Hey folks, we welcome you and thanks so much for joining us... without making any mention of all that's gone on, we know these first three months of 2020 have been a tough and extraordinary time in so many ways. However, something that makes the hobby and pleasure of watching television so enjoyable for you, me & all of us is that, for any length or period of time, you have reason to escape the worries of the world outside your window for something that pleases you. This has never been more prevalent than in these uncertain times we are in at this moment as we're all are spending time being stuck at home with our families, friends and loved ones right now, and an aspect of our society that best fits this feeling of escapism is reality television.
The past several months in MTV's portion of a genre it's pioneered has seen the Sunshine State of Florida take center stage with Seasons 3 of both Floribama Shore and Siesta Key sharing top billing. The former brought us a broken bromance, a familiar friend joining the crew, and lots of fun in the sun; the ladder saw the showmance of Juliette Porter & Bachelor Robby Hayes and plenty of red-hot drama. And Ex On The Beach on this side of the Atlantic gave us a franchise first: British lovebirds Georgia Steel & Callum Izzard becoming the first ever couple to get engaged; while Celeb Ex has been delighting U.K. fans with Challenger & Rebel Wilson's new BFF, Georgia Harrison, and VH1 diva Tiffany "New York" Pollard among the seasiders.
And while some of you are enjoying the Thursday night company of a newly-released Mike The Situation and his Jersey Shore friends as well as some newbies over in the Lou and soon & again over in Staten Island, for many of us 2020 in MTV Reality will begin for real on Wednesday, April 1st. It's not just the start of a month that we hope will bring health & happiness to all of us -- along with it being 4/20 month on top of that, but for that a new season of what's called the fifth major pro sport will commence exactly one week from tonight.
There, The Challenge will kick off its 35th season as the first of its kind reality competition series will again take over the attention of its fans with what should be a compelling and captivating season of action and drama that will glue you in the minute it begins. And with most everything in the athletic world at home here in America and overseas in an unprecedented standstill because of the panic that's going on - including yesterday's postponement of this summer's Tokyo Olympics among other things, for the first time ever this show will take on the daunting and tall task of being the only game in town in this country when his trademark air horn to start off the first competition of the new campaign is given by its now 25-season host, former BMX rider T.J. Lavin.
Last year, The Challenge finally put to rest a much maligned trilogy and got a fresh new start as it welcomed entrants from around the wide world of reality television from both the U.S. and across the globe. War of the Worlds I and II helped to reinvigorate this franchise as two veterans added to their trophy case with their third titles, and a Turkish rookie & two second-year competitors with English accents joined them atop the victory podium as they relished in $2 million in prize money. We also had a franchise power couple getting engaged on the elimination floor among other things in the past year, enough for the NBA's reigning MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, to take notice of his favorite guilty pleasure as he awaits the resumption of action on the hardwood.
This time, it's Total Madness: a season described as "The Most Dangerous Challenge Ever," and with good measure as this season will unleash mental warfare like never before. For the fifth time in the last four years, this Challenge will be every one for themselves as each man & woman will compete solo, rather than with a partner or a team. Among this class are seven past champions, seven fresh rookies, and many other candidates worthy of that first crown... including a daddy who, this spring, will be a star on not just this show, but also on MTV's most tabloid-worthy series as he awaits baby #2. This is also the first Challenge season to take place under the new ViacomCBS, and CBS reality alumni will be well-represented here, two decades after the debuts of two of its biggest shows.
They've all gathered in a fitting host city of Prague in the Czech Republic, where the last time this Eastern European capital played host ten years ago, Cutthroat was the venue for the most memorable Challenge moment ever: this series' winningest player getting manhandled by the show's resident beast on his back. On the radar for those two men and the rest of the competitors: some of the most-insane challenges ever devised, plus the pitfalls and twists that will serve as the roadblocks en route to $1 million at season's conclusion.
Total Madness will be more than just the main attraction for many of us MTV fans -- it's also one of a handful of things fresh & competitive that will be on TV this spring. And we at DCBLOG will be your tour guide to the madness from when it premieres to start April off, right on through to the final come summertime. And ahead in this season preview, we'll have a look at what awaits us behind the former Iron Curtain, give our look & guesses at the format, and of course we'll meet the challengers. This is the first half of our first look: our traditional introduction to the rookies of this Challenge will follow later on, as they look to emulate what Turbo did and win first time out.
The past several months in MTV's portion of a genre it's pioneered has seen the Sunshine State of Florida take center stage with Seasons 3 of both Floribama Shore and Siesta Key sharing top billing. The former brought us a broken bromance, a familiar friend joining the crew, and lots of fun in the sun; the ladder saw the showmance of Juliette Porter & Bachelor Robby Hayes and plenty of red-hot drama. And Ex On The Beach on this side of the Atlantic gave us a franchise first: British lovebirds Georgia Steel & Callum Izzard becoming the first ever couple to get engaged; while Celeb Ex has been delighting U.K. fans with Challenger & Rebel Wilson's new BFF, Georgia Harrison, and VH1 diva Tiffany "New York" Pollard among the seasiders.
And while some of you are enjoying the Thursday night company of a newly-released Mike The Situation and his Jersey Shore friends as well as some newbies over in the Lou and soon & again over in Staten Island, for many of us 2020 in MTV Reality will begin for real on Wednesday, April 1st. It's not just the start of a month that we hope will bring health & happiness to all of us -- along with it being 4/20 month on top of that, but for that a new season of what's called the fifth major pro sport will commence exactly one week from tonight.
Last year, The Challenge finally put to rest a much maligned trilogy and got a fresh new start as it welcomed entrants from around the wide world of reality television from both the U.S. and across the globe. War of the Worlds I and II helped to reinvigorate this franchise as two veterans added to their trophy case with their third titles, and a Turkish rookie & two second-year competitors with English accents joined them atop the victory podium as they relished in $2 million in prize money. We also had a franchise power couple getting engaged on the elimination floor among other things in the past year, enough for the NBA's reigning MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, to take notice of his favorite guilty pleasure as he awaits the resumption of action on the hardwood.
This time, it's Total Madness: a season described as "The Most Dangerous Challenge Ever," and with good measure as this season will unleash mental warfare like never before. For the fifth time in the last four years, this Challenge will be every one for themselves as each man & woman will compete solo, rather than with a partner or a team. Among this class are seven past champions, seven fresh rookies, and many other candidates worthy of that first crown... including a daddy who, this spring, will be a star on not just this show, but also on MTV's most tabloid-worthy series as he awaits baby #2. This is also the first Challenge season to take place under the new ViacomCBS, and CBS reality alumni will be well-represented here, two decades after the debuts of two of its biggest shows.
They've all gathered in a fitting host city of Prague in the Czech Republic, where the last time this Eastern European capital played host ten years ago, Cutthroat was the venue for the most memorable Challenge moment ever: this series' winningest player getting manhandled by the show's resident beast on his back. On the radar for those two men and the rest of the competitors: some of the most-insane challenges ever devised, plus the pitfalls and twists that will serve as the roadblocks en route to $1 million at season's conclusion.
Total Madness will be more than just the main attraction for many of us MTV fans -- it's also one of a handful of things fresh & competitive that will be on TV this spring. And we at DCBLOG will be your tour guide to the madness from when it premieres to start April off, right on through to the final come summertime. And ahead in this season preview, we'll have a look at what awaits us behind the former Iron Curtain, give our look & guesses at the format, and of course we'll meet the challengers. This is the first half of our first look: our traditional introduction to the rookies of this Challenge will follow later on, as they look to emulate what Turbo did and win first time out.
So, come on inside, welcome and get comfortable... And if you're new to this, hop aboard too. Our first look at The Challenge: Total Madness awaits after the jump. We're so glad you're here.
Before we dissect what we got awaiting us, we start with an aspect of our MTV Reality coverage that makes us unique in the blogosphere: SocialPulse. It's only on this site that we at DCBLOG will bring you the social media aspect of this show we love (and the others that we cover as well), and we'll be along every weekend to bring you how the cast, alumni & fans like yourselves react to the action, drama and must-see moments as they air in all the episodes, and even the interaction between them.
Below, this was how the buzz began for Total Madness when the cast was revealed as did the first-look trailer for this season took place on March 4th. And yes, it came exactly one week before the start of the time we are in that has made the world (and all of you at home) quite literally go mad.
► THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS: March 4th
Our field of Challengers this year definitely offers something for everyone and for them to pull for, catering to both those who have been watching this show for at least part of its two-decade run, and those who have followed some of the competitors on their shows of origin and who are being brought into MTV Reality for the first time. And there are many dynamic personalities with such public profiles as hosting a weekend travel show, appearing on daytime talk with an ex, and baby & engagement news... no wonder why the press have taken more of a focus on The Challenge then in recent years as it has crossed over more into the mainstream.
The roster of this Total Madness cast have a combined total of 121 previous appearances between the twenty-one players with a past season under their belts. There are 18 titles among the seven champions competing here, and nine others who have not yet been crowned but have had previous finals experience. And this doesn't even take into account that three of the players here won Big Brother both here in America and one of its overseas iterations - who himself is a reality TV veteran like one of the Brits.
