American Ninja Warrior
Based on the Japanese TV series Sasuke, the reality competition American Ninja Warrior follows competitors as they attempt to complete a series of obstacle courses across the United States.
The finals take place on the Las Vegas Strip and the winner is not only named the American Ninja Warrior but also takes home a cash prize of $250,000. Since the show's premiere in 2009, there have been just three winners. During the seventh season, the cash prize was upped to $1 million.
There have been several variations of ANW, including All-Stars, Celebrity Ninja Warrior, and Women's Championship. There have also been two spinoffs: Ninja vs. Ninja and American Ninja Warrior Junior.
Network: NBC
First Episode Date: December 12, 2009
Hosts:
- Matt Iseman (Season 2-4, Season 11-present)
- Jimmy Smith (Season 2-3)
- Allison Haislip (Season 1-4)
- Jonny Moseley (Season 4)
- Akbar Gbaja-Biamila (Season 5-present)
- Jenn Brown (Season 5-6)
- Kristine Leahy (Season 6-10)
- Zuri Hall (Season 11-present)
American Ninja Warrior Winners:
- Isaac Caldiero (Season 7)
- Geoff Britten (Season 7)
- Drew Dreschel (Season 11)
Where to Watch: Hulu, Peacock
Latest American Ninja Warrior News and Updates
'American Ninja Warrior' Season 15 Winner Vance Walker Says He's Planning to Invest His $1 Million Prize (EXCLUSIVE)
In an exclusive interview with 'Distractify,' 'American Ninja Warrior Season 15 winner Vance Walker opens up about the competition and winning.
'American Ninja Warrior' Has a Vegas-Themed Obstacle for Its Season 15 Finals (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
'American Ninja Warrior's Season 15 finals in Las Vegas offer a themed obstacle course that is anything but easy for the competitors.
'American Ninja Warrior' Still Gets the Best Out of Even the Fiercest Athletes (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
The "mega wall" in 'American Ninja Warrior' is what all competitors hope to qualify to complete and in an exclusive clip, we see one contestant try to make it.
'American Ninja Warrior' Has Hefty Prize Money to Attract Contestants
Ever wonder how much 'American Ninja Warrior' winners take home? A contestant can collect a hefty amount if they complete the course.
'American Ninja Warrior: Women's Championship' Gets Intense As Contestants Race to the End (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
'American Ninja Warrior: Women's Championship' is an intense competition, but how, it at all, is it different from the original series?
Some Fans Don't Like the Idea of Getting a Safety Pass on 'American Ninja Warrior'
What is a safety pass on 'American Ninja Warrior'? They have become a controversial topic on the show, as some fans feel they ruin the experience.
Do You Have What It Takes to Be on 'American Ninja Warrior'? Here's How to Get on the Show
Are you a certified athlete? Then perhaps you should try your hand at NBC's 'American Ninja Warrior.' Here's how to get on the show.
Jay Lewis Has Been Preparing for 'American Ninja Warrior' Since He Was 14
Competitor Jay Lewis on 'American Ninja Warrior' has been preparing for Season 14 since he was around 14 years old. Here's the scoop on the young competitor.
Who Is Most Likely to Win Season 14 of 'American Ninja Warrior'? (EXCLUSIVE)
Who is the 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 14 Winner? Executive producer Anthony Storm talks about the new cohort of ninjas.
Season 14 of 'American Ninja Warrior' Redefines Suspense — But Is It Real? (EXCLUSIVE)
Is 'American Ninja Warrior' fake? Anthony Storm, the executive producer of 'ANW,' shares a few behind the scenes secrets with 'Distractify.'
Jessie Graff Is Back on 'American Ninja Warrior' — What Happened to Her?
Competing on 'American Ninja Warrior' is a true test of strength, both physically and mentally. Jessie Graff is one of the best and finally returns to the show. What happened to her?
Are 'American Ninja Warrior' Participants Required to Take Drug Tests?
Does 'American Ninja Warrior' run drug tests? According to a rumor, the contestants appearing on the reality TV show aren't required to get tested.
Here's When Season 14 of 'American Ninja Warrior' Was Filmed
When was 'American Ninja Warrior' 2022 filmed? The 14th season of the show is premiering, and there was a quick turnaround from production to screen time.
'American Ninja Warrior: All-Star Spectacular': Jay Lewis Takes on Mentor Joe Moravsky (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
'American Ninja Warrior: All-Star Spectacular': Jay Lewis and his mentor Joe Moravsky go head-to-head, but who ends up on top? See the clip here.
There Are Some Specific Qualifications for Young 'American Ninja Warrior Junior' Contestants
'American Ninja Warrior Junior' isn't the same as the one for adults, but it includes an intense competition, so how can kids qualify for it?
The 'American Ninja Warrior' Finals Stage 1 Course Introduces Five New Obstacles (EXCLUSIVE CLIP)
'American Ninja Warrior' Season 13 may be winding down, but the athletes have to make it through the Stage 1 course for a chance to win.
'American Ninja Warrior' EP Anthony Storm on Those "Challenging" Season 13 Changes (EXCLUSIVE)
'American Ninja Warrior' executive producer Anthony Storm discussed the show's changes for Season 13 and what to consider when applying.
Here's How to Be Part of the Competition on 'American Ninja Warrior'
'American Ninja Warrior' is a long-running reality competition show, and viewers who think they have what it takes are curious to know how to sign up.
'American Ninja Warrior' Winner Drew Drechsel Arrested for Child Sex Crimes
Is Drew Drechsel married? The 'American Ninja Warrior' star was arrested and charged with child sex crimes. Get all the details here.
Matt Iseman Talks New 'American Ninja Warrior' Rules and How He's Fighting for Arthritis Awareness (EXCLUSIVE)
In an exclusive interview with Distractify, 'American Ninja Warrior' host Matt Iseman talks about rule changes and fighting for arthritis awareness.
What Happened to Kristine Leahy from 'American Ninja Warrior'?
People are wondering what happened to Kristine Leahy from 'American Ninja Warrior' and where she went next. Here's what we found.
So, It Turns Out You Have to Pay to Compete on 'American Ninja Warrior'
How much do contestants get paid to compete on 'American Ninja Warrior'? Plus, how you can apply to be on the NBC reality show.