THE CHALLENGE ALL STARS
MTV’s long-running competition show THE CHALLENGE is 37 seasons in, and arguably more successful than ever. But that’s not the show I’m here to recommend. Instead, I am here to encourage you to watch the incredible spinoff series on Paramount+, THE CHALLENGE: ALL STARS. This All Stars edition brings the show’s OGs back to compete in a less physical but much more entertaining game format. Many of these All Stars—most first appeared on REAL WORLD or ROAD RULES—have been competing on THE CHALLENGE since I was in diapers, but they’re even more enthusiastic and fun to watch now than they were in the 90s. And not that reality TV has ever been wholesome, but the genuine camaraderie among these Challengers softens the drama and allows the viewers to appreciate the juicy, funny pettiness. For example, a recent episode included an emotional moment in which Challenge legend Veronica was removed from the game due to injury. Her fellow All Stars huddled around her and cheered, acknowledging her icon status in a sentimental sendoff. Seconds later, the show’s never-graceful long-time host TJ Lavin wrapped up Veronica’s goodbye by stating: “Well that sucked.” So perfectly abrupt, messy, unpolished, but oddly poignant. So perfectly THE CHALLENGE.
—Dustin Sloane, Development Assistant
