That season also had competitors aiming toward a US -based final round rather than moving onto the Japanese obstacle course that was the basis for “American Ninja Warrior”.
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One of the biggest stars of this season is Jessie Graff, who has toppled many obstacles and is already considered one of the strongest women to ever compete on the show.
Tonight we’ll see if Graff makes history once again. Paul Telegdy, the President of ALternative and Reality Group at NBC Entertainment stated “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”.
American Ninja Warrior is also coming off its first Emmy nomination for best reality competition program, for which the victor will be announced at Sunday’s ceremony. “Ninja” has been a top-10 series this summer among primetime programs on the “Big 4” networks in every key ratings measure – adults, men and women 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54, plus total viewers – as well as kids 2-11 and teens 12-17.
The show – hosted by Matt Iseman, former National Football League player Akbar Gbajabiamila and Kristine Leahy – now airs original episodes on NBC, with encore presentations on Esquire Network. The series is executive-produced by A. Smith & Co. The champion takes home a grand prize of $1 million. Productions’ founders Arthur Smith and Kent Weed (“Hell’s Kitchen”, “Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge” and “That Awkward Game Show”) along with Brian Richardson and Anthony Storm.
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American Ninja Warrior is based on the Sasuke, from Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, which is now in its 31st season in Japan.
