The Challenge

Mental and physical limits will be pushed further than ever before as contenders must face off against rotating vets in surprise eliminations. With the stakes higher than ever, this new era of competitors must beat the best to be the best. In the end, who will solidify their legacy and emerge as a first-time champion?

In season 38 — Ride or Dies — players are paired with best friends, exes or partners for the first time ever as they navigate the weekly mental and physical warfare together for their share of one million dollars.

Set in the picturesque Mediterranean coast of Croatia, elite U.S. Agents join forces with an assortment of International Operatives, all armed with killer competitive instincts,” reads the official description. “With the assignment constantly evolving, these agents will be tested both mentally and physically to win their share of $1M in this epic new chapter of The Challenge spy games.

Season 36 returns to a partner format with 19 (!) espionage thriller-themed episodes shot in Iceland, pitting 30 returning and new competitors against each other "in a game of secrets, spies, and lies" for their share of the million-dollar prize.