par with Bananas taking Sarah’s money or Ashley becoming a millionaire. But money theft is old news, and they’ll want to implement something bigger than karma points. So, I expect season 42 will be somewhat messy formatting-wise.
All Stars Returns
If the fate of The Challenge is uncertain, the future of All Stars is really up in the air. We’ve heard the rumor mill go back and forth, but the show may still have some life in it. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a sixth installment get picked up, but akin to All Stars: Rivals, I’m guessing production will be folded into the flagship season.
In the case of All Stars: Rivals, we saw the season filmed in Vietnam, just like Battle of the Eras. So, I wouldn’t be surprised to see All Stars 6 film in the same location, even the same house, as season 42. This may also mean we won’t see a lot of overlap between the season 42 cast and All Stars 6.
The Rise of Paramount
We’ve heard some rumors of The Challenge migrating from MTV to Paramount+, but I don’t think the show will fully abandon the cable network. However, season 42 could be an experimental season; perhaps the first time The Challenge airs simultaneously on MTV and Paramount+.
It seems MTV is moving in the direction of becoming a hub for reruns, but we definitely know RuPaul’s Drag Race season 18 will air on MTV. This means the network will still have originals, and I don’t think it’s really to completely let go of The Challenge yet. Still, the proof is in the ratings, and Paramount Skydance will need to make a move at some point.
More Cast Members Will Branch Out
For a long time, The Challenge has been notoriously firm with their cast members, and few of them appeared on reality shows outside of the MTV world. In recent years, we’ve seen a change. Bananas, CT, Wes, Ashley, Cara Maria, and Mark (to name a few) have appeared on reality shows off of MTV, and the number of exports will likely increase.
To be clear, I am referring to people who built its reality TV personas on MTV. Natalie Anderson appears on Traitors 4, but she’s better known for Survivor, and Josh has done a few reality shows, but he’s best known for Big Brother. In 2025, I wouldn’t be surprised if a competitor like Jordan, Aneesa, Devin, or Laurel got a cool opportunity on another network.
The End Isn’t Imminent; Rumors Are
It’s no secret the cable TV landscape is dramatically changing, and The Challenge seems to be clinging to a sinking ship. Despite the risks, MTV has continued to invest in the franchise, and I don’t see that changing unless something major happens.
Of course, people are going to talk and make assumptions. Challenge fans will hear rumors of the show’s demise in 2026, but I fully expect it to be alive in 2027.
That said, 2026 will not be a year of expansion. The flagship show will remain, and All Stars has a decent shot at returning. But I wouldn’t expect any new international adaptations, nor would I expect the show to return to CBS. I anticipate 2026 will be a maintenance year, and The Challenge will try to reconnect with its core audience.
Stop Being Polite 