Podcast

The Challenge Historian

After Shows, TV & Film, TV Reviews

Be it past, present, or future, if it's happening in The Challenge universe then I am here to document it. Covering all things The Challenge, this Historian brings you: episode recaps in real time as they occur, deep dives into past seasons, historical perspective and answers to the greatest of Challenge debates, cast interviews, and more!

Episodes
329
Releases
Twice a week
Typical length
47 min
On air since
2021
Latest episode
1 week ago

Episodes

329 episodes, newest first

  1. The Challenge 42 Cutthroat Episode 13 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 329

    Show notes

    The final is here and it is a scorcher! Plus: Lete is still waiting on anyone to bow down, a triage station nobody uses, another gift from the UFC, an endurance heavy final, Cara picks the wrong cup, and CT goes down but is allowed to get back up? It’s The Challenge Cutthroat Episode 13 recap, topics included:

    Cold Open (00:00)

    Intro (00:34)

    Lete Performs (02:33)

    Final Format (06:27)

    CT DQ and Reentry (15:41)

    Orange Team Performance (30:49)

    Gray Team Performance (34:17)

    Predictions (44:40)

    #TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallenge42 #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast

    50 min
  2. The Challenge 42 Cutthroat Episode 12 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 328

    Show notes

    The biggest rig in challenge history delivers! Plus: Superwoman Lete, CTs almost redemption, the highs and lows of puzzles, Will is shooting his shot, Adrienne makes a call, and superstar sophomore Justin sadly exits right before the final for the second straight season! It’s The Challenge Cutthroat episode 12 recap, topics include:

    Cold Open (00:00)

    Intro & Programming (00:34)

    Daily Challenge (02:48)

    Nominations (18:55)

    Adrienne’s Choice, Lete’s Win, Justin Goes Home (27:22)

    Lete Yells & Final Predictions (36:22)

    #TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallenge42 #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast

    50 min
  3. The Challenge 42 Cutthroat Episode 11 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 327

    Show notes

    Sorry ladies but the eliminations are yours and yours alone! Plus: nighttime challenge that doesn’t incorporate nighttime, heads and fingers getting busted, Orange team owns half of gray team, Will’s got eyes for Tori, Justin’s got hate for Anna Leigh, why is everyone touching Bananas’ underwear, and Tori calls her own number in a memorable throwback elimination! It’s The Challenge Cutthroat Episode 11 Recap, topics include:

    Cold Open (00:00)

    Intro (00:39)

    Daily Challenge (02:26)

    Anna Leigh & Bananas’ Underwear (09:55)

    Nomination Arguments (15:50)

    Tori Calls Her Own Number (23:22)

    Predictions (29:10)

    #TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallenge42 #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast

    34 min
  4. Challenge Cutthroat Catch Up (Episodes 8, 9, 10 Recaps)

    Season 1, Episode 326

    Show notes

    We’re back, after missing a few episodes there is a lot to catch up on with Cutthroat. We’ve got the mass DQ with no explanation, Cassidy’s big elim win, the completely messed up format, Justin’s big win and Chris’ perfect record ending, Cara in hot water, a full episode UFC promo, the captains going in, and the return of not only Rachel Robinson but absolutely out of nowhere Sarah freaking Rice! That and more as we get caught up on the past three episode of The Challenge Cutthroat, topics include:

    Cold Open (00:00)

    Intro & Agenda (00:53)

    Mass DQ No Explanation (05:11)

    Cassidy’s Elim Win (19:32)

    Two Team Format (23:52)

    Cara In Tough Spot (31:10)

    Justin Beats Chris (33:29)

    UFC Promo (38:47)

    Captains Going In (41:20)

    Rachel & Sarah’s Returns (43:35)

    Adrienne Beats Rachel (49:42)

    Tori Beats Sarah (53:49)

    Predictions (57:19)

    #TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallenge42 #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast

    1 hr
  5. The Challenge 42 Cutthroat Episode 7 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 325

    Show notes

    The best to never win has to pull himself from the game! Plus: Nelson with the weakest mutiny of all time, cowboys and cowgirls getting after it, one of the worst pranks in challenge history, CT gets the Big Easy edit, Justin and Michele might be fish, and whether they show it to us or not SOMETHING big just went down in that house and we suddenly have a lot less players! It’s The Challenge 42 Cutthroat, Episode 7 Recap, topics include:

    Cold Open (00:00)

    Programming & Agenda (00:43)

    Daily Challenge (03:50)