As it has been the past few seasons, this year's twenty-eight chosen contestants have a storied past, a strong present and a promising future... those familiar faces are back to try and add to their legacies, a few others are back from a few seasons off, and there are seven rookies in the field looking to continue a recent trend of those making it to the end in their first try... and yes, the British are back. We start off with the past champions, and the four who come here as the present titleholders.
THE CHAMPIONS
As we got to say earlier, Total Madness is an individual-based Challenge and all the twenty-eight competitors will compete solo for themselves all throughout the season. This will follow along the lines of what we've had on Free Agents, Invasion, Dirty 30, Vendettas and War of the Worlds 1 where there was one winner - either a guy or a girl or just one champion like what we had with Cara two years ago and then Turbo last year.
We have no idea what the exact format could be, but if what we've had in past seasons are a sign we will assume that whoever wins the weekly challenge will receive immunity and gets to control who to put into elimination against the worst-performing challengers from each week, and they will get to face off in the arena with their spots in the game on the line. We won't know what the exact manner by which the game will be played until the premiere because this blogger is doing what he can to watch this season as cleanly and as unspoiled as he can (thus, I've not seen the trailer & won't watch any previews of episodes or promos until it premieres next week).
But there is something that will have fans rejoice: when I got to watch a fully attended Challenge with vets and rookies for the first time on Rivals II, Bananas, CT, Wes, Paula & Emily all made the final without going into elimination, and this has also happened with a few others since. That will not happen this time, as when we get to the delicious part of the season later on, a big twist to the game will see those who want to go for the $1 million, they will have to earn their way through by winning in an elimination. This is what Ashley K. and Frank did en route to their Challenge win when I got initiated into The Challenge on Battle of the Seasons II, and Mr. Lavin will love giving this twist out to this season's players.
Lastly, there's the one place that will be just as chaotic as the competition venues they'll compete in around Prague for the daily challenges and the lit up nighttime spectacle of the elimination chamber. As we're all sequestered in our homes as the word coronavirus has been on our minds, the place the Total Madness challengers will be staying in will not be in the lap of luxury as is always the case in an MTV Reality series. They'll instead take up residency in a nuclear bomb shelter like those constructed during World War II, and the bunker will epitomize true isolation from the outside world: no windows, hardly an air conditioner in sight, barely any space for clothes, and just the essentials of a decent amount of amenities to not go stir crazy. But thankfully, there's a living room, the war room for possible elimination deliberation, a kitchen and the musts of a gym and a pool.
These are just the things you really need to know, and should know, about what should be an exciting time we have in store for us this time around. If 2019 was the year that those who follow The Challenge saw as a year of redemption, then Total Madness in spring 2020 should be the one season that this show will finally have the opportunity to shine and be that season that will truly make this show just as popular as every other reality competition series out there. And there's no ideal time for this to debut in as we are all hungry for our favorite sports to get back up & running... whether you're a reality TV fan, a sports fan or both (like I am) this will be the perfect comfort food for the times we are in now. Let's enjoy what these next few months we will have together watching the madness that will await us behind the curtain...
As we wrote earlier, DCBLOG will serve as a guide to this Challenge season and you can think of us as your perfect compliment to all that will go down in the Madness of this spring & summer. And if you like listening to the various podcasts that cover this show, then we recommending have us on and browsing this site while you're listening to the shows in your 'phones.
In addition to the action, reaction and interaction of the episodes on the 'Pulse, we'll also offer our own take on the traditional episode recaps with opinions, analysis and the like throughout the season, and we also plan on bringing along people like you to discuss what's going on as it goes along at times during the season. But along with those, stick around for ExtraTime: original storytelling focusing our lens on the people and getting to know them a bit more behind the drama. We've already featured 23 of the 28 competitors of this season in the hundreds of stories that we feature around our episode coverage, and it's worth a read with more of these stories coming up on offer.
This is only part of the DCBLOG MTV experience, which also encompasses many of the shows relation to these people: Ex On The Beach, Are You The One, Floribama Shore, Real World and others. Regardless, our content features our acclaimed and specially-curated, high-quality coverage, offering something for both die-hard fanatics and casual TV fans. Bookmark this site, subscribe to the email lists for when we post all our content and "like, comment, share" these posts, as well as help us expand our reach to everyone so they and everyone else can enjoy our content... that way, you can also make these new fans get hooked on the world of MTV Reality as this site gets to see it here.
Next up for us here: we will get to answer the question on the minds of many of you in regards to the last section of our cast introduction: "Who Are These Newbies?" We'll have the chance to introduce to those of you in Challenge Nation the rookie class of Total Madness -- but don't be alarmed when we get to tell you that not all of this year's seven new challengers will be profiled... we'll elaborate on that then, among other things planned in this week-long prelude to Challenge week - so it's best to follow me on Twitter @DC408Dxtr for when this site's content is posted, and where you can share your thoughts with #DCBLOG and #SeeForYourself in your posts.
So, this is only just the start to what promises to be another exciting season of the show you and I love... we know you are all ready for The Challenge coming up in seven days from now. We'll talk to you here then... for now, dΔkuji a nashledanou...
- I AM DC
#DCBLOG
#DCSocialPulse EXTRA
THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS...
Before we dissect what we got awaiting us, we start with an aspect of our MTV Reality coverage that makes us unique in the blogosphere: SocialPulse. It's only on this site that we at DCBLOG will bring you the social media aspect of this show we love (and the others that we cover as well), and we'll be along every weekend to bring you how the cast, alumni & fans like yourselves react to the action, drama and must-see moments as they air in all the episodes, and even the interaction between them.
Below, this was how the buzz began for Total Madness when the cast was revealed as did the first-look trailer for this season took place on March 4th. And yes, it came exactly one week before the start of the time we are in that has made the world (and all of you at home) quite literally go mad.
► THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS: March 4th
@ChallengeMTV: Tag three friends. Solve the anagram. Unlock the trailer. https://instagram.com/p/B9RpdfeD6an/?igshid=7bg84vg1j0u4
- @deenguyenMTV: @ChallengeMTV I’m not doing work while I’m on vacay
@johnnybananas: WARNING BAD ASS CONTENT AHEAD #IamTheChallenge #BananasDoingThings #TheChallenge34 @ChallengeMTV
@kailah_casillas: Me looking at the Challenge instagram realizing that the 35 trailer is dropping soon: (GIF: "I'm just trying to keep my cool")
- @JustJem24: @kailah_casillas I can’t wait to drag youuuuuuuuuu
- @JustJem24: And yes this is a joke. Before y’all act up Kiss mark.
@HedrichFiles: Ok this season actually looks insane!! The Chernobyl feel is totally creepy and I’m all about it. #TheChallenge35
@tjlavin: You ready??? @mtv mtvchallenge https://instagram.com/p/B9R9id4hNBd/?igshid=1q72yx2o9bvj6
@tymerf: Its March 3rd, which means its my wife’s birthday! Thanks to the help of some special friends from mtvchallenge cast members, we were able to make this years shoutout extra special. Thanks @tjlavin @zachmtv… https://instagram.com/p/B9Rn_1tJT_5/?igshid=ptuw451rumbw
@JOSHMBB19: What I see in my dreams before my sleep paralysis demon attackes me at 3am #thechallenge35
@emilylongeretta: Hi friends who like reality TV and follow me Television— I may have fun stuff coming tomorrow
@johnnybananas: When @challengemtv stops toying with your emotions, and finally drops the new trailer #IamTheChallenge #thechallenge35 #bananasdoingthings @mtv
@emilylongeretta: Talk about #TotalMadness. #TheChallenge35 is here and it’s about to be insane. Full cast + first teaser! https://usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/the-challenge-season-35-meet-the-cast-of-total-madness/
- @kailah_casillas: @emilylongeretta Oooh that’s my face
@kailah_casillas: I bet you thought you saw the last of me I’m excited to be back on your screens for my 5th season of the Challenge: Total Madness starting April 1 on @mtv ππΌ
@johnnybananas: On this season of Deadliest @WestonBergmann #TheChallenge35
@JOSHMBB19: Here to create chaos Tune in to a New Season of @ChallengeMTV April 1st @mtv #TheChallenge35
@JOSHMBB19: Finally a good cast photo #TheChallenge35
@SHOTOFYAGER: BREAKING NEWS AUDIO! @DerrickMTV & I break down the recently announced News & Cast for #TheChallenge35 just broken by @EmilyLongeretta & US WEEKLY! We begin THE MADNESS over at https://patreon.com/posts/34538872 RIGHT NOW! Available to #ChallengeMania Maniac-Level Patrons! LISTEN NOW!
@MTVRWRRQuotes: We back. The Challenge: TOTAL MADNESSPremiers Wednesday April 1.. on MTV #Challenge35 #TotalMadness
@JennaCompono: New season of the @ChallengeMTV airs April 1st on @MTV WHO’S READY?!
