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The all-vets season of “The Challenge” is officially here. In the exclusive first trailer for Season 40, “Battle of the Eras,” host TJ Lavin returns to present new twists and tougher competition than ever.
“Era I started it all. Era II introduced Fresh Meat,” Lavin says in the video below. “Era III elevated rivalries and romances, and Era IV brought the game global.”
This season, kicking off on Wednesday, August 14, at 8 p.m. ET, features four groups of competitors from the past 39 seasons of the MTV reality series, produced by Bunim/Murray Productions. The cast must first compete at the Era Invitational, eliminating the weakest players within their own era to earn a coveted spot on their team. Per the press release, “with relentless new challenges and twists, these seasoned veterans are perpetually kept on their toes in the game they thought they had mastered.”
In the trailer, it proves the game is more intense and emotional than ever before. In fact, 19-time competition C.T. Tamburello is shown being carried off on a backboard after an apparent back injury. As per usual, the season appears to include a good amount of drama — Amanda Garcia reminds Tori Deal she still doesn’t like her — and a few new romances. All of them have one thing in common: they’ll do anything for their share of the $1 million prize.
Popular on Variety, here’s a full breakdown of the cast:
Era 1 (Seasons 1-10):
- Tina Barta (8 Challenges)
- Katie Cooley (11 Challenges, 1 win)
- Aneesa Fereira (17 Challenges)
- Brad Fiorenza (13 Challenges, 1 Win)
- Derrick Kosinski (13 Challenges, 3 Wins)
- Mark Long (8 Challenges, 2 Wins)
- Rachel Robinson (8 Challenges, 2 Wins)
- CT Tamburello (19 Challenges, 5 Wins)
- Darrell Taylor (14 Challenges, 4 Wins)
- Jodi Weatherton (5 Challenges, 2 Wins)
Era 2 (Seasons 11-20):
- Derek Chavez (5 Challenges)
- Nehemiah Clark (7 Challenges, 1 win)
- Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio (23 Challenges, 7 Wins)
- KellyAnne Judd (7 Challenges)
- Ryan Kehoe (7 Challenges)
- Aviv Melmed (1 Challenge, 1 Win)
- Brandon Nelson (6 Challenges)
- Emily Schromm (3 Challenges, 1 Win)
- Cara Maria Sorbello (15 Challenges, 2 Wins)
- Laurel Stucky (8 Challenges, 2 Wins)
Era 3 (Seasons 21-30):
- Tori Deal (9 Challenges, 1 Win)
- Amanda Garcia (7 Challenges)
- Leroy Garrett (13 Challenges)
- Jonna Mannion (10 Challenges, 2 Wins)
- Nia Moore (4 Challenges)
- Tony Raines (7 Challenges)
- Averey Tressler (3 Challenges)
- Devin Walker (7 Challenges, 1 Win)
- Cory Wharton (10 Challenges)
- Jordan Wiseley (9 Challenges, 4 Wins)
Era 4 (Seasons 31-39):
- Paulie Calafiore (4 Challenges)
- Theo Campbell (3 Challenges)
- Kaycee Clark (5 Challenges, 1 Win)
- Michele Fitzgerald (4 Challenges)
- Horacio Gutiérrez Jr. (2 Challenges)
- Olivia Kaiser (2 Challenges)
- Josh Martinez (6 Challenges)
- Nurys Mateo (2 Challenges)
- Jenny West (2 Challenges, 1 win)
- Kyland Young (2 Challenges)
Julie Pizzi, Justin Booth, Jacob Lane, Emer Harkin, Dan Caster, Leanne Mucci, and Jared March serve as executive producers. Diego Amson is co-executive producer. Angela Liao is executive in charge of production for MTV.
Watch the full trailer below. Get an exclusive sneak peek and meet the cast during the launch special on MTV Wednesday, August 7, at 8 p.m. ET.
For more details and to watch the trailer, visit: The Challenge: Battle of the Eras.
Reflecting on the evolution of “The Challenge,” it’s fascinating to see how the series has grown and adapted over the years. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global phenomenon, the show has consistently pushed the boundaries of reality TV. The introduction of new eras and the return of veteran players add layers of nostalgia and excitement, making each season a unique experience.
As we anticipate the upcoming season, one can’t help but wonder how the dynamics will play out. Will old rivalries reignite? Will new alliances form? The unpredictability is what keeps fans coming back, season after season. The stakes are higher, the challenges tougher, and the drama more intense. It’s a testament to the show’s enduring appeal and its ability to evolve while staying true to its core.
“The Challenge” is more than just a competition; it’s a journey of resilience, strategy, and human connection. As we gear up for another thrilling season, let’s celebrate the legacy of the show and the incredible cast members who have made it an unforgettable ride.