    Party & Prank (15:14)

    Cory Leaves Game (20:04)

    No Elim & DQs? (27:40)

    Trailer & Predictions (39:32)

    #TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallenge42 #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast

    54 min
  6. Surviving Barstool (Season 5) Episode 9 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 324

    Show notes

    Idols everywhere you look! Plus: who is texting who, have friendships ruined the game, an intense immunity challenge, Marty and Dana can't be stopped, and Brandon F'in Walking brings the season 4 energy into season 5 as he burns the place to the ground with his words on the way out the door! It's Surviving Barstool Season 5 Episode 9 Recap, topics include:

    Cold Open (00:00)

    Agenda (00:35)

    Whose Texting Who (03:01)

    Too Many Idols (11:15)

    Immunity Challenge (19:54)

    Brandon Walker The Star You Are (24:14)

    Who Will Win (31:42)

    #Barstool #SurvivingBarstool #SurvivingBarstoolSeason5 #BarstoolSports #Viva

    42 min
  7. The Challenge 42 Cutthroat Episode 6 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 323

    Show notes

    A Challenge engagement! Sort of, also why don’t we get more! Plus: Nelson leads a failed mutiny, Justin is fed up with not getting screen time as am I for him, Gray team guys show out at a bad daily challenge, more will they won’t they did they or didn’t they drama across the house, and the great Deb Chub comes up short as a legend adds another elimination notch to her belt! It’s The Challenge 42 Cutthroat, Episode 6 Recap, topics include:

    Cold Open (00:00)

    Programming Reminders (00:35)

    Captains are Dumb (03:48)

    Daily Challenge (08:21)

    Did They Didn’t They (14:14)

    Nominations & Elimination (26:18)

    Awards & Predictions (35:44)

    #TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallenge42 #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast

    42 min
  8. Surviving Barstool (Season 5) Episode 8 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 322

    Show notes

    Are there too many idols and are they ever going to get played? Plus: Tommy comes clean but Rone can’t back him up, Glenny takes his shot in solidarity, a first of its kind puzzle, the puzzle showdown no one saw coming, Marty and Dana are sitting so pretty, Brandon lays in wait, and Barstool’s reality GOAT Tommy Smokes is semi-blindsided out of the game! It’s Surviving Barstool Season 5 Episode 8 Recap, topics include:

    Cold Open (00:00)

    Agenda (00:39)

    Tommy Whisper Aftermath (04:07)

    Immunity Challenge (10:26)

    Scramble/Tribal (17:24)

    Too Many Idols & Who Will Win (28:27)

    Watch all episode on The Challenge Historian YouTube channel and subscribe there for additional content!

    #Barstool #SurvivingBarstool #SurvivingBarstoolSeason5 #BarstoolSports #Viva

    46 min
  9. Surviving Barstool (Season 5) Episode 7 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 321

    Show notes

    A mostly peaceful bloodbath? Plus: Jeff D Lowe turns out the lights, Pat gets no chance to burn it down, Tate’s search falls short, an unlikely alliance floated but abandoned, Brandon is tired of the kumbaya, Tommy gets the rare game for him, and all three idols make it through as we narrow down to our final six competitors! It’s Surviving Barstool Season 5 Episode 7 recap, topics include:

    Cold Open (00:00)

    Programming (00:38)

    Majority Rules (02:38)

    Pat Blindside (07:16)

    In The Bag (12:22)

    Tate Voted Out (14:59)

    Drop Your Bluff (20:08)

    Smokes Voted Out (22:51)

    Who Will Win (28:31)

    Watch all episode on The Challenge Historian YouTube channel and subscribe there for additional content!

    #Barstool #SurvivingBarstool #SurvivingBarstoolSeason5 #BarstoolSports #Viva

    41 min
  10. The Challenge 42 Cutthroat Episode 5 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 320

    Show notes

    NELLY T WITH THE MOMENT HE DREAMT OF! Plus: Captains are chosen, the format is revealed, mutiny might be in the air early, best friends call each other out, the only people actually getting laid are never shown, a brutal daily challenge, the best elimination game known to man, and Gray team loses not one but two absolute beasts in the same episode! It’s The Challenge 42 Cutthroat Episode 5 recap, topics include:

    Cold Open (00:00)

    Agenda (00:40)

    Captains & Format (02:31)

    Daily Challenge (19:40)

    Sydney Injury and Deb Fight (26:11)

    Hook Ups And Not Hook Ups (36:45)

    Nelly’s Big Win (47:47)

    Awards & Predictions (53:52)

    Want to watch the episode? Subscribe on YouTube!