@jordan_wiseley: Back again. There will be Madness... challengemtv https://instagram.com/p/B9UgOGKpHsC/?igshid=hivrtp99zkwf
@morbeen4444: My faves didn’t have to snap so hard, but they did... #TheChallenge35 #NanyGonzalez @KyleCGShore
@MattieLBreaux: Guess whose back @ChallengeMTV Yes ya girl!!! Set the DVR now! Wednesday April 1st! Complete Madness! Check our the full cast. https://usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/the-challenge-season-35-meet-the-cast-of-total-madness/cory-wharton/
@caitanne_: yaaasss ohkayyyy @MattieLBreaux we see you, girl!!! back to take it all!! πͺπΌ real hype. April 1st let’s GO #TheChallenge35
@deenguyenMTV: Finally we got a bloody cast pic! Here you go Challenge fam! Total Madness premieres Wed, Apr 1 at 8/7c on @ChallengeMTV #thechallenge35
@JOSHMBB19: Extremely blessed to be part of another epic Season of @ChallengeMTV and compete against all these badass people. The Madness begins April 1st on @mtv see who else is part of this szn: https://usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/the-challenge-season-35-meet-the-cast-of-total-madness/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
@fessyfitness: Today is an exciting day
@fessyfitness: Y’all ain’t ready... I promise @ChallengeMTV April 1st
@SwaggyCTV: MADNESS
@johnnybananas: Got chills? It ain't Coronavirus, it's The Challenge TOTAL MADNESS Trailer ☠ #IamTheChallenge #TheChallenge35 #TotalMadness #bananasdoingthings @ChallengeMTV @mtv
@Kassting: Seriously, when do I get a pay check?? Or even a credit??? #TheChallenge35
- @BayleighDaily: @Kassting QUEEN effin’ ROBYN!!!!!!!!
- @SwaggyCTV: @Kassting SUUUUUPER FACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@SwaggyCTV: KING. $WAGGY. THE CHALLENGE 35: TOTAL MADNESS AIRS APRIL 1ST at 8/7c. IT’S ABOUT THAT TIME. MADNESS
@JOSHMBB19: For those asking if I’ll be crying this season yes mostly tears of Joy feels so blessed to be part of this epic show @ChallengeMTV ππ½#TheChallenge35
- @deenguyenMTV: @JOSHMBB19 I’ll be crying too homie don’t you worry we can have a laugh about it #TheChallenge35
- @JenniferWestOf1: @JOSHMBB19 Haha I love you
@JenniferWestOf1: Who's watching the new season of @ChallengeMTV πͺπΌ #thechallenge
@Rogan_OConnor: I’M BACK BABY & This time it was Total Madness!! Airing April 1st on MTV #TheChallenge35 #TotalMadness #DefendTheCrown @ChallengeMTV
- @SHOTOFYAGER: Going to bet a million US dollars that it wasn’t @Rogan_OConnor’s idea to wear a long-sleeve top in his cast photo. That’s just me. #ChallengeMania #TheChallenge35
@DerrickMTV: BONUS PODCAST is UP!! “CAST BREAK DOWN!” #TheChallenge35: TOTAL MADDNESS -Me and @SHOTOFYAGER DIVE IN! FireAvailable for patrons at http://Patreon.com/ChallengeMania
@enews: MTV's The Challenge: Total Madness Cast Revealed: These 28 Players Will Battle for Season 35 https://t.co/DO7gH82q7B?amp=1
@HollywoodLife: #TheChallenge35 is coming ft. @JohnnyBananas, @JennaCompono & MORE! Check out the full cast & 1st teaser for #TheChallengeTotalMadness: http://hollywood.li/eBXW7Yn
@SHOTOFYAGER: Read @EmilyLongeretta’s Breaking News Post Revealing the new
@ChallengeMTV season. / Watch #TheChallenge35 Trailer. /Peep the amazing cast photos, where everyone looks great. Next... π£Listen to me & DerrickMTV BREAK IT ALL DOWN over at http://Patreon.com/ChallengeMania! AVAIL NOW!
@JOSHMBB19: Yo the fact that 3 years ago a 30 minute Skype call with my casting producer for big brother has landed me on all these shows is fvckn Wild. Take the risk friends it will pay off. Thanks @DannyJLove for being part of changing my life ππ½
@johnnybananas: On this season of Lockup Raw ⛓@WestonBergmann #TheChallenge35 @ChallengeMTV
@itskimwebster: New season of @ChallengeMTV coming April 1 @ 8 pm to @MTV! This was my 5th season as producer/director & it’s a WILD ride! TJ isn’t lying when he says it’s the biggest twist ever! #TotalMadness will ensue! #TheChallenge35
@MaggaTronn: The cast finally being released for the new season of The Challenge has made my day 100% better. Also you know I’m rooting for @JOSHMBB19 @tori_deal @TheOfficial_CT and @MattieLBreaux because they are all badass. #TheChallenge
@Challengemtv___: The Challenge: Total Madness premieres April 1 at 8 p.m ET on MTV #TheChallenge35
@DJMelReeves: Third time lucky? I’m back on #thechallenge35 @ChallengeMTV #thechallengetotalmadness Wednesday, April 1 at 8/7c This season is by far the most brutal, hardcore, madness I have ever taken part in. I genuinely have PTSD
@AbbykleeK: Since the trailer has been aired here is my friendly reminder: I don’t give a shit if we like the same people or not. If you’re a good person and I enjoy your presence I could care less who you stan or don’t stan. #TheChallenge35
@tori_deal: Dude, the @ChallengeMTV is the Most BAD ASS show on tv, I’m so grateful to be on it. New season coming soon.
@jordan_wiseley: Super excited to drop this!! Leading up to the challengemtv premier, I’ll be dropping 2 weekly episodes showing y’all the prep for Season 35!! First Ep drops tomorrow ππ½ https://instagram.com/p/B9VAxRspWSM/?igshid=12av0fgw66r22
@WestonBergmann: On this season of The Biggest Loser @johnnybananas #TheChallenge35
@kailah_casillas: remember when everyone said that I’m banned from the challenge and will never be back. Oh.
@ChallengeMTV: It’s the most dangerous Challenge we’ve ever had and this twist makes sure NO ONE is safe! Premiering Wednesday, April 1 at 8/7c on @mtv! #TheChallenge35
- @kailah_casillas: @ChallengeMTV why am I so crazzzzzzyyyyyy lol
- @SwaggyCTV: @ChallengeMTV NOT. PLAYING. MADNESS!!!!!!! WE STRAPPED IN April 1st. GANG.
- @BayleighDaily: @ChallengeMTV Let me just tell you! If you thought I was crazy on Big Brother, whew chileeeee. You are not ready for this madness !
- @JOSHMBB19: @BayleighDaily One more time for the people in the back
- @Jay__Qs: StayLoco! Match made in heaven. Tune in April 1, I’m on @ChallengeMTV baby!
- @Rogan_OConnor: @ChallengeMTV What do you mean we have to go into an elimination? No way... I’m too scared... hopefully there’s a mountain I can die on before I have to do any of that..
- @MattieLBreaux: @ChallengeMTV Let’s gooo Fam
- @Remdelarem: @ChallengeMTV Helllllllll no lmao
- @JenniferWestOf1: @ChallengeMTV Cannot wait to see this! Who's watching? #TheChallenge35
- @SHOTOFYAGER: @ChallengeMTV “In order to make the final, you have to win an elimination.” @TJLavin, on behalf of all the MANIACS, THANK YOU!!ππ»#ChallengeMania #TheChallenge35
- @deenguyenMTV: @ChallengeMTV Guys I just got over this. I don’t think I’m ready to re-live it again @ChallengeMTV #TheChallenge35
@TheRightReality: And if those 2 trailers weren’t enough tomorrow we interview @deenguyenMTV. Got questions. Send them our way and you might hear her answer them. #TheChallenge35 #thechallenge @ChallengeMTV
@johnnybananas: The Free Ride is over folks! TOTAL MADNESS begins in 3, 2, 1 #IamTheChallenge #TheChallenge35 #TotalMadness @ChallengeMTV
@fessyfitness: Savage mode activated #TheChallenge35
@MTVRWRRQuotes: Let the madness in.. The Challenge: TOTAL MADNESS trailer is here.. #Challenge35
@enews: The cast list for season 35 of #TheChallenge has officially been revealed and we CANNOT. WAIT. https://eonli.ne/2wxA88t
- @johnnybananas: @enews Total MADNESS
- @LadyFougere: @johnnybananas @ChallengeMTVFinally a season where you have to earn it and work for it every second of the day!!!!
@MTVBananas: “I’m surrounded by liars, cheaters, and scumbags” - @johnnybananas #TheChallenge35 #TeamBananas
- @johnnybananas: @MTVBananas No lies detected
@emilylongeretta: Update: #TheChallenge35 now has a FULL TRAILER:
@ChallengeMTV: 'The Game Has Changed': This Is The Challenge: Total Madness #TheChallenge35 http://mtv.com/news/3157891/the-challenge-total-madness/
@Shelbs5591: @ChallengeMTV @MTV @tjlavin “I am TIERED of people skating by...” PREEEAAAACCCHHH BROTHER!!!!! I’ve never been so hype for a season as I am now!
