The Challenge season 38: release date, trailer, cast and everything we know about the reality series

The Challenge season 38 contestants running through the mud
The Challenge season 38 (Image credit: MTV)

After briefly taking his talents to CBS to host The Challenge: USA, T.J. Lavin returns to host The Challenge season 38 back on MTV. Having been on the air since the late 1990s, the series hopes to continue keeping fans glued to their screen with a fresh new twist that this year’s contestants may actually find beneficial. With a million-dollar prize on the line, we’re sure the competitors are thankful for any extra help they can get. 

Here’s everything we know about The Challenge season 38.  

When is The Challenge season 38 release date? 

The Challenge season 38 premieres on Wednesday, October 12, at 8 pm ET/PT on MTV. 

We don’t have official word as to when the new season will premiere in the UK. However, when that information becomes available, we can pass along the update.

What is The Challenge about? 

The Challenge is a competition series that sees reality TV vets and rookies partner together in rigorous challenges in the hopes of being the last two standing to claim the cash prize. Season 38 not only has a million-dollar prize at the end waiting for the winners, but unlike in previous installments of the show, contestants get to choose their partners for the competition.  

For those familiar with the series, contestants' ability to choose their own partner in the challenges can be a huge help. However, we can’t imagine that with this added benefit for competitors that producers are going to make the road to the winner’s circle very easy.

The Challenge season 38 cast

Here is your cast for season 38. You’ll want to take special note of the fact that former Survivor contestants Jay Starrett and Michele Fitzgerald are on this season as partners, and former Love Island USA islanders Johnny Middlebrooks and Olivia Kaiser are also making an appearance.  

We’ve taken the liberty to also provide you with the rest of the teams going forward. 

  • Tori Deal and  Devin Walker    
  • Fessy Shaffaat and Moriah Jadea    
  • Laurel Stucky and Jakk Maddox    
  • Kailah Bird and Sam Bird     
  • Turabi "Turbo" Çamkıran and Tamara Alfaro   
  • Nelson Thomas and Nurys Mateo 
  • Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio and Nany Gonzalez    
  • Jordan Wiseley and Aneesa Ferreira   
  • Darrell Taylor and Veronica Portillo     
  • Kaycee Clark and Kenny Clark     
  • Amber Borzotra and Chauncey Palmer     
  • Nam Vo and Emmy Russ   
  • Jay Starrett and Michele Fitzgerald      
  • Horacio Gutierrez and Olivia Kaiser     
  • Kim Traenka and Colleen Schneider    
  • Johnny Middlebrooks and Ravyn Rochelle       
  • Tommy Bracco and Analyse Talavera 

The Challenge season 38 trailer

Even with the competitors having the ability to choose their partners, it appears that the drama is still very much a part of the show. Check out the entertaining trailer below.   

How to watch The Challenge season 38 

The Challenge season 38 airs live on MTV. For those that don’t have traditional cable/satellite television, you can watch MTV on live TV services such as Fubo TV, Hulu with Live TV and Sling TV

Episodes become available to stream on-demand via the MTV website and app. 

To date, we don’t have official word as to when the season will become available in the UK. However, when that information becomes available we’ll be sure to provide an update here.  

Terrell Smith

Terrell Smith has a diverse writing background having penned material for a wide array of clients including the federal government and Bravo television personalities.  When he’s not writing as Terrell, he’s writing under his pseudonym Tavion Scott, creating scripts for his audio drama podcasts. Terrell is a huge fan of great storytelling when it comes to television and film. Some of his favorite shows include The CrownWandaVision, Abbot Elementary and Godfather of HarlemAnd a fun fact is he's completely dialed into the TLC 90 Day Fiancé universe.