    #TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallenge42 #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast

    58 min
  11. Surviving Barstool (Season 5) Episode 5 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 319

    Show notes

    The Don gets whacked! Plus: the unbeatable team goes down, Smokes is done flip flopping, Tate should probably get some sleep, the GOAT Tommy Smokes finally gets to play, Rone is one cold mother f’er, and the oscar goes to Marty Mush and friends as he pulls off either the easiest or hardest, smartest or dumbest fake injury mission for an idol I could ever think of! Lots to discuss and debate, Surviving Barstool Season 5 Episode 5 recap, chapters include:

    Cold Open (00:00)

    Programming (00:40)

    Monday Afternoon (02:18)

    Challenge & Marty’s Faker Mission (10:39)

    Scramble & Tribal (26:33)

    Awards & Predictions (33:14)

    For more Challenge Historian content follow along: YouTube | Instagram

    #Barstool #SurvivingBarstool #SurvivingBarstoolSeason5 #BarstoolSports #Viva

    39 min
  12. The Challenge 42 Cutthroat Episode 4 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 318

    Show notes

    One star goes down while a new one potentially rises? Plus: not referencing one of the greatest dailies ever is a crime, Orange is looking better and better, who we thought was on the bottom is very much on the bottom, Leo keeps his distance… for now, Nurys lets her feelings be known on the way out the door, and Anna Leigh flexes her muscle for her - and blue teams - first elimination win! It’s The Challenge 42 Cutthroat episode 4 recap, topics include:

    Cold Open (00:00)

    Programming Reminders (00:40)

    Daily Challenge (03:40)

    Bar & Near Hook Ups (14:54)

    Nurys vs Sydney (29:05)

    Elimination (38:48)

    Awards & Predictions (46:02)

    You can watch full episodes on YouTube @ChallengeHistorian

    #TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallenge42 #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast

    52 min
  13. Surviving Barstool (Season 5) Episode 4 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 317

    Show notes

    The super team stays together! Plus: Nicky Smokes making strategic sense, New York starting to dominate, is Tommy Smokes actually Italian, the best challenge game across the genre, from three tribes to two, Glenny the purposeful patsy, and Marty flexes his abilities in all facets of the game! It’s Surviving Barstool Season 5 Episode 4 Recap, topics include:

    Cold Open (00:00)

    Programming (00:33)

    Tribal Aftermath (01:52)

    Teams, Immunity Challenge (07:30)

    Scramble (20:01)

    Tribal Council (25:49)

    Awards & Predictions (30:05)

    #Barstool #SurvivingBarstool #SurvivingBarstoolSeason5 #BarstoolSports #Viva

    39 min
  14. Surviving Barstool (Season 5) Episode 3 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 316

    Show notes

    Tate does it again!?! Plus: Roach tribe continues to win, Meek gets used, Smokes feels awful, Marty and Rone scheme from afar, everyone gets to talk all the time, production gets put on the spot, Dana prevails against all odds, and for the second week in a row a blindside vote that gets blamed on Nicky Smokes with actual mastermind Tate walking away scot free! It's Surviving Barstool Episode 3 recap, topics include:

    Intro (00:00)

    Turani Aftermath (03:31)

    Immunity Challenge (14:54)

    Scramble (20:44)

    Production Trouble & Tribals (24:53)

    Awards & Predictions (39:07)

    #Barstool #SurvivingBarstool #SurvivingBarstoolSeason5 #BarstoolSports #Viva

    43 min
  15. Surviving Barstool (Season 5) Episode 2 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 315

    Show notes

    DON'T COME FOR THE KING! Rone, sniffing it out, ears everywhere. Tate doing what Tate does, dropping the hammer on Nicky Clicky while Nicky Smokes takes the full fall for it. Roach Team wins a nail biter, Meek Phil tries to make a play, Glenny Balls can’t stop giggling, my winner pick Marty Mush saves his game last second, Dante is without an ally or a clue what’s going on, some missions are attempted, and the games in high gear! Just so much going down and now we are here to break it all down, Surviving Barstool Season 5 Episode 2 recap, topics include:

    Cold Open (00:00)

    Intro & Programming (00:54)

    Aftermath & Scheming (03:54)

    Immunity Challenge (09:08)

    Rat Scramble (13:24)

    Snake Scramble (20:43)

    Tribal Councils (29:00)

    Awards & Predictions (37:43)

    #Barstool #SurvivingBarstool #SurvivingBarstoolSeason5 #BarstoolSports #Viva

    47 min
  16. Surviving Barstool (Season 5) Episode 1 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 314

    Show notes

    Surviving Barstool is back for it's 5th season and I will be covering it all season long as a new champion is crowned and many co-working relationships surely get forever damaged!

    Opening episode gives us our three teams, a massive first immunity challenge, an almost production error and controversy, alliances forming every which way, some seasoned vets showing their smarts, and some newbie blunders costing some newbies their games. Lots to cover, make sure to follow or subscribe so you don't miss all the recaps this season!

    Chapters:

    Covering Surviving Barstool (00:00)

    Teams & Alliances (12:09)

    Immunity Challenge (20:08)

    Scramble (31:50)

    Tribal Councils (42:15)

    Awards & Predictions (47:43)

    #Barstool #SurvivingBarstool #SurvivingBarstoolSeason5 #BarstoolSports #Viva

    59 min
  17. The Challenge 42 Cutthroat Episode 3 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 313

    Show notes

    A love triangle! Or... not. Plus: new alliances come to light, Tori has a birthday, Nurys shuts it down, Blue Team crumbles, Gray Team splinters, Keanu shows out, and a legend goes home. It's The Challenge 42 Cutthroat, episode 3 recap, topics include:

    Intro & Programming (00:00)

    Daily Challenge (04:46)

    Adrienne/Josh/Nurys (11:08)

    Alliance Check Ins (18:55)

    Nominations & Elimination (30:15)

    Predictions (41:17)

    #TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallenge42 #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast

    49 min
  18. The Challenge 42 Cutthroat Episode 2 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 312

    Show notes

    Bad performances and bad decisions abound! Plus: Lete propped up, Adrienne taking control, Keanu maybe over his head, Cara in a panic, Blue Team just dreadful, Gray team stays winning but less dominantly so, Reilly gets bounced, and the reign of DEB CHUBB IS HERE!!

    The Challenge 42 Cutthroat episode 2 recap coming at ya, topics include:

    Introduction (00:00)

    Brad Has No One, Cory Making Mistakes (01:36)

    Daily Challenge Chaos (06:10)

    Adrienne, Keanu, Lete, Blue Team (13:45)

    Elimination, Deb Chubb (22:02)

    Hook Ups, Bananas & CT, General Thoughts (29:40)

    #TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallenge42 #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast #CastReactions

    45 min
  19. The Challenge 42 Cutthroat Episode 1 Recap

    Season 1, Episode 311

    Show notes

    The Challenge is back, Cutthroat is back, and we've got a Bananas vs CT showdown! A draft for the ages, back in Thailand, Michele put in a tough spot, Nelly T's return, Sophomore alliance set to dominate, and so much more from a great premiere episode. Breaking it all down, topics include:

    Introduction (00:00)

    Thailand, House, Arena (04:09)

    Format, Captains, Twists (07:32)

    Draft & Team Assessment (18:14)

    Editing Choices & Daily Challenge (31:23)

    Bananas vs CT, Elimination (35:03)

    Season Predictions (42:36)

    #TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallenge42 #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast #CastReactions

    48 min
  20. The Challenge 42 Cutthroat Season Preview

    Season 1, Episode 310

    Show notes

    The Challenge is back! Season 42: Cutthroat premieres this Wednesday and I'm getting your prepped for it by going through my 10 Things I Hope Happen on this season of The Challenge. Using this all too simple gimmick I get into the return of the Cutthroat format, how the teams are going to stack up, some potential break out stars, what old school elims we might see, and much more!

    And if you want more Season 42 preview content: way back when the cast set off to film I did my full cast breakdown, so check that out if you hadn't already. I also hopped on with the great Drew Angelman on his channel Angelcake Entertainment to do a cast breakdown via 12 superlatives for the upcoming season.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction

    07:25 Thing One: Format

    13:05 Thing Two: Who Votes Who

    15:51 Thing Three: Draft

    18:29 Thing Four: Orange Team

    24:02 Thing Five: Blue Team

    27:48 Thing Six: Grey Team

    34:43 Thing Seven: Eliminations

    40:23 Thing Eight: New Stars

    44:22 Thing Nine: Old Stars

    48:03 Thing Ten: Final Season?

    #TheChallenge #TheChallengeHistorian #TheChallenge42 #RealityTVRecap #RealityTVPodcast #CastReactions

    53 min