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| All Photos Courtesy IG @Dre.Media |
We first discovered the man at the heart of what is now a multi-show franchise when he and his friends got to meet competitors who took part in the first season of MTV's The Challenge to offer $1 million in prize money on Dirty 30, and things have not been the same ever since for Andres Rodriguez. This MTV fanatic is more than just one who's gotten the chance to meet up with those from The Challenge and other shows -- he's also the producer, editor, host, competitor, main protagonist and leader of Dre.Media, the outlet that's brought us both The Caucus Challenge and spinoff series The Life We Live... and we've been following every step of his journey to YouTube stardom on here.
The past year & a half as everything has been turned upside down in our world, Dre has brought us along for some much-needed escapist television with his weekend trips with friends and newbies on The Life We Live when it went to Upstate New York, Boston, Colorado Springs and most recently down to Dallas -- the ladder three taking place during this pandemic. And that also caused his first love in this world, The Caucus Challenge, to take 2020 off -- outside of a special spinoff that took place during his family camp trip during that lost summer. And the last time we saw Caucus take center stage, it was Rivals Roulette back in spring 2019 which also saw the debut of a recent member of TLWL.
Now, as we are heading towards the end of the summer this long Labor Day weekend and into an amazing autumn ahead in the world of reality TV, The Caucus Challenge is also back from its forced year of hibernation as, this year it gets to welcome back a bunch of veterans from throughout its ten seasons. At the same time, it also brings to this part of the Dre.Media world a few of those who lived with Dre on TLWL, and now get to show off their competitive side alongside him and five other rookies. Together, they are about to enter a new era and a new game entitled, Novice Era.
For obvious reasons, the pandemic put Caucus on vacation... but as things have gotten back on track, it made it possible for the original Dre.Media series to return as well. And in a way, Season 11 has taken a page out of the playbook of the past few MTV Challenge seasons for its comeback: the same number of veterans of this show, being joined by just as many rookies... but which also includes those who are familiar to viewers of Dre's other passion project.
The season's synopsis which accompanies the video of the Season 11 trailer above reads: "After countless battles, the highs and lows. It’s the dawn of a new Era... We have nine challenge veterans, who have each made their mark and are back to prove they still have what it takes to win. These vets know how to play the game and each other. BUT in this next era, nine rookies. New players, who have come to make their marks and have no idea what’s to come... Welcome to The Caucus Challenge: Novice Era."
MEET THE CHALLENGERS
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Those nine veterans -- Amanda, Beato, Damaris, Deja, Dre, Jasley, JT, Oscar and Sabina -- have over thirty seasons to their credit, and all but two have made it to the end with four of them sporting title rings on their fingers. And joining them are nine rookies, though in essence there's really five newbies to Dre.Media -- Camilla, Nevin, Sarah, Stephen and Tex are all debuting in this world, as TLWL alums Ava, Janiece, Josh and Lance are all making their Caucus Challenge debuts on Novice Era.
⭐ AMANDA - 4th Season (1 Final): After a seven-season hiatus, OG from TCC: BOTR has come back to compete. With her renewed confidence, she returns to the game more eager than ever to make it back to a final, win money, and prove shes a force to be reckon with. After being absent from the game for several years, she will have to quickly find her footing among the social dynamics she’s missed out on and keep up with the evolution of what used to be backyard games. Does Amanda still have the sauce or is this OG outdated?
⭐ AVA - Rookie (TLWL): The “Ava Experience” is making her way over to The Caucus Challenge. If you know Ava, you know her bold personality is not for everyone. Coming from TLWL she does have history and connections to some of the Vets and fellow rookies. Ava is pumped to compete and prides herself at being unbeatable and the best. Little does she know these games aren’t TLWL games and she’s going to have to put her money where her mouth is.
⭐ BEATO - 2nd Season (1 Final): Beato is returning to the game eager for a second chance to win some money and the title of a champion. His greatest obstacle this season may be getting in with the vets – and all the preseason connections. Coming into the game is he does have close tie to one of the well known rookies. Does Beato have what it takes to compete in this new Era or will his luck continue to run short?