@alex_wham: I hate to admit it but this trailer was worth every second I had to wait @tjlavin @ChallengeMTV you did it again. #TheChallenge35 F I N A L L Y
@Jay__Qs: StayLoco meets Total Madness? I’m in! Find me on The Challenge: Total Madness April 1 at 8/7 c! @ChallengeMTV
@MTVbrettski: "@noellenicole11: Patiently waiting for Brett from Are You The One to be on The Challenge @MTVbrettski @mtv " RT Wouldn’t want me dethroning their “champs” tho id tear that shit up!!
@fessyfitness: What if the premier of @ChallengeMTV 35 is just a huge April fools joke and we have to wait even longer?!
@ExOnTheBeach: .@ChallengeMTV trailer just dropped and I AM SHOOK! Don't miss the new season premiering Wednesday, April 1 at 8/7c on @mtv! #TheChallenge35
@DannyWascou: This season is absolute MADNESS! #TheChallenge35 https://t.co/jYeJo21ghe?amp=1
@RACHELFOX5: So great having our buddy @tjlavin stop by @MOREFOX5 to give us a preview of the next season of @ChallengeMTV! Congrats on 35th season, now just tell @joss_mooney to stop photoshopping his head on to your body. #MTV @FOX5Vegas @Rogan_OConnor
@ChallengeMTV: Happy Birthday @CoryWharton! It's good to have you back! #TheChallenge35
- @CoryWharton: @ChallengeMTV Thank you guys !!! Can’t wait for this upcoming season ZADDDY IS BACK
- @JOSHMBB19: @CoryWharton Happy birthday brotha much blessings ππ½π€π½
- @fessyfitness: @CoryWharton Happy G day BROSKI ✊π½
- @MattieLBreaux: Yall wish @CoryWharton a Happy Birthday thoooo
@MTV_NellyT: Happy Bday to my Brother @CoryWharton #familyties #NY #LegGo #TYB
@Rogan_OConnor: Happy Birthday to my bro @CoryWharton whom I had the pleasure of competing against in the new season of @ChallengeMTV Airing on MTV on April 1st! #TheChallenge35 #TotalMadness
@mtvrrdarrell: I wonder who this will be this season #Challenge35
@SHOTOFYAGER: ππ»Welcome back, @kailah_casillas! #TheChallenge35...the debut of FESSY & the return of MESSY! Go kill it, Kailah! #ChallengeMania
- @kailah_casillas: @SHOTOFYAGER Hahahahaha ME???? MESSY???!!!!!!!!!! No way never lol
@SHOTOFYAGER: "@DerrickMTV: I feel like Swaggy P’s lil bro is next on “The Challenge” hit list...#GotAlottaTude #BB20" RT ππ»Let the record show that @DerrickMTV called this @SwaggyCTV on @ChallengeMTV thing all the way back in Summer 2018. Good call, D. #TheChallenge35 #ChallengeMania
@ChallengeMTV: They are HUNGRY for that first win! #TheChallenge35
@ChallengeMTV: These Vets are back with a vengeance! Fire #thecave
@ChallengeMTV: They've already won and are FIGHTING for another win! #TheChallenge35
@ChallengeMTV: These champs are back and they are READY to defend their titles. #TheChallenge35
@ChallengeMTV: These Vets are straight up FIRE! #TheChallenge35
@ChallengeMTV: These Vets aren't afraid to get their hands dirty! #TheChallenge35
@ChallengeMTV: They're ready to earn their stripes! #TheChallenge35
@ChallengeMTV: And now time to introduce our Rookies! #TheChallenge35
@ChallengeMTV: These Are The Challenge Players Vying For Season 35 Glory! #TheChallenge35 http://mtv.com/news/3157955/challenge-total-madness-meet-the-cast/
@deenguyenMTV: Wow! I look so jacked and where did CTs legs go?! #TheChallenge35
@deenguyenMTV: AUSTRALIA. The Challenge 35 premieres Tues, 1 Apr 9.30pm. Just 1 week after the States! Now you guys can stop complaining about me spoiling everything smh LOVE YA @ChallengeMTV @MTVAUSTRALIA #TheChallenge35
- @deenguyenMTV: Clearly need to lay off that Kush! Premieres Tues, 7 Apr at 9.30pm in AUSTRALIA. @MTVAUSTRALIA @ChallengeMTV #TheChallenge35
- @deenguyenMTV: @ChallengeMTV I’m not doing work while I’m on vacay
@johnnybananas: WARNING BAD ASS CONTENT AHEAD #IamTheChallenge #BananasDoingThings #TheChallenge34 @ChallengeMTV
@kailah_casillas: Me looking at the Challenge instagram realizing that the 35 trailer is dropping soon: (GIF: "I'm just trying to keep my cool")
- @JustJem24: @kailah_casillas I can’t wait to drag youuuuuuuuuu
- @JustJem24: And yes this is a joke. Before y’all act up Kiss mark.
@HedrichFiles: Ok this season actually looks insane!! The Chernobyl feel is totally creepy and I’m all about it. #TheChallenge35
@tjlavin: You ready??? @mtv mtvchallenge https://instagram.com/p/B9R9id4hNBd/?igshid=1q72yx2o9bvj6
@tymerf: Its March 3rd, which means its my wife’s birthday! Thanks to the help of some special friends from mtvchallenge cast members, we were able to make this years shoutout extra special. Thanks @tjlavin @zachmtv… https://instagram.com/p/B9Rn_1tJT_5/?igshid=ptuw451rumbw
@JOSHMBB19: What I see in my dreams before my sleep paralysis demon attackes me at 3am #thechallenge35
@emilylongeretta: Hi friends who like reality TV and follow me Television— I may have fun stuff coming tomorrow
@johnnybananas: When @challengemtv stops toying with your emotions, and finally drops the new trailer #IamTheChallenge #thechallenge35 #bananasdoingthings @mtv
@emilylongeretta: Talk about #TotalMadness. #TheChallenge35 is here and it’s about to be insane. Full cast + first teaser! https://usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/the-challenge-season-35-meet-the-cast-of-total-madness/
- @kailah_casillas: @emilylongeretta Oooh that’s my face
@kailah_casillas: I bet you thought you saw the last of me I’m excited to be back on your screens for my 5th season of the Challenge: Total Madness starting April 1 on @mtv ππΌ
@johnnybananas: On this season of Deadliest @WestonBergmann #TheChallenge35
@JOSHMBB19: Here to create chaos Tune in to a New Season of @ChallengeMTV April 1st @mtv #TheChallenge35
@JOSHMBB19: Finally a good cast photo #TheChallenge35
@SHOTOFYAGER: BREAKING NEWS AUDIO! @DerrickMTV & I break down the recently announced News & Cast for #TheChallenge35 just broken by @EmilyLongeretta & US WEEKLY! We begin THE MADNESS over at https://patreon.com/posts/34538872 RIGHT NOW! Available to #ChallengeMania Maniac-Level Patrons! LISTEN NOW!
@MTVRWRRQuotes: We back. The Challenge: TOTAL MADNESSPremiers Wednesday April 1.. on MTV #Challenge35 #TotalMadness
@JennaCompono: New season of the @ChallengeMTV airs April 1st on @MTV WHO’S READY?!
@jordan_wiseley: Back again. There will be Madness... challengemtv https://instagram.com/p/B9UgOGKpHsC/?igshid=hivrtp99zkwf
@morbeen4444: My faves didn’t have to snap so hard, but they did... #TheChallenge35 #NanyGonzalez @KyleCGShore
@MattieLBreaux: Guess whose back @ChallengeMTV Yes ya girl!!! Set the DVR now! Wednesday April 1st! Complete Madness! Check our the full cast. https://usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/the-challenge-season-35-meet-the-cast-of-total-madness/cory-wharton/
@caitanne_: yaaasss ohkayyyy @MattieLBreaux we see you, girl!!! back to take it all!! πͺπΌ real hype. April 1st let’s GO #TheChallenge35
@deenguyenMTV: Finally we got a bloody cast pic! Here you go Challenge fam! Total Madness premieres Wed, Apr 1 at 8/7c on @ChallengeMTV #thechallenge35
@JOSHMBB19: Extremely blessed to be part of another epic Season of @ChallengeMTV and compete against all these badass people. The Madness begins April 1st on @mtv see who else is part of this szn: https://usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/the-challenge-season-35-meet-the-cast-of-total-madness/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
@fessyfitness: Today is an exciting day
@fessyfitness: Y’all ain’t ready... I promise @ChallengeMTV April 1st
@SwaggyCTV: MADNESS
@johnnybananas: Got chills? It ain't Coronavirus, it's The Challenge TOTAL MADNESS Trailer ☠ #IamTheChallenge #TheChallenge35 #TotalMadness #bananasdoingthings @ChallengeMTV @mtv
@Kassting: Seriously, when do I get a pay check?? Or even a credit??? #TheChallenge35
- @BayleighDaily: @Kassting QUEEN effin’ ROBYN!!!!!!!!
