The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras originally premiered on MTV on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. A separate launch special aired one week earlier, on August 7. During the original U.S. broadcast, viewers needed MTV through cable, satellite, or a live-TV streaming service such as Philo, Fubo, or DIRECTV Stream. The completed season is now listed for on-demand viewing on Paramount+ in the United States.
When did The Challenge 40 premiere?
The regular Season 40 premiere, titled “The Era Invitational: Part 1,” aired on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Paramount’s announcement described the season as a weekly Wednesday-night MTV series. Contemporary listings commonly displayed the time as 8/7c.
There was also a preview and cast-introduction special on August 7, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. That program was referred to as “Countdown Begins” in Paramount’s launch announcement and is now labeled “Launch Special: Eras Only” in Paramount+’s episode guide. Those are two names for the same launch special, not two separate regular-season episodes.
| Date | What aired | Was it the regular premiere? |
|---|---|---|
| August 7, 2024 | Launch Special: Eras Only, also called “Countdown Begins” | No |
| August 14, 2024 | Episode 1: “The Era Invitational: Part 1” | Yes |
The original U.S. linear home was the main MTV network—not CBS, Paramount Network, MTV2, or MTV Live.
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How to watch The Challenge 40 live
During the original broadcast, the most direct option was an MTV-inclusive television package. That could mean a traditional cable or satellite subscription, or a live-TV streaming service that carried MTV. Examples identified in contemporary coverage included:
- Philo
- Fubo
- DIRECTV Stream
These services are live-TV replacements, not ordinary on-demand subscriptions. A viewer choosing one for the live broadcast needed to confirm that MTV was included in the current package and available at the viewer’s address. Channel lineups, package names, prices, free trials, and local availability can change; check the provider before subscribing. Current provider information is available from Philo and DIRECTV’s channel lineup.
Another route was MTV’s website or app. Access generally requires a login from a participating cable, satellite, or live-TV provider. In other words, MTV.com’s viewing page should not be treated as a guaranteed free, standalone streaming service.
| Method | Could it show the live MTV broadcast? | Is an ordinary on-demand subscription enough? | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable or satellite | Yes | No | Requires a package carrying MTV. |
| Philo | Yes | No | Live-TV subscription; confirm the current lineup. |
| Fubo | Yes | No | Package and local availability can vary. |
| DIRECTV Stream | Yes | No | Check the current channel lineup and package. |
| MTV website or app | Potentially | No | Usually requires participating-provider credentials. |
| Paramount+ during the 2024 launch | Not the announced U.S. route | No | Paramount promoted the service for previous seasons rather than announcing a next-day Season 40 release. |
| Paramount+ now | No live MTV channel by default | Yes for listed on-demand episodes | The completed season is currently listed on the U.S. Season 40 page; check plan and region. |
| Pluto TV | Not a dependable full-season source | No | MTV describes selected episodes or content, not necessarily the complete Season 40 archive. |
Is Season 40 on Paramount+?
During the original 2024 U.S. broadcast
Not as the announced next-day streaming destination. Paramount’s original Season 40 announcement directed attention to the MTV premiere and mentioned Paramount+ as a place to watch previous seasons. For viewers following new episodes in the United States at that time, the practical choices were MTV itself, a live-TV streaming service carrying MTV, or authenticated access through MTV’s website or app.
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Where to watch it now
As of August 10, 2026, the official Paramount+ Season 40 episode guide lists the completed season on demand. The page includes the launch special, the regular episodes, and Reunion Parts 1 and 2.
Current U.S. availability listings also identify Season 40 through Paramount+ channel integrations on services such as Amazon and Roku. The same listings show digital purchase options through:
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Fandango At Home
Use JustWatch’s current U.S. listing as a starting point, then confirm the final price, episode availability, and purchase terms at the retailer. Digital stores can price individual episodes and complete seasons differently, and catalog listings may change.
Paramount+ currently advertises Essential and Premium plans, but plan inclusions and prices are subject to change. The service itself warns that the Essential tier may not include every series episode in every situation. Because the Season 40 page is the relevant check, do not assume that a plan, country, or promotional offer includes every installment without verifying the listing before payment.
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Complete The Challenge 40 episode schedule
The official Paramount+ guide contains 22 listings when the August 7 launch special is counted. The regular season is commonly described as 19 competition episodes plus a two-part reunion—21 regular-season and reunion installments in total, excluding the special.
| Listing | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|
| Special | Launch Special: Eras Only | August 7, 2024 |
| 1 | The Era Invitational: Part 1 | August 14, 2024 |
| 2 | The Era Invitational: Part 2 | August 21, 2024 |
| 3 | A Fatal Era | August 28, 2024 |
| 4 | My Trivia Era | September 4, 2024 |
| 5 | An Era Tradition | September 18, 2024 |
| 6 | My Real Friends Era | September 25, 2024 |
| 7 | Trust in Your Era | October 2, 2024 |
| 8 | The Era of the Gladiator | October 9, 2024 |
| 9 | An Era of One | October 16, 2024 |
| 10 | A New Era | October 23, 2024 |
| 11 | Payback Era | October 30, 2024 |
| 12 | The Era of the Purge | November 6, 2024 |
| 13 | Best Friends 4Era | November 13, 2024 |
| 14 | Swinging Era | November 20, 2024 |
| 15 | Thinking Thin Era | December 4, 2024 |
| 16 | Must Win Era | December 11, 2024 |
| 17 | Location Change Era | December 18, 2024 |
| 18 | The End of An Era, Part 1 | January 1, 2025 |
| 19 | The End of An Era, Part 2 | January 8, 2025 |
| 20 | Reunion Part 1 | January 15, 2025 |
| 21 | Reunion Part 2 | January 22, 2025 |
There were no new episodes on September 11 or November 27, 2024. The season aired primarily on Wednesdays, but not every Wednesday without interruption.
Which option is best for you?
- Want to watch an episode at the same time as the original broadcast? Use MTV through cable, satellite, or a live-TV streaming service that currently carries the network.
- Want to catch up on the completed season? Start with the Paramount+ Season 40 page, which currently lists the special, competition episodes, and reunion.
- Want to avoid a recurring subscription? Compare the digital purchase listings for Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home.
- Already have Paramount+? Search specifically for the Season 40 episode guide and confirm that your plan and country include the episodes you want.
- Looking for a free option? Do not assume that a free trial, MTV’s website, or Pluto TV provides the entire season. Trial eligibility and selected-content access change, and MTV authentication may be required.
What is The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras about?
Season 40 brings back 40 veteran competitors, divided into four groups according to when they entered the franchise: Era 1 covers Seasons 1–10, Era 2 covers Seasons 11–20, Era 3 covers Seasons 21–30, and Era 4 covers Seasons 31–39. The