‘There’s Really Nothing Like It:’ ‘The Challenge’ EP Julie Pizzi Gears Up for Series’ 40th Season (Content Spotlight Podcast)
MTV's long-running competition series brings back former participants for milestone season
![The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LDSaVbrAeQkmFq8qMnGUbe-320-80.jpg)
MTV’s long-running competition series The Challenge will launch its 40th season on Wednesday (August 14) by reaching back into its past to bring back iconic personalities to compete again in the landmark series.
The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras, which debuts August 14, will pit 40 veterans from past seasons against each other in new, physical challenges to pursue a million dollar grand prize, MTV said. The Bunim/Murray-produced series, which first debuted in 1998, is the longest-running reality/competition series on television.
Bunim/Murray president Julie Pizzi, who worked as a showrunner in the show’s early years, says the show’s iconic personalities and unique challenges have helped endear the show to a generation of fans.
Also Read: Bunim/Murray’s Julie Pizzi Travels the Road From Superfan to Top Producer
“I believe the audience comes back because of the characters that they know and love, that they see themselves in and actually watched grow up on television,” she said. “People feel like the characters are part of their families, so they kinda watch to see them grow, learn, fail, succeed and ultimately win.”
Click below to hear more of the interview with Pizzi on the latest episode of the “Content Spotlight” podcast.
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R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.