- @SwaggyCTV: @Kassting SUUUUUPER FACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@SwaggyCTV: KING. $WAGGY. THE CHALLENGE 35: TOTAL MADNESS AIRS APRIL 1ST at 8/7c. IT’S ABOUT THAT TIME. MADNESS
@JOSHMBB19: For those asking if I’ll be crying this season yes mostly tears of Joy feels so blessed to be part of this epic show @ChallengeMTV ππ½#TheChallenge35
- @deenguyenMTV: @JOSHMBB19 I’ll be crying too homie don’t you worry we can have a laugh about it #TheChallenge35
- @JenniferWestOf1: @JOSHMBB19 Haha I love you
@JenniferWestOf1: Who's watching the new season of @ChallengeMTV πͺπΌ #thechallenge
@Rogan_OConnor: I’M BACK BABY & This time it was Total Madness!! Airing April 1st on MTV #TheChallenge35 #TotalMadness #DefendTheCrown @ChallengeMTV
- @SHOTOFYAGER: Going to bet a million US dollars that it wasn’t @Rogan_OConnor’s idea to wear a long-sleeve top in his cast photo. That’s just me. #ChallengeMania #TheChallenge35
@DerrickMTV: BONUS PODCAST is UP!! “CAST BREAK DOWN!” #TheChallenge35: TOTAL MADDNESS -Me and @SHOTOFYAGER DIVE IN! FireAvailable for patrons at http://Patreon.com/ChallengeMania
@enews: MTV's The Challenge: Total Madness Cast Revealed: These 28 Players Will Battle for Season 35 https://t.co/DO7gH82q7B?amp=1
@HollywoodLife: #TheChallenge35 is coming ft. @JohnnyBananas, @JennaCompono & MORE! Check out the full cast & 1st teaser for #TheChallengeTotalMadness: http://hollywood.li/eBXW7Yn
@SHOTOFYAGER: Read @EmilyLongeretta’s Breaking News Post Revealing the new
@ChallengeMTV season. / Watch #TheChallenge35 Trailer. /Peep the amazing cast photos, where everyone looks great. Next... π£Listen to me & DerrickMTV BREAK IT ALL DOWN over at http://Patreon.com/ChallengeMania! AVAIL NOW!
@JOSHMBB19: Yo the fact that 3 years ago a 30 minute Skype call with my casting producer for big brother has landed me on all these shows is fvckn Wild. Take the risk friends it will pay off. Thanks @DannyJLove for being part of changing my life ππ½
@johnnybananas: On this season of Lockup Raw ⛓@WestonBergmann #TheChallenge35 @ChallengeMTV
@itskimwebster: New season of @ChallengeMTV coming April 1 @ 8 pm to @MTV! This was my 5th season as producer/director & it’s a WILD ride! TJ isn’t lying when he says it’s the biggest twist ever! #TotalMadness will ensue! #TheChallenge35
@MaggaTronn: The cast finally being released for the new season of The Challenge has made my day 100% better. Also you know I’m rooting for @JOSHMBB19 @tori_deal @TheOfficial_CT and @MattieLBreaux because they are all badass. #TheChallenge
@Challengemtv___: The Challenge: Total Madness premieres April 1 at 8 p.m ET on MTV #TheChallenge35
@DJMelReeves: Third time lucky? I’m back on #thechallenge35 @ChallengeMTV #thechallengetotalmadness Wednesday, April 1 at 8/7c This season is by far the most brutal, hardcore, madness I have ever taken part in. I genuinely have PTSD
@AbbykleeK: Since the trailer has been aired here is my friendly reminder: I don’t give a shit if we like the same people or not. If you’re a good person and I enjoy your presence I could care less who you stan or don’t stan. #TheChallenge35
@tori_deal: Dude, the @ChallengeMTV is the Most BAD ASS show on tv, I’m so grateful to be on it. New season coming soon.
@jordan_wiseley: Super excited to drop this!! Leading up to the challengemtv premier, I’ll be dropping 2 weekly episodes showing y’all the prep for Season 35!! First Ep drops tomorrow ππ½ https://instagram.com/p/B9VAxRspWSM/?igshid=12av0fgw66r22
@WestonBergmann: On this season of The Biggest Loser @johnnybananas #TheChallenge35
@kailah_casillas: remember when everyone said that I’m banned from the challenge and will never be back. Oh.
@ChallengeMTV: It’s the most dangerous Challenge we’ve ever had and this twist makes sure NO ONE is safe! Premiering Wednesday, April 1 at 8/7c on @mtv! #TheChallenge35
- @kailah_casillas: @ChallengeMTV why am I so crazzzzzzyyyyyy lol
- @SwaggyCTV: @ChallengeMTV NOT. PLAYING. MADNESS!!!!!!! WE STRAPPED IN April 1st. GANG.
- @BayleighDaily: @ChallengeMTV Let me just tell you! If you thought I was crazy on Big Brother, whew chileeeee. You are not ready for this madness !
- @JOSHMBB19: @BayleighDaily One more time for the people in the back
- @Jay__Qs: StayLoco! Match made in heaven. Tune in April 1, I’m on @ChallengeMTV baby!
- @Rogan_OConnor: @ChallengeMTV What do you mean we have to go into an elimination? No way... I’m too scared... hopefully there’s a mountain I can die on before I have to do any of that..
- @MattieLBreaux: @ChallengeMTV Let’s gooo Fam
- @Remdelarem: @ChallengeMTV Helllllllll no lmao
- @JenniferWestOf1: @ChallengeMTV Cannot wait to see this! Who's watching? #TheChallenge35
- @SHOTOFYAGER: @ChallengeMTV “In order to make the final, you have to win an elimination.” @TJLavin, on behalf of all the MANIACS, THANK YOU!!ππ»#ChallengeMania #TheChallenge35
- @deenguyenMTV: @ChallengeMTV Guys I just got over this. I don’t think I’m ready to re-live it again @ChallengeMTV #TheChallenge35
@TheRightReality: And if those 2 trailers weren’t enough tomorrow we interview @deenguyenMTV. Got questions. Send them our way and you might hear her answer them. #TheChallenge35 #thechallenge @ChallengeMTV
@johnnybananas: The Free Ride is over folks! TOTAL MADNESS begins in 3, 2, 1 #IamTheChallenge #TheChallenge35 #TotalMadness @ChallengeMTV
@fessyfitness: Savage mode activated #TheChallenge35
@MTVRWRRQuotes: Let the madness in.. The Challenge: TOTAL MADNESS trailer is here.. #Challenge35
@enews: The cast list for season 35 of #TheChallenge has officially been revealed and we CANNOT. WAIT. https://eonli.ne/2wxA88t
- @johnnybananas: @enews Total MADNESS
- @LadyFougere: @johnnybananas @ChallengeMTVFinally a season where you have to earn it and work for it every second of the day!!!!
@MTVBananas: “I’m surrounded by liars, cheaters, and scumbags” - @johnnybananas #TheChallenge35 #TeamBananas
- @johnnybananas: @MTVBananas No lies detected
@emilylongeretta: Update: #TheChallenge35 now has a FULL TRAILER:
@ChallengeMTV: 'The Game Has Changed': This Is The Challenge: Total Madness #TheChallenge35 http://mtv.com/news/3157891/the-challenge-total-madness/
@Shelbs5591: @ChallengeMTV @MTV @tjlavin “I am TIERED of people skating by...” PREEEAAAACCCHHH BROTHER!!!!! I’ve never been so hype for a season as I am now!
@alex_wham: I hate to admit it but this trailer was worth every second I had to wait @tjlavin @ChallengeMTV you did it again. #TheChallenge35 F I N A L L Y
@Jay__Qs: StayLoco meets Total Madness? I’m in! Find me on The Challenge: Total Madness April 1 at 8/7 c! @ChallengeMTV
@MTVbrettski: "@noellenicole11: Patiently waiting for Brett from Are You The One to be on The Challenge @MTVbrettski @mtv " RT Wouldn’t want me dethroning their “champs” tho id tear that shit up!!
@fessyfitness: What if the premier of @ChallengeMTV 35 is just a huge April fools joke and we have to wait even longer?!
