Why didn’t The Challenge air tonight? New release date and more details explored

The Challenge, now in its season 40 titled Battle of the Eras, continues to captivate audiences with its blend of competition and intense drama. The reality show, which has gained a loyal following over the years, brings together veteran stars, emerging talents, and fan-favorite participants for a season filled with fierce battles, alliances, and surprising eliminations.

However, the next episode, originally scheduled to air on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, has been delayed. This break is due to MTV airing the 2024 Video Music Awards (VMAs) during the show's regular time slot. Fans can now expect the show to return on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

The VMAs will air from 8 to 11 p.m. ET on September 11, taking over The Challenge's usual time. Viewers can look forward to the show’s return in its regular time slot on September 18, 2024, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. ET.

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New release date of The Challenge

The Challenge moved to the 2024 MTV VMAs

The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards is the main reason for the show's one-week break. Traditionally, the VMAs aired on Sundays, but last year the show was moved to a Tuesday night. This year, it was initially planned to take place on Tuesday, September 10, but the date was moved to September 11 due to the U.S. Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

With this new schedule, the VMAs will now take up the 8 to 11 p.m. ET time slot on Wednesday, directly affecting the show. MTV has chosen not to air The Challenge on a different day this week, electing to skip the September 11 slot entirely.

This means fans will have to wait until September 18 to see the next episode, which, based on previews, promises a highly charged continuation of the ongoing feuds and alliances. While this break may be unexpected, it aligns with MTV’s decision to prioritize the VMAs, one of the network’s flagship events.

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Battle of the Eras recap

Season 40 of The Challenge features a Battle of the Eras format, bringing together contestants from different periods of the show. So far, four episodes have aired, filled with intense competitions, unexpected eliminations, and notable injuries, including a serious one last week.

Episode 4 was particularly dramatic, with a controversial elimination and increasing tension among teams. Laurel Stucky, a veteran, is planning her next move after being targeted. While the delay in episode 5 due to the VMAs may frustrate some fans, the upcoming episode promises even more drama.

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What to expect in episode 5 of The Challenge

When The Challenge returns on September 18, fans can expect the continuation of the brewing tensions from episode 4. According to previews, Laurel Stucky has been planning a bold move to take out Emily Schromm, another former winner. There is speculation that Laurel may even throw the daily challenge to sabotage her teammate and advance her own game.

In addition, it appears that tensions between Laurel and Cara Maria Sorbello, both former champions, are set to escalate further. The upcoming episode will likely address the fallout from Era IV's recent loss of one of their strongest players, as well as Era I's continued struggles.

With alliances shifting and rivalries intensifying, Episode 5 is set to bring a fresh round of strategy and competition. Although details are limited, it’s clear that the delay has only heightened the anticipation for what’s to come.

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For fans eagerly awaiting the next episode, The Challenge will return on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET. The delay caused by the 2024 MTV VMAs means that episode 5 will air at its usual time next week, bringing with it all the action and drama viewers have come to expect from the show.