TV's longest-running reality competition series, The Challenge, is in its monumental 40th season and it’s a beautiful celebration of the franchise’s journey to this point. In a Battle of the Eras, this season features 40 competitors from seasons 1 to 39. The special season shows how much of a cultural phenomenon the series has been since its inception, and how it’s grown to a global empire that houses reality stars from every universe.
- Jaleel Grandberry
FanSided Editor
What emotion defined this fandom this year?
This year has been all about nostalgia for fans of The Challenge. Understanding how special it is to reach a 40th season, the show has done an incredible job of taking fans back down memory lane. From the contestants competing this season to the actual competition, The Challenge has reminded fans why they initially became fans, and why they still are after all this time.
How this fandom is changing entertainment
The Challenge is in the special territory of being able to witness its legacy while still building it. The series isn’t changing entertainment, it changed entertainment. From The Real World to Road Rules, to the current iteration of The Challenge, this franchise’s influence on entertainment is undeniable.