⭐ CAMILLA - Rookie: Over the last 10 seasons we’ve had many new faces but it was Camila’s older sister who paved the way for the females on TCC. That’s right, Camilla is the first ever TCC champion’s bloodline. Coming into the game representing the third generation of challengers and having a sister as a champ, the pressures are high. Does Camilla have the heart and strategy to make it to a final and continue her bloodlines legacy or will her challenge experience be cut short?
⭐ DAMARIS - 4th Season (2 Finals): Damaris has established herself as a Challenge queen-pin and one of the fiercest to ever compete. She now returns to TCC: Novice Era with the goal of securing her second win, and redemption for how she went out last time. After a season where her own friends and allies cut her lifeline by voting her out, Damaris is especially determined to return to her winning ways and remind everyone why she is arguably one of the best players to ever step foot in the game.
⭐ DEJA - 5th Season (2 Finals): Making her long-awaited return after a hiatus, Deja self-proclaimed “pop-off queen” is no stranger to drama and competition. Deja is known for her impressive elimination performances and intimidating persona. With many friends in the game, Deja should be covered but in this new era things have changed. Will she be able to manage or will the incoming fresh meat give her a run for her money?
⭐ DRE - 3rd Season (1 Final): With years of Challenge experience under his belt and being an MTV superfan, nobody knows the game quite like Dre. No stranger to competition, this season he returns to the game hungrier than ever. Hoping to get the title of two time champion and testing the waters of this new Era. With so many ties to different players in the game, he will be forced to play a more savage game... Will his Veteran savviness keep him steps ahead of his competition, or will his status plant a target on his back?
⭐ JANIECE - Rookie (TLWL): Janiece is originally from TLWL: COS and in a short amount of time has become a pin in the Dre.media franchise. We’ve seen her compete, stand her ground, and even make real bonds on TLWL. Janiece is coming into this game attached to one of the biggest targets, her boyfriend JT. Although she may be Lowkey there is strength in numbers and that may be seen as a huge game threat. Janiece finds herself as a main target when she stands her ground to one of the toughest vets in the game. Can Janiece use her relationship and friendships to make it to a final or will her temper exploit her game?
⭐ JASLEY - 2nd Season: On Jasley’s rookie season, she was sent home before even showcasing her skills. She is back with hopes of securing the bag and earning her stripes. Coming into this season, she will again look to her reputation as a loyal and trustworthy ally to stay afloat and make it to the end, but the game has changed and who knows how far those intentions will take her?
⭐ JOSH - Rookie (TLWL): Josh has been waiting to compete on the Caucus challenge for the longest time and is finally getting his shot. Over the last couple of years Josh has traveled with the TLWL family and has had his share of highs and lows. A lot of people underestimate Josh and his capabilities. Josh gives himself a minor target when he makes a bold decision, picking his path in the game. Being seen as a “wildcard” can Josh conquer the Caucus Challenge or has reputation sealed his fate?
⭐ JT - 2nd Season (1 Final): The reigning challenge champion JT is back! After a smooth ride on TCC: Rivals Roulette, JT was ready to claim this game as his. As we’ve seen JT’s ups and downs on TLWL involving multiple feuds with his roommates and friends, he is not afraid to get blood on his hands. Alongside JT is his girlfriend Janiece. He fears that having their relationship in the game will hold him back and ruin his game. Will JT prove that “he’s the best to ever play” TCC or will his cockiness make him an early boot?
⭐ LANCE - Rookie (TLWL): King Lance is making his debut on TCC. After making an influential impact on TLWL and joining the Dre.media franchise, Lance has been feigning to compete and take the crown on the challenge. Lance is no stranger to live competition, is known for his feisty temper, and dangerous strategic gameplay. Are Lance’s previous bonds and strategy strong enough to get him to a final or has he painted himself too big of a threat to be kept around?
⭐ NEVIN - Rookie: Self proclaimed “full package” Nevin, is making his debut on the Caucus challenge. Coming into this game he has the mindset of being top dog. He is confident in himself and what he brings to the table. Nevin shortly learns that to be the best he has to beat the best, and finds himself being somewhat of a threat. Can Nevin power through all the obstacles in his way or will this roomie be hit with reality when the horn goes off?
⭐ OSCAR - 6th Season: Oscar has come a long way since TCC: Spring Break and has established himself as a Challenge icon. The last time we saw Oscar he was per usual getting into drama left and right. Now that he’s returning he says “I’m a brand new person now, I’m older, stronger, and I’m going to play a different game.” Will Oscar be an easy target or will his new profound attempt at the game get him his championship win?
⭐ SABINA - 4th Season (1 Final): This outspoken challenge champion boasts an impressive record and reputation for making power moves and playing dirty. This includes putting her opponents against their closest friends, body slamming those in her way, and even selfishly volunteering for elimination when her partner(s) do not follow her gameplay. Despite the impressive maneuvering, Sabina’s constant scheming may have created a bigger target on her back coming into this season. Though typically a competitor who remains focused on the game, she heads into this season with her long term boyfriend Tex. Will their relationship threaten others to go against them or will it make her goal of another Challenge victory easier?
⭐ SARAH - Rookie: This cheerleader from jersey is ready to take this competition head on. Not know much about the game and the players around her, Sarah finds herself in a great spot in the game when aligned with the right people. Sarah isn’t afraid to get down and dirty and will do whatever she can to make it to a final. Does Sarah have the heart and skill to match her political game or will her lack of game knowledge make her an easy target?
⭐ STEPHEN - Rookie: Everyone needs a Stephen in their life. This outgoing, comedic personality is here to make a name for himself by being messy. Stephen plans to use his social skills and wit to get him to a final. Coming into this he does have close ties with some big names on the veterans side. Stirring the pot and being problematic, he quickly makes rivals stepping foot into the game. Will his connections be an advantage to him and his game or is Stephen in for a reality check?
⭐ TEX - Rookie: Tex is your average boy next door type of guy. Friendly, good looking, and competitive. Tex is coming into this season dating a well known vet, Sabina. He plans on playing the game with her and making it to a final together. Coming in with numbers, he shortly finds himself fighting an uphill battle when a blow up between alliances occurs. Will Tex be an untouchable threat or will Sabina’s baggage weigh him down and blow up his game?
These eighteen players have gathered in the Secaucus neighborhood, and with TLWL's Eezy subbing for Dre as master of ceremonies they are about to embark on the one YouTube reality show we've all been waiting for. And what awaits them is a season that has plenty of action and gameplay, and just as many twists that will be thrown at them that will test all aspects of their game and even their loyalties to one another when the vets and rookies are formed into different pairings - much like what's been the case on Double Agents and now on Spies, Lies & Allies.
Without spoiling any one particular aspect of it, enjoy the entire season of The Caucus Challenge: Novice Era with all of the six episodes embedded below as you get to follow the progress of it from when the players gather in front of Eezy until we crown some champions.
EPISODE 1
EPISODE 2
EPISODE 3
EPISODE 4
EPISODE 5
EPISODE 6
This time, Dre & co. will be spending a summer's weekend down in Orlando, Florida to mark the 2021 edition of Pride Weekend back in June -- the first one to be held in two years. And that also takes place on the fifth anniversary of that tragic weekend when 49 people were killed at the Pulse Nightclub and when The Voice's Christina Grimmie was murdered the night before.
Later during this fall, we'll join him, Mike, Lance and new castmates from the LGBT community for a TLWL like no other... and that is only part of a busy rest of 2021 for Andres: he & his six other best friends are currently documenting their summer for a third project: Seven Mutual Friends, plus there's another season of The Caucus Challenge already in the can for the fall, and maybe yet TLWL trip too.
- I AM DC
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