@ExOnTheBeach: .@ChallengeMTV trailer just dropped and I AM SHOOK! Don't miss the new season premiering Wednesday, April 1 at 8/7c on @mtv! #TheChallenge35
@DannyWascou: This season is absolute MADNESS! #TheChallenge35 https://t.co/jYeJo21ghe?amp=1
@RACHELFOX5: So great having our buddy @tjlavin stop by @MOREFOX5 to give us a preview of the next season of @ChallengeMTV! Congrats on 35th season, now just tell @joss_mooney to stop photoshopping his head on to your body. #MTV @FOX5Vegas @Rogan_OConnor
@ChallengeMTV: Happy Birthday @CoryWharton! It's good to have you back! #TheChallenge35
- @CoryWharton: @ChallengeMTV Thank you guys !!! Can’t wait for this upcoming season ZADDDY IS BACK
- @JOSHMBB19: @CoryWharton Happy birthday brotha much blessings ππ½π€π½
- @fessyfitness: @CoryWharton Happy G day BROSKI ✊π½
- @MattieLBreaux: Yall wish @CoryWharton a Happy Birthday thoooo
@MTV_NellyT: Happy Bday to my Brother @CoryWharton #familyties #NY #LegGo #TYB
@Rogan_OConnor: Happy Birthday to my bro @CoryWharton whom I had the pleasure of competing against in the new season of @ChallengeMTV Airing on MTV on April 1st! #TheChallenge35 #TotalMadness
@mtvrrdarrell: I wonder who this will be this season #Challenge35
@SHOTOFYAGER: ππ»Welcome back, @kailah_casillas! #TheChallenge35...the debut of FESSY & the return of MESSY! Go kill it, Kailah! #ChallengeMania
- @kailah_casillas: @SHOTOFYAGER Hahahahaha ME???? MESSY???!!!!!!!!!! No way never lol
@SHOTOFYAGER: "@DerrickMTV: I feel like Swaggy P’s lil bro is next on “The Challenge” hit list...#GotAlottaTude #BB20" RT ππ»Let the record show that @DerrickMTV called this @SwaggyCTV on @ChallengeMTV thing all the way back in Summer 2018. Good call, D. #TheChallenge35 #ChallengeMania
@ChallengeMTV: They are HUNGRY for that first win! #TheChallenge35
@ChallengeMTV: These Vets are back with a vengeance! Fire #thecave
@ChallengeMTV: They've already won and are FIGHTING for another win! #TheChallenge35
@ChallengeMTV: These champs are back and they are READY to defend their titles. #TheChallenge35
@ChallengeMTV: These Vets are straight up FIRE! #TheChallenge35
@ChallengeMTV: These Vets aren't afraid to get their hands dirty! #TheChallenge35
@ChallengeMTV: They're ready to earn their stripes! #TheChallenge35
@ChallengeMTV: And now time to introduce our Rookies! #TheChallenge35
@ChallengeMTV: These Are The Challenge Players Vying For Season 35 Glory! #TheChallenge35 http://mtv.com/news/3157955/challenge-total-madness-meet-the-cast/
@deenguyenMTV: Wow! I look so jacked and where did CTs legs go?! #TheChallenge35
@deenguyenMTV: AUSTRALIA. The Challenge 35 premieres Tues, 1 Apr 9.30pm. Just 1 week after the States! Now you guys can stop complaining about me spoiling everything smh LOVE YA @ChallengeMTV @MTVAUSTRALIA #TheChallenge35
- @deenguyenMTV: Clearly need to lay off that Kush! Premieres Tues, 7 Apr at 9.30pm in AUSTRALIA. @MTVAUSTRALIA @ChallengeMTV #TheChallenge35
π₯ π₯ π₯
A CHALLENGE PRIMER
Last year, The Challenge continued to spread its wings to encompass MTV's global reach by bringing in those who've appeared on shows that air on its overseas channels (including global phenomenon Ex On The Beach) as well as shows which are familiar to reality TV fans including Big Brother - which MTV first welcomed to the show a year before CBS and Viacom got remarried. But now that those who are used to nightly action in the NBA, baseball and all else in the sports calendar on hold, there will be a lot more people who will become interested in The Challenge than usual as that action hungry audience will finally have something juicy to watch.
For the gist of what this is all about, The Challenge is like any other reality competition show that's out there, but there's a bit of a harder edge than what you're used to. The competition is more intense and grueling... and competitors actually are fitness freaks in training to be on this show. The action itself gives you the feel of watching your favorite sport in the physical & mental nature of the regular challenges and the elimination battles that often pit players one-on-one. The show operates in a freeze-out format for most of the season where players are eliminated one-by-one until only a handful are left, and those who make it that far then get to contest the season's final challenge -- and that's where the big bucks await them when they cross the finish line.
Of course, this is, after all, reality television as MTV sees it... and in between all the competition on the field, an almost equal amount of focus in every episode is on the drama among the competitors off the playing surface. You can expect plenty of drunken fights and hookups to the point that it becomes a soap opera in itself... and there's still time in the episodes to fit in strategy talk to see who might get voted into elimination and who will do their best to stay out of fighting for their lives there. And The Challenge has had various formats over the years, and the seasons have rotated among those in pairs, competing with teams small and large, and in this case of this season, individuals. We'll delve into more of that after the next section...
Of course, this is, after all, reality television as MTV sees it... and in between all the competition on the field, an almost equal amount of focus in every episode is on the drama among the competitors off the playing surface. You can expect plenty of drunken fights and hookups to the point that it becomes a soap opera in itself... and there's still time in the episodes to fit in strategy talk to see who might get voted into elimination and who will do their best to stay out of fighting for their lives there. And The Challenge has had various formats over the years, and the seasons have rotated among those in pairs, competing with teams small and large, and in this case of this season, individuals. We'll delve into more of that after the next section...
MEET THE CHALLENGERS
The roster of this Total Madness cast have a combined total of 121 previous appearances between the twenty-one players with a past season under their belts. There are 18 titles among the seven champions competing here, and nine others who have not yet been crowned but have had previous finals experience. And this doesn't even take into account that three of the players here won Big Brother both here in America and one of its overseas iterations - who himself is a reality TV veteran like one of the Brits.
As it has been the past few seasons, this year's twenty-eight chosen contestants have a storied past, a strong present and a promising future... those familiar faces are back to try and add to their legacies, a few others are back from a few seasons off, and there are seven rookies in the field looking to continue a recent trend of those making it to the end in their first try... and yes, the British are back. We start off with the past champions, and the four who come here as the present titleholders.
THE CHAMPIONS
● C.T. 3x - After falling short in last three regular seasons, C.T. returned to the top as part of Team UK on War of the Worlds II -- his third Challenge triumph and fifth finals win after winning both Champs vs. Stars spinoffs. When he was at the peak of his powers, he was no doubt this game's most feared competitor... but while he's tapered off a bit, the intimidation and experience is still there for him as he reaches his 40's - and the question is of if he can outsmart Father Time here.
● DEE 3x - To think that Dee beat some of the biggest players on this cast and other big names to the champs club is a big surprise. She's the only other female champ on this season, but Dee's different in being a bit stable than Ashley but who share some athletic prowess, political aspects and who will jump at the chance to complete puzzles. Being a champ comes with it a big target, and unlike her ther first-time champ Dee is also aligned with Wes, which will make this defense a little more easier.
● JORDAN 3x - Last year, Jordan returned as if he never left with a third straight Challenge title as many consecutive appearances, plus he successfully popped the question to his fiance after winning an elimination. He's always a physical beast in both aspects of the game despite his sometimes cocky attitude, but now as a defending champ and competing for the first time in a season after winning a title, he will have his work cut out to make it #4, this time with his girl by his side.
● ROGAN 1x - If you were one of those who had Rogan as the first British Challenge champ, you're probably as lucky as Leicester City was when they won the English Premier League in 2016: a true long-shot after a back injury ended his Vendettas campaign early. This time, Rogan's big challenge is that he won't have his mate Joss by his side, and he'll have to endure seeing ex Dee as he goes about trying to prove what happened last year was no fluke, which is a tall task in this place.
● ASHLEY M. 2x - Ever since Final Reckoning, Ashley has had a target on her back, and she tasted her own karma after being eliminated first on War of the Worlds. She rebounded to make last season's final, but you can't deny that she's become a player you love or hate, depending upon what she does next and how she gets to play this game. Ash is one of two female champs in this field and that will carry weight... Think, one more title and she becomes tied for most titles among the ladies.
● BANANAS 6x - This is Johnny Bananas' twentieth Challenge, and has just stated his intention to keep on doing these as long as he pleases. His six titles and resume over this long career is something to give him at least some respect, but this is also the same Bananas who hasn't made a final since his Rivals III steal - and that's given his detractors something to cheer for there. This man is certainly in need for #7... it's just a matter of keeping calm in the madness of the Total Madness.
● WES 2x - The mastermind of Challenge politics, Wes returned last year to much fanfare and he picked up where he left on Rivals III, and bettered his blood rival Bananas to make the final and finish 3rd after a strong regular season and reclaiming his elimination king status. It was a different story last time out when a preseason alliance would eventually see him voted in and lost to Bear. Wes is in need of title #3, and the work is cut out for him again to see if he will win again.
THE VETERANS
● ANEESA - Aneesa returns here once again as the Challenger with the longest lineage going back when it was the RW/RR Challenge some two decades ago. Her stint has been well documented of being so close and not winning, who has competed with two generations of challengers, and who has had a history of drama and dirty play. The challenge here is of how Aneesa can handle competing alongside those younger than her, and if she will finally write that storybook ending.
● CORY - As the one player with perhaps the biggest tabloid-worthy exposure thanks in no part to being on MTV back-to-back nights this spring, Cory returns with ultimately having two kids to compete for. He's not been able to live up to the billing of being on a billboard to lead the next generation of Challengers - and what happened the last time he was here didn't help his cause. But with time away comes a chance for Cory to silence the doubters... will he this time?
● JENNA - Also making headlines over the offseason is Jenna, who comes here with an engagement ring thanks to Zach proposing to her under the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. He's not here with her, but the Barbie does have her two biggest allies by her side in Kailah and Nany. After her injury setback on Champs vs. Stars, Jenna hasn't returned to peak form that brought her to three finals, but with the help of her friends, that social game may help her cause here.
