Following the notable 40th season of MTV’s “The Challenge” the series is set to revisit a well-received theme for “The Challenge: All Stars.” Season 5 is scheduled to debut on Wednesday January 29 and marks a return to MTV the original broadcast home of “The Challenge.” Previously “All Stars” streamed on Paramount+.
Fan-Favorite Rivals Theme Returns to The Challenge All Stars for Season Five on MTV
Showrunner Emer Harkin mentioned Season 5 involves a look back and conversations with participants about events since previous seasons. This season features 13 teams of two and emphasizes authentic rivalries as a core element. The “Rivals” concept initially appeared in 2011 with subsequent seasons in 2013 and 2016. This iteration pairs some players with recent rivals such as Steve Meinke and Adam Larson from “All Stars” Season 4 who experienced a disagreement. Other pairings involve long-term opponents such as Veronica Portillo and Katie Doyle whose conflict began on 2004’s “The Inferno.” Additionally former romantic partners Ashley Kelsey and Dario Medrano who have not communicated for several years are also paired.
MTV Welcomes The Challenge All Stars Rivals: A Homecoming to Original Network After Streaming
According to Emer Harkin the decision to revisit the “Rivals” theme for “All Stars” was driven by its popularity and the timing after “Challenge 40.” The move to MTV is considered a tribute to the franchise's history with the network where it originated. Harkin stated that moving to MTV is great news for the dedicated fan base of “The Challenge” and honors the show's beginnings.
Casting Process and Returning Faces: Ashley Mitchell and Turbo Çamkıran Join Rivals Season
Selecting the rival pairings involved examining relationships across the entire franchise history. The focus was on genuine current and long-standing rivalries with unresolved issues. The casting prioritized duos with varied new and existing conflicts some less known to the public. Ashley Mitchell’s return was highlighted as a significant moment. Regarding Turbo Çamkıran’s inclusion Harkin acknowledged that cast members have varied histories and the show considers personal growth and development when making casting decisions.
Premiere Date Streaming Details and How to Watch The Challenge All Stars Rivals on Television
“The Challenge All Stars: Rivals” will premiere on Wednesday January 29 at 8:00 pm on MTV. Currently streaming options are limited to cable providers for live viewing. Episodes will be available on demand the day after airing for those with cable or streaming services that include MTV. Past seasons of “The Challenge: All Stars” are available on Paramount+ .
Meet the Rivals: Cast Pairs Competing in The Challenge All Stars Season Five on MTV
The thirteen pairs competing in “The Challenge All Stars: Rivals” are Adam Larson and Steve Meinke Amber Borzotra and Faysal Shafaat Aneesa Ferreira and Ashley Mitchell Ashley Kelsey and Dario Medrano Beth Stolarczyk and Jonna Mannion Tula "Big T" Fazakerley and Corey Lay Da'Vonne Rogers and Shane Landrum Devin Walker and Leroy Garrett Frank Sweeney and Sam McGinn Katie Cooley and Veronica Portillo KellyAnne Judd and Sylvia Elsrode Melissa Reeves and Nicole Zanatta and Nany Gonzalez and Turabi "Turbo" Çamkiran.
What to Expect in The Challenge All Stars Rivals: Tension Baggage and High Stakes Competition
“The Challenge All Stars: Rivals” relocates the spin-off series action to MTV. This season features thirteen pairs with pre-existing rivalries some spanning decades. The format requires these rivals to cooperate despite their conflicts to compete for a cash prize. The trailer for the season suggests a theme of intense conflict and drama. TJ Lavin’s narration in the trailer points to a season filled with significant tension baggage and enjoyment.
Rivalry Origins: Beth Stolarczyk and Jonna Mannion's Deep-Seated Conflict Explained
Beth Stolarczyk and Jonna Mannion’s conflict began during “The Challenge: All Stars” Season 3 in 2022. Their issues extend beyond gameplay with Stolarczyk allegedly spreading rumors about Mannion during their brief time together on Season 3. This pre-existing tension is expected to be a key element of their dynamic on “Rivals.”
Beyond The Challenge: Other Reality Shows Featuring All Stars Alumni and Cross-Over Appearances
Cast members from “The Challenge” franchise have also participated in other reality competition shows. “House of Villains” includes Johnny Bananas and Wes Bergmann. “The Goat” featured Da'Vonne Rogers and Teck Holmes. “The Traitors” has included Johnny Bananas Trishelle Cannatella CT Tamburello and Wes Bergmann. These appearances highlight the broader presence of “Challenge” alumni in the reality television landscape.