10 Shows Like American Ninja Warrior (2009)

Description: Survivor and American Ninja Warrior both emphasize physical endurance, strategy, and mental toughness. While Survivor includes social and strategic elements, the physical challenges often resemble the obstacle courses seen in American Ninja Warrior. Both shows create a sense of suspense and excitement as contestants push themselves to overcome difficult tasks.

Fact: Survivor was created by Charlie Parsons and is hosted by Jeff Probst. The show has won multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. Survivor has been filmed in locations all over the world, including exotic islands and remote wilderness areas.

Description: The Amazing Race shares with American Ninja Warrior the theme of overcoming physical and mental challenges under pressure. Both shows feature contestants navigating through difficult tasks, though The Amazing Race adds a travel component. The fast-paced, high-stakes nature of both shows keeps viewers engaged and rooting for their favorite competitors.

Fact: The Amazing Race has won 10 Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. Teams travel to multiple countries and continents during the race. The show is known for its dramatic finishes and unexpected twists.

Description: This show shares with American Ninja Warrior a focus on physical challenges and obstacle courses, though it incorporates more of a game show and adventure theme. Both shows require contestants to use their physical abilities and quick thinking to succeed. The nostalgic and adventurous tone of Legends of the Hidden Temple resonates with fans of obstacle-based competition shows.

Fact: Legends of the Hidden Temple was hosted by Kirk Fogg. The show featured a giant talking head named Olmec who provided clues to the contestants. It was known for its iconic final challenge, the Temple Run, which was notoriously difficult to complete.

Description: As a spin-off of American Ninja Warrior, this show is directly similar in its focus on obstacle course challenges. It features younger competitors, but the essence of the competition—testing strength, agility, and determination—remains the same. The visual style and emotional tone are also consistent with the original series.

Fact: American Ninja Warrior Junior is hosted by Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila, who also host the adult version. The show is divided into age groups: 9-10, 11-12, and 13-1It provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and potentially move on to the adult competition.

Description: MXC, or Most Extreme Elimination Challenge, is similar to American Ninja Warrior in its focus on outrageous and physically demanding obstacle courses. Both shows emphasize humor and entertainment alongside the physical challenges. MXC's over-the-top commentary and slapstick humor add a comedic layer that American Ninja Warrior also incorporates, albeit more subtly.

Fact: MXC was a dubbed version of the Japanese game show Takeshi's Castle. The show was known for its hilarious and often absurd commentary by Vic Romano and Kenny Blankenship. Many of the obstacles were designed to be as ridiculous as possible, leading to frequent and dramatic falls.

Description: Similar to American Ninja Warrior, Wipeout is a high-energy obstacle course competition show that tests the physical and mental endurance of its contestants. Both shows feature elaborate, often humorous obstacles that challenge participants in unique and entertaining ways. The visual aesthetics of both shows are vibrant and dynamic, designed to captivate audiences with fast-paced action and dramatic falls.

Fact: Wipeout was originally hosted by John Anderson, John Henson, and Jill Wagner. The show was inspired by Japanese game shows like Takeshi's Castle. Wipeout became so popular that it spawned international versions in over 30 countries.

Description: The Challenge shares similarities with American Ninja Warrior in its focus on physical competition and endurance. While The Challenge incorporates more team dynamics and strategy, both shows push contestants to their limits with physically demanding tasks. The emotional tone is also similar, with participants often displaying determination and resilience in the face of difficult challenges.

Fact: The Challenge originally started as a spin-off of the reality shows The Real World and Road Rules. It is one of the longest-running reality competition shows, with over 30 seasons. The show has evolved over the years to include more extreme physical challenges and international locations.

Description: Holey Moley combines physical challenges with a golf theme, similar to how American Ninja Warrior combines athletics with obstacle courses. Both shows are fast-paced and designed to entertain with a mix of skill and humor. The exaggerated commentary and playful tone of Holey Moley mirror the lighthearted aspects of American Ninja Warrior.

Fact: Holey Moley is hosted by Rob Riggle and Joe Tessitore. The show features oversized and whimsical golf course obstacles. It includes celebrity guests and special themed episodes to keep the format fresh.

Description: Floor Is Lava shares with American Ninja Warrior the concept of navigating through a series of physical obstacles, though with a more playful and less athletic approach. Both shows create a sense of urgency and excitement as contestants try to complete the course without falling. The visual style is colorful and engaging, designed to appeal to a broad audience.

Fact: Floor Is Lava is based on the popular children's game of the same name. The show features a brightly colored set filled with 'lava' (actually a red liquid). Contestants often employ creative and sometimes hilarious strategies to avoid touching the 'lava.'

Description: Ultimate Beastmaster is a direct competitor to American Ninja Warrior, featuring a massive, elaborate obstacle course known as 'The Beast.' Both shows highlight athleticism, endurance, and the thrill of competition. The visual aesthetics are similarly high-energy, with dramatic camera angles and intense music to heighten the excitement.

Fact: Ultimate Beastmaster was produced by Sylvester Stallone. The show featured competitors from different countries, with localized versions for various markets. The obstacle course, 'The Beast,' was designed to be one of the most challenging in the world.