10 Shows Like Idris Elba’s Fight School (2022)

Description: While not about physical combat, The Apprentice shares a competitive, high-stakes environment with Idris Elba's Fight School. Both shows feature participants striving to prove themselves under pressure, with a strong leader (Idris Elba/Donald Trump) guiding and judging their progress.

Fact: The original Apprentice series made Donald Trump a household name. The famous catchphrase 'You're fired!' became a cultural phenomenon. The show has had numerous international adaptations.

Description: Similar to Idris Elba's Fight School, The Ultimate Fighter focuses on training and transforming individuals into skilled fighters. Both shows highlight the physical and mental challenges of combat sports, with a strong emphasis on mentorship and personal growth.

Fact: The Ultimate Fighter was instrumental in popularizing MMA in the United States. The show has produced several UFC champions, including Forrest Griffin and Rashad Evans. Dana White, the UFC president, has been a constant presence on the show since its inception.

Description: Top Chef parallels Idris Elba's Fight School in its focus on skill mastery and high-pressure competition. Both shows feature professionals honing their craft, facing elimination challenges, and being judged by experts in their field.

Fact: The show has won multiple Emmy Awards. It has spawned numerous spin-offs, including Top Chef Junior. Contestants often go on to open successful restaurants.

Description: RuPaul's Drag Race mirrors the transformative journey seen in Idris Elba's Fight School, but in the realm of drag performance. Both shows focus on personal transformation, skill development, and overcoming challenges, with a charismatic mentor (RuPaul/Idris Elba) guiding contestants.

Fact: The show has won multiple Emmy Awards. It has launched the careers of many famous drag queens. RuPaul's 'Lip Sync for Your Life' segment has become iconic.

Description: Ink Master shares with Idris Elba's Fight School a focus on mastering a physical art form (tattooing/martial arts) under competitive pressure. Both shows feature skilled artists demonstrating their craft while facing elimination challenges.

Fact: The show has featured some of the world's top tattoo artists. Contestants compete for a cash prize and the title of Ink Master. The show has addressed various tattoo styles and techniques.

Description: Forged in Fire shares with Idris Elba's Fight School a focus on mastering a physical, combat-related skill (bladesmithing/martial arts). Both shows test contestants' abilities under time constraints and stress, with expert judges evaluating their work.

Fact: The show tests historically accurate weapon designs. Contestants often use traditional forging techniques. The final challenge typically involves testing the weapons on ballistic dummies.

Description: Face Off resembles Idris Elba's Fight School in its focus on transforming individuals through special effects makeup. Both shows highlight the process of physical transformation and the creative challenges involved in mastering a specialized skill.

Fact: The show featured Oscar-winning makeup artist Ve Neill as a judge. Contestants created elaborate creature designs each episode. Many alumni have gone on to work in major Hollywood productions.

Description: Hell's Kitchen mirrors the intense, high-pressure environment of Idris Elba's Fight School, but in a culinary setting. Both shows feature a demanding mentor (Gordon Ramsay/Idris Elba) pushing contestants to their limits in a competitive atmosphere.

Fact: Gordon Ramsay's fiery temper became the show's trademark. The show has run for over 20 seasons. Many contestants have gone on to successful culinary careers.

Description: Project Runway shares with Idris Elba's Fight School the theme of creative transformation under pressure. Both shows feature contestants developing their craft (fashion design/martial arts) through challenges, with expert judges providing feedback.

Fact: The show helped launch the careers of designers like Christian Siriano. Tim Gunn's 'Make it work' became a popular catchphrase. The show has had multiple international versions.

Description: Making the Cut shares with Idris Elba's Fight School the theme of personal and professional transformation in a competitive setting. Both shows feature contestants developing their craft (fashion design/martial arts) while being mentored by industry leaders.

Fact: The show is hosted by Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn. It focuses on creating commercially viable fashion. Winners receive mentorship and investment in their brand.