Season 41 of the hit reality competition series “The Challenge,” titled “Vets & New Threats,” continues with Episode 8 on Wednesday, September 17 (9/17/2025), at 8 p.m. ET on MTV.
Cord-cutters can sign up for Philo (7-day free trial), DirecTV (5-day free trial) or other streaming services listed below to stream the episode live and on demand.
In tonight’s episode, “Justice for Leka,” “Karma comes for one veteran, as their challenge performance raises suspicions; the announcement of the Lock-In approaching pushes the challengers to determine who would be the best partner for the rest of the game.”
Where to watch ‘The Challenge: Vets & New Threats’ live and on demand for free
Viewers without a cable subscription can watch “The Challenge: Vets & New Threats” live and on demand for free by using several streaming platforms that offer MTV, including Philo (7-day free trial), DirecTV (5-day free trial) and Fubo (5-day free trial).
We think Philo is the best option for Challenge fans, with the lengthiest free trial and cheapest monthly rate.
Sling’s Blue package also includes MTV and offers half off the first month of service.
What are the differences between the streaming services?
Philo – This is the best name for budget live TV around. You get 70+ channels and unlimited DVR for just $28/month, and it’s currently offering a 7-day free trial. You won’t find a ton of sports options on Philo, but if you love entertainment and lifestyle channels like Paramount Network, Comedy Central, BET and more, the price can’t be beat.
Read more: Why we think Philo’s free trial on its streaming service is best in class
DirecTV – Watch live TV from major broadcast and popular cable networks. Enjoy local and national live sports, breaking news and must-see shows the moment they air. Included: unlimited cloud DVR storage space so you can record as many shows as you want and stream them from wherever you go. DTV starts at $34.99 per month after a 5-day free trial when you shop their customizable genre packs.
Fubo – Fubo offers one of the widest selections of channels among live TV streaming services. More than 220 channels, including all the sports and entertainment you love, plus sports add-ons for those niche networks you rely on, and it all starts with a 5-day free trial and $30 off the first month of service.
Sling – One of the best deals in live TV streaming at just $45.99/month, offering customizable channel lineups for sports, news and entertainment. Now, Sling adds even more value with passes that let you stream live TV without a subscription: just $4.99 for a day, $9.99 for the weekend or $14.99 for a full week. These one-time payments are perfect if you just want to watch a single show, live game or special event. No commitment, no auto-renewal, just affordable access when you need it.
What is ‘The Challenge: Vets & New Threats’ about?
According to the series’ official logline per Variety, “For 40 seasons, generations of battle-hardened Veterans have fought relentlessly for the ultimate prize: the title of Challenge Champion.
“This season, fresh faces and new threats have entered the arena with one goal: to upend the old order and take it all. The Vets, driven by legacy and pride, will need to adapt fast. Their established hierarchy is crumbling, and leaning on past alliances, and experience is no longer reliable—it’s about navigating the ever-shifting landscape of alliances, betrayals, and unknown threats.
“To win, Veterans and New Threats will be forced to work together, unless they’re forced to turn on each other. Nothing is guaranteed.”
Watch the trailer below:
Who is in ‘The Challenge’ Season 41 cast?
The returning vets include some of the greatest to ever play the game, including fan favorites like CT Tamburello and Johnny Bananas, controversial characters like Turbo and Ashley Mitchell and even newly minted “vets” like new couple Olivia Kaiser and Theo Campbell. On the new threats side, expect a bevy of competitors from other Paramount properties, like “Survivor,” “The Amazing Race” and “Big Brother.”