The Challenge moves to Paramount+ as Cutthroat returns for season 42
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MTV’s long-running reality competition series “The Challenge” is moving its flagship show to Paramount+ for Season 42, titled “Cutthroat”, with the new season premiering on 5 August 2026. This is the first time the main series, which has aired on MTV since 1998, will be released exclusively on streaming, making the move significant for both the franchise and Paramount+’s unscripted line-up. The revived “Cutthroat” branding also points to a more ruthless team-based format, designed to create tension not only between teams but within them.
The season was filmed in Thailand and features 24 competitors, combining returning veterans with newcomers, who will compete in three teams for a $500,000 prize. While teams must cross the finish line together to win, the format includes a final twist in which the team captain can decide how to divide the money or keep it all, raising the stakes for alliances and strategy. Familiar figures including C.T. Tamburello and Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio are returning, and new episodes will be released weekly at 12 a.m. PT / 3 a.m. ET.
- “The Challenge” moves its flagship series from MTV to Paramount+
- Season 42 revives the “Cutthroat” format
- 24 players compete in Thailand for $500,000
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The Challenge is a reality competition in which contestants take part in demanding physical and mental tasks while forming alliances and trying to avoid elimination. It began on MTV in 1998 and has become one of the channel’s longest-running programmes, bringing together people known from other reality shows as well as established Challenge competitors.
The series is known for changing its rules and team structures from season to season. “Cutthroat” was previously used for a format in which competitors were split into teams but could also be put at risk by their own teammates, making trust and strategy as important as winning challenges.
The move to Paramount+ reflects the growing role of streaming services in showing established television franchises. It also gives Paramount+ a major returning reality series for its unscripted catalogue.
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Originally published by Variety as “‘The Challenge’ Leaves MTV for Season 42: Meet the Cast and Watch the Trailer for ‘Cutthroat’ on Paramount+ (EXCLUSIVE)”.