“American Ninja Warrior” has been renewed by NBC and Esquire, Variety has learned. The renewal will bring the show up to its sixth season on NBC and ninth season on Esquire, where it initially premiered in 2009 (when Esquire was still known as G4). The show has aired on NBC since 2012. This season’s finale airs Monday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m., with an encore presentation on Esquire Network on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m.
“American Ninja Warrior” is hosted by Matt Iseman, along with former NFL player Akbar Gbajabiamila and co-host Kristine Leahy. Original episodes air exclusively on NBC with encore presentations on Esquire Network.
“The increased popularity of ‘American Ninja Warrior’ on air, as well as its growing social and cultural impact, is a testament to the athletes who push themselves beyond their limits,” said Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Reality Group, NBC Entertainment. “We couldn’t be more proud to see this show reach new heights and watch the affect it has on those who compete and strive to be their best.”
“American Ninja Warrior” is averaging a 2.1 rating and 7.2 million viewers overall this summer in “most current” averages from Nielsen, and is currently delivering its most-watched season ever in total viewers.
The show follows competitors as they tackle a series of challenging obstacle courses in both city qualifying and city finals rounds across the country. Those that successfully complete the finals course in their designated region move on to the national finals round in Las Vegas, where they face a stunning four-stage course modeled after the famed Mt. Midoriyama course in Japan. The winner will take home a grand prize of $1 million.
Based on the global hit “Sasuke,” from the Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, the original series is now in its 31st season in Japan. To date, only three contestants have completed the Japanese course.
