The Challenge has been an MTV staple for many decades, and a new version will be hitting CBS in just two weeks. The Challenge USA will pit contestants from CBS shows Survivor, Big Brother, The Amazing Race, and Love Island as they compete for their share of $500,000. Despite being considered a spin-off of the MTV series, the two shows aren't exactly the same. Here is how The Challenge USA is different from the MTV version.
The Challenge USA premiered on Wednesday, July 6, and will only feature contestants from America. Even though it started out as a The Real World/Road Rules Challenge, and was then renamed The Challenge, the MTV series is known for bringing in other U.S. reality stars. It also brings in international reality celebs to compete for the grand prize at the end. However, the format has changed frequently, and on the spin-off series, there will be new teams formed for each challenge. The new teams are created based on something called "The Algorithm," where the players are randomly paired up. They will never have the same partner, until no more new pairs can be made.
According to Distractify, the players will start out with a $1,000 stipend, which will help them as they participate in various challenges. Throughout the series, they can earn more money via The Challenge gameplay and eliminations, or they can lose it to other players as the action unfolds. The players can earn money by winning a daily challenge, or by defeating their elimination opponents. This differs from the original series, as none of the cast members on the MTV show start out with money. They just compete to earn the grand prize at the end.
Despite being a spin-off of the MTV series, The Challenge USA will be airing on CBS. This is more than likely due to the fact that all of the competitors that have been cast first competed on CBS shows. Therefore, it does make sense that the series will air on CBS, rather than MTV. Even though the main series started bringing in contestants from CBS shows, such as Big Brother and Survivor, The Challenge USA cast is entirely composed of CBS cast members who will compete.
Many fans of CBS reality shows are excited to see what The Challenge USA has to offer. These competitors are already competition beasts, and along with competing for the grand prize, they will also be vying for a spot in the upcoming Paramount+ series, The Challenge: Global Championship. Bear in mind that the show title is currently classified as a "working title." If viewers are excited, they don't have to wait much longer, as The Challenge USA airs right after BB24 on Wednesdays. Fans should definitely check it out.
The Challenge USA premieres Wednesday, July 6 at 9:30 p.m. EST on CBS.