With American Ninja Warrior finally returning to normal after a COVID 19-modified season 12, it's time to talk about how to watch the show's thirteenth season. Viewers are eager to see some of their favorite ninjas back in action in season 13, competing against Mount Midoriyama and for the million-dollar prize. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is having a further impact on ANW, and this time, the impact is related to when the show will air. NBC is having to divide its attention between the hit obstacle course show and another major sporting event that American Ninja Warrior fans have probably heard of.
American Ninja Warrior has changed since its humble beginnings back in 2009. ANW initially aired on the smaller niche network G4. Finalists had to fly to Japan in order to face down Mount Midoriyama on the Sasuke course, as America didn’t have its own version yet. The show was so popular it eventually moved to NBC, where it found even more fans. Every year, there are new obstacles and new ninjas, which helps to keep the show fresh and exciting. In 2021, fans just have to work a little harder to catch the new episodes.
The pandemic caused an unprecedented delay in the 2020 Summer Olympics, which are recognizing virtual reality sports for the first time ever. NBC hosts the Olympics as well as ANW. The Olympic trials are being aired in June and NBC is showing 13 nights of coverage. This is going to interfere with ANW’s schedule. Normally, you can watch new episodes of ANW every Monday at 8 pm EST. June 14's ANW wasn't aired at all. It was preempted by Olympic trials. June 21's ANW will be on, but an hour later than its usual time. It will air at 9 pm EST in all U.S. time zones.
NBC will also be airing episodes of American Ninja Warrior season 13 on their streaming service Peacock. Episodes will be on Peacock the day after they air on NBC. The first episode is available with a free account, but watching more episodes will require a premium subscription. There haven't been any other announced show delays, so beginning on June 28, fans can go back to enjoying the show every week on Mondays at 8 pm EST.
While the ninjas have been training hard since last season, the Olympic hopefuls have been training hard for even longer and had to face an entire year’s delay before trying to make their athletic dreams come true. It is a comfort to many people to see ANW getting back to normal as life in general begins to normalize a little. The Olympics will test their mettle July 23 through August 8. Maybe this season of American Ninja Warrior will also feature a ninja who finally achieves their dream.