● KAILAH - Ever since her rookie season, Kailah has always been that firecracker who doesn't give an f-- and will use her mouth to make everyone take notice. Last we saw her here was that fight with Melissa on Final Reckoning, and of course we saw her go against boss queen Lindsay at her Lohan Beach Club. Being the one who singlehandly made social media a huge part of the modern-day Challenge, Kailah returns here intent on her first title -- it will not be easy, though.
● NELSON - Nelson has had quite a journey: part of a legendary AYTO cast, part of the Young Bucks here, and then being in the public eye starting with that night in jail. He then fell in love on Ex On The Beach, which led to that subsequent Dr. Phil appearance with his now-ex Angela. Nelly, like Kailah, returns from a two-season hiatus with a finals appearance under his belt and having buddy Cory by his side. And of course, he's fit... the question is if a year's hiatus will or won't hurt him.
● NANY - Like Wes, Nany also returned to everyone's delight from three years away last year and had a promising season on War of the Worlds that saw her campaign end shorter than she expected. Last fall, she made it all the way to the last stage of the final, got over Ashley and competed in the final but fell short. This time, she will have not just Jenna around but this is also her first Challenge with Kailah as well -- watch for them to perhaps make waves & maybe this could be her year.
● TORI - Last year, Tori returned to The Challenge a couple years after her solid rookie showing on Dirty 30. She's a well-rounded player who complements her fiance Jordan's tough persona with being more laid back and funny (her showing off a Cameo Wes sent him for Christmas is all you need to know about that). She made the WOTW2 final last year but got cut while Jordan went on to win, but of course it's the engagement we remember more, and she has eyes on more gold here.
● CORY - As the one player with perhaps the biggest tabloid-worthy exposure thanks in no part to being on MTV back-to-back nights this spring, Cory returns with ultimately having two kids to compete for. He's not been able to live up to the billing of being on a billboard to lead the next generation of Challengers - and what happened the last time he was here didn't help his cause. But with time away comes a chance for Cory to silence the doubters... will he this time?
● JENNA - Also making headlines over the offseason is Jenna, who comes here with an engagement ring thanks to Zach proposing to her under the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. He's not here with her, but the Barbie does have her two biggest allies by her side in Kailah and Nany. After her injury setback on Champs vs. Stars, Jenna hasn't returned to peak form that brought her to three finals, but with the help of her friends, that social game may help her cause here.
● KAILAH - Ever since her rookie season, Kailah has always been that firecracker who doesn't give an f-- and will use her mouth to make everyone take notice. Last we saw her here was that fight with Melissa on Final Reckoning, and of course we saw her go against boss queen Lindsay at her Lohan Beach Club. Being the one who singlehandly made social media a huge part of the modern-day Challenge, Kailah returns here intent on her first title -- it will not be easy, though.
● NELSON - Nelson has had quite a journey: part of a legendary AYTO cast, part of the Young Bucks here, and then being in the public eye starting with that night in jail. He then fell in love on Ex On The Beach, which led to that subsequent Dr. Phil appearance with his now-ex Angela. Nelly, like Kailah, returns from a two-season hiatus with a finals appearance under his belt and having buddy Cory by his side. And of course, he's fit... the question is if a year's hiatus will or won't hurt him.
● NANY - Like Wes, Nany also returned to everyone's delight from three years away last year and had a promising season on War of the Worlds that saw her campaign end shorter than she expected. Last fall, she made it all the way to the last stage of the final, got over Ashley and competed in the final but fell short. This time, she will have not just Jenna around but this is also her first Challenge with Kailah as well -- watch for them to perhaps make waves & maybe this could be her year.
● TORI - Last year, Tori returned to The Challenge a couple years after her solid rookie showing on Dirty 30. She's a well-rounded player who complements her fiance Jordan's tough persona with being more laid back and funny (her showing off a Cameo Wes sent him for Christmas is all you need to know about that). She made the WOTW2 final last year but got cut while Jordan went on to win, but of course it's the engagement we remember more, and she has eyes on more gold here.
THE NEW GEN
● BEAR - There's no doubt Bear is truly one of a kind in reality TV, and he's already made quite an impression on The Challenge in just two seasons with his fearless persona. We've seen his hookups with Georgia, Kayleigh and Laurel, his partnership with Da'Vonne, his bonding with Theo and going against Rogan and Wes... and he took out the ladder last year on WOTW2. This is Bear's third go on our American airwaves and he hopes that this solo format will help him go further this time.
● JENNY - For Jenny, she was the last one standing among the WOTW2 rookie class of Brits and she got to prove her worth in her first elimination, but it's what happened in her second that has stung to this day in getting dominated by Tori. Those fortunate in Britain to have seen her physical prowess know what she's about and if you've seen her workout videos on social media you have an idea of what Jenny is. We believe that she will use this experience to her advantage in the solo game.
● JOSH - For Mr. Pots & Pans, Josh comes to his third Challenge with more to prove than just the larger-than-life personality he possesses. We saw him & Amanda bond but struggle on WOTW1, but last year he had to endure what happened with him and Paulie. However, towards the end there in Thailand he started to come out of his shell on the water, being a good teammate and succumbing to Jordan in the last elimination... things are perhaps now starting to click for Josh.
● KYLE - Of all the Brits who we've had here, it's only Kyle who has been on every single Challenge since their invasion began on Vendettas. A rookie final berth there, many hookups, his rivalry with Paulie, him knocking out CT in a 3-way elimination have been among his highlights... but him trying to fit in with Team UK was a struggle as he ended up short once again. Now comes his fifth series here, and he doesn't have to worry about Paulie or Cara distracting him.
● MATTIE - That aforementioned friend we mentioned up top happens to be Mattie: she was on War of the Worlds I last year and made it to the final as a rookie, then she joined her friend Gus in St Pete Beach in Floribama. Now her good time vibes are headed back to Challenge grounds as she looks to follow up a good WOTW rookie campaign and overcome what was her undoing in the final... and she has to overcome some demons of trying to be sober if she can make us proud again.
● MELISSA - Those who come to The Challenge from the UK have always had a tendency to blow up a bit -- it's Melissa who best epitomizes this reasoning. Her two stints of Ex On The Beach UK no doubt prepped her for what we saw on Vendettas with that epic elimination battle and then on Final Reckoning where her words and actions saw her get booted. Mel is a perfect reality villain and we look forward to what she has for us here, as she awaits her biggest challenge yet.
● TULA "BIG T" - Rogan proved what Bananas and others have done of coming back from being eliminated first as a rookie to eventually win it all, even as early as their next start. This task now falls in the hands of "Big T," who we saw get eliminated in the first female elimination last autumn and feels that she didn't get to prove herself a bit more. Now she will have the chance to do that here, and if Rogan can do it, perhaps Tula may make a deep run in this field.
● JENNY - For Jenny, she was the last one standing among the WOTW2 rookie class of Brits and she got to prove her worth in her first elimination, but it's what happened in her second that has stung to this day in getting dominated by Tori. Those fortunate in Britain to have seen her physical prowess know what she's about and if you've seen her workout videos on social media you have an idea of what Jenny is. We believe that she will use this experience to her advantage in the solo game.
● JOSH - For Mr. Pots & Pans, Josh comes to his third Challenge with more to prove than just the larger-than-life personality he possesses. We saw him & Amanda bond but struggle on WOTW1, but last year he had to endure what happened with him and Paulie. However, towards the end there in Thailand he started to come out of his shell on the water, being a good teammate and succumbing to Jordan in the last elimination... things are perhaps now starting to click for Josh.
● KYLE - Of all the Brits who we've had here, it's only Kyle who has been on every single Challenge since their invasion began on Vendettas. A rookie final berth there, many hookups, his rivalry with Paulie, him knocking out CT in a 3-way elimination have been among his highlights... but him trying to fit in with Team UK was a struggle as he ended up short once again. Now comes his fifth series here, and he doesn't have to worry about Paulie or Cara distracting him.
● MATTIE - That aforementioned friend we mentioned up top happens to be Mattie: she was on War of the Worlds I last year and made it to the final as a rookie, then she joined her friend Gus in St Pete Beach in Floribama. Now her good time vibes are headed back to Challenge grounds as she looks to follow up a good WOTW rookie campaign and overcome what was her undoing in the final... and she has to overcome some demons of trying to be sober if she can make us proud again.
● MELISSA - Those who come to The Challenge from the UK have always had a tendency to blow up a bit -- it's Melissa who best epitomizes this reasoning. Her two stints of Ex On The Beach UK no doubt prepped her for what we saw on Vendettas with that epic elimination battle and then on Final Reckoning where her words and actions saw her get booted. Mel is a perfect reality villain and we look forward to what she has for us here, as she awaits her biggest challenge yet.
● TULA "BIG T" - Rogan proved what Bananas and others have done of coming back from being eliminated first as a rookie to eventually win it all, even as early as their next start. This task now falls in the hands of "Big T," who we saw get eliminated in the first female elimination last autumn and feels that she didn't get to prove herself a bit more. Now she will have the chance to do that here, and if Rogan can do it, perhaps Tula may make a deep run in this field.
THE ROOKIES
● ASAF - Asaf might be a Challenge rookie, but he's a bona-fide reality TV vet. We saw him fall in love with Tori & Francesca on AYTO Season 4. He's also been on So You Think You Can Dance, Israel's Ninja Warrior and Big Brother Israel (which he won), World of Dance Philippines, and Worst Cooks in America. Now comes the tough part of being on The Challenge, which is a mighty task compared to these, and perhaps Asaf may hold his own in this new frontier.
● BAYLEIGH - If you were with us for our capsule on them in 2018, Bayleigh first made her mark at the previous year's Miss USA Pageant, and was a Kansas City flight attendant before going onto Big Brother 20. She had a huge blow-up during her last week in the summer share that stunned those watching the live feeds, and if that is an indication then Bayleigh will be a favorite of fans this season as she looks to challenge herself in this totally different environment.
● CHRIS/"SWAGGY C" - "Swaggy C" may have been the second houseguest evicted but his invisible presence that still had a big impact despite fans wanting to go for his head. Those who have seen him on social media know that Chris is a basketball nut who played college ball (his nickname derives from Nick "Swaggy P" Young) before going into the stock market. And he has a Big Brother alliance that, believe it or not, could see them make a smooth run deep into springtime.
● FAYSAL - The bio that's listed of Faysal on CBS' Big Brother 20 site lists him as a substitute teacher. but it's him working out and being athletic that stands out the most. As a former college football player and one who's competed on American Ninja Warrior along with those competitions in the BB20 house, Fessy has more than the necessary resume for any rookie to go onto The Challenge. It's one thing to excel athletically... it's the different aspect of this show that will test him.
● KAYCEE - Also boasting a good sporty pedigree is BB20 champ Kaycee, whose occupation is a pro football player for a women's football team in her San Diego hometown and who describes herself as athletic and loves working out. She got to excel in the strategic part of his Big Brother gameplan which ultimately saw her become the U.S. show's first winner of lesbian orientation. Kaycee has both those skills to translate into The Challenge -- it's a matter of how she can adjust to this new world.
● JAY - Over a year ago, we got to see Jay in the Ex On The Beach house as an ex to who would eventually become Johnny Bananas' current girlfriend, Big Brother alum Morgan Willett. But many of you know Jay as part of the Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X cast where he was that laid-back Florida guy who orchestrated both a blindside and was blindsided himself. This time, Jay will come to The Challenge where he will put that experience in Fiji to work, though it may be a tough go.
● JENNIFER - Our last rookie is Jennifer, who appeared on the 2017 season of The Amazing Race but who was the first traveler to be eliminated. Other than for that one & done experience being with Phil Keoghan & friends, she has had greater success being a model and has a large Instagram following in the seven figures. Jenn will find herself in a precarious spot of mixing beauty with being on The Challenge, but then again a well-known movie star was on one Challenge and won it all...
● BAYLEIGH - If you were with us for our capsule on them in 2018, Bayleigh first made her mark at the previous year's Miss USA Pageant, and was a Kansas City flight attendant before going onto Big Brother 20. She had a huge blow-up during her last week in the summer share that stunned those watching the live feeds, and if that is an indication then Bayleigh will be a favorite of fans this season as she looks to challenge herself in this totally different environment.
● CHRIS/"SWAGGY C" - "Swaggy C" may have been the second houseguest evicted but his invisible presence that still had a big impact despite fans wanting to go for his head. Those who have seen him on social media know that Chris is a basketball nut who played college ball (his nickname derives from Nick "Swaggy P" Young) before going into the stock market. And he has a Big Brother alliance that, believe it or not, could see them make a smooth run deep into springtime.
● FAYSAL - The bio that's listed of Faysal on CBS' Big Brother 20 site lists him as a substitute teacher. but it's him working out and being athletic that stands out the most. As a former college football player and one who's competed on American Ninja Warrior along with those competitions in the BB20 house, Fessy has more than the necessary resume for any rookie to go onto The Challenge. It's one thing to excel athletically... it's the different aspect of this show that will test him.
● KAYCEE - Also boasting a good sporty pedigree is BB20 champ Kaycee, whose occupation is a pro football player for a women's football team in her San Diego hometown and who describes herself as athletic and loves working out. She got to excel in the strategic part of his Big Brother gameplan which ultimately saw her become the U.S. show's first winner of lesbian orientation. Kaycee has both those skills to translate into The Challenge -- it's a matter of how she can adjust to this new world.
● JAY - Over a year ago, we got to see Jay in the Ex On The Beach house as an ex to who would eventually become Johnny Bananas' current girlfriend, Big Brother alum Morgan Willett. But many of you know Jay as part of the Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X cast where he was that laid-back Florida guy who orchestrated both a blindside and was blindsided himself. This time, Jay will come to The Challenge where he will put that experience in Fiji to work, though it may be a tough go.
● JENNIFER - Our last rookie is Jennifer, who appeared on the 2017 season of The Amazing Race but who was the first traveler to be eliminated. Other than for that one & done experience being with Phil Keoghan & friends, she has had greater success being a model and has a large Instagram following in the seven figures. Jenn will find herself in a precarious spot of mixing beauty with being on The Challenge, but then again a well-known movie star was on one Challenge and won it all...
WHAT TO EXPECT
As we got to say earlier, Total Madness is an individual-based Challenge and all the twenty-eight competitors will compete solo for themselves all throughout the season. This will follow along the lines of what we've had on Free Agents, Invasion, Dirty 30, Vendettas and War of the Worlds 1 where there was one winner - either a guy or a girl or just one champion like what we had with Cara two years ago and then Turbo last year.
We have no idea what the exact format could be, but if what we've had in past seasons are a sign we will assume that whoever wins the weekly challenge will receive immunity and gets to control who to put into elimination against the worst-performing challengers from each week, and they will get to face off in the arena with their spots in the game on the line. We won't know what the exact manner by which the game will be played until the premiere because this blogger is doing what he can to watch this season as cleanly and as unspoiled as he can (thus, I've not seen the trailer & won't watch any previews of episodes or promos until it premieres next week).
But there is something that will have fans rejoice: when I got to watch a fully attended Challenge with vets and rookies for the first time on Rivals II, Bananas, CT, Wes, Paula & Emily all made the final without going into elimination, and this has also happened with a few others since. That will not happen this time, as when we get to the delicious part of the season later on, a big twist to the game will see those who want to go for the $1 million, they will have to earn their way through by winning in an elimination. This is what Ashley K. and Frank did en route to their Challenge win when I got initiated into The Challenge on Battle of the Seasons II, and Mr. Lavin will love giving this twist out to this season's players.
Lastly, there's the one place that will be just as chaotic as the competition venues they'll compete in around Prague for the daily challenges and the lit up nighttime spectacle of the elimination chamber. As we're all sequestered in our homes as the word coronavirus has been on our minds, the place the Total Madness challengers will be staying in will not be in the lap of luxury as is always the case in an MTV Reality series. They'll instead take up residency in a nuclear bomb shelter like those constructed during World War II, and the bunker will epitomize true isolation from the outside world: no windows, hardly an air conditioner in sight, barely any space for clothes, and just the essentials of a decent amount of amenities to not go stir crazy. But thankfully, there's a living room, the war room for possible elimination deliberation, a kitchen and the musts of a gym and a pool.
These are just the things you really need to know, and should know, about what should be an exciting time we have in store for us this time around. If 2019 was the year that those who follow The Challenge saw as a year of redemption, then Total Madness in spring 2020 should be the one season that this show will finally have the opportunity to shine and be that season that will truly make this show just as popular as every other reality competition series out there. And there's no ideal time for this to debut in as we are all hungry for our favorite sports to get back up & running... whether you're a reality TV fan, a sports fan or both (like I am) this will be the perfect comfort food for the times we are in now. Let's enjoy what these next few months we will have together watching the madness that will await us behind the curtain...
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As we wrote earlier, DCBLOG will serve as a guide to this Challenge season and you can think of us as your perfect compliment to all that will go down in the Madness of this spring & summer. And if you like listening to the various podcasts that cover this show, then we recommending have us on and browsing this site while you're listening to the shows in your 'phones.
In addition to the action, reaction and interaction of the episodes on the 'Pulse, we'll also offer our own take on the traditional episode recaps with opinions, analysis and the like throughout the season, and we also plan on bringing along people like you to discuss what's going on as it goes along at times during the season. But along with those, stick around for ExtraTime: original storytelling focusing our lens on the people and getting to know them a bit more behind the drama. We've already featured 23 of the 28 competitors of this season in the hundreds of stories that we feature around our episode coverage, and it's worth a read with more of these stories coming up on offer.
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Next up for us here: we will get to answer the question on the minds of many of you in regards to the last section of our cast introduction: "Who Are These Newbies?" We'll have the chance to introduce to those of you in Challenge Nation the rookie class of Total Madness -- but don't be alarmed when we get to tell you that not all of this year's seven new challengers will be profiled... we'll elaborate on that then, among other things planned in this week-long prelude to Challenge week - so it's best to follow me on Twitter @DC408Dxtr for when this site's content is posted, and where you can share your thoughts with #DCBLOG and #SeeForYourself in your posts.
So, this is only just the start to what promises to be another exciting season of the show you and I love... we know you are all ready for The Challenge coming up in seven days from now. We'll talk to you here then... for now, dΔkuji a nashledanou...
- I AM DC
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