Netflix has another hit on its hands. Floor Is Lava is the show on everyone’s lips. Hosted by Rutledge Wood, the show sees teams of three attempting to move across a room where they must avoid falling into the titular lava.
At its essence, the show is an obstacle course-based game show. Nothing new, but the way the show is executed has propelled the show to be one of the streamer’s top shows. So if you’ve finished your binge of the show’s first season, here are some more obstacle-based shows that you can stream right now.
Total Wipeout (UK)
The British version of the popular U.S. show Wipeout was very popular across the pond running for six seasons over four years. Hosted by The Grand Tour presenter Richard Hammond, and co-hosted by Amanda Byram, on the surface the show is very similar to its American counterpart. Four rounds, including the Qualifier and the Wipeout Zone, and featuring the Big Red Balls. However, the design, pacing, and humor of Total Wipeout are very different. Completely different graphics and music, a slightly slower pace since it was on the BBC and didn’t have to allow time for commercials, and the humor is very British. The show is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, and Hulu.
MXC: Most Extreme Elimination Challenge
Japan is known for many things, sushi, Godzilla, and crazy game shows. One of which is called Takeshi’s Castle. However, here in the United States, it may be best recognized as MXC which is short for most extreme elimination challenge. Using footage from the 80’s Japanese favorite, MXC uses comedic voice actors to dub over the hilarious action with equally hilarious commentary and dialogue. With games and events like Sinkers & Floaters, Log Drop, and Wall Bangers, MXC is five seasons of madness and available to stream on Tubi.
Ultimate Beastmaster
With a more serious tone than MXC or Total Wipeout, you can watch real physical prowess on Netflix’s Ultimate Beastmaster. Similar to American Ninja Warrior, the show takes teams of athletes from all around the world to compete in the ultimate obstacle course in an effort to become Beastmaster. It really is an international affair, with each competing country bringing their own hosting duo. Each duo can be seen from time to time cheering on their country. The US team consists of Terry Crews and Charissa Thompson in the first season, Tiki Barber and Chris Destefano in the second and Barber and CM Punk in the third. The complete series is available to stream on Netflix.
Hyperdrive
Hyperdrive has been described as a mix between American Ninja Warrior and the Fast and Furious franchise. Executive Produced by Charlize Theron, Hyperdrive trades the human body for custom-built cars. The show is a high-octane, motoring obstacle course designed for the world’s best drifters. Among the four-part hosting team is future Floor Is Lava host Rutledge Wood, which may be how he got the gig hosting one of the most popular shows currently on Netflix. You’ll hear the same enthusiasm in his voice commentating the runs on Hyperdrive as he has on Floor is Lava. Hyperdrive is available to stream on Netflix.
Wipeout Canada and Australia
If Total Wipeout is too drastic a change for you and prefer your wipeouts more similar to how we do it in the States, give Wipeout Canada or Wipeout Australia a try. Australia’s version is pretty much a carbon copy of the US version, just with Aussie accents. While Canada's adaptation takes a couple of liberties here and there, it still resembles the American more than the British. Both only lasted one season (Canada for 14 episodes and Australia for nine) and each is available to stream on both Amazon Prime Video and Tubi.
While we wait for that second season of Floor Is Lava, these shows will help fill the obstacle-course void in your bingeing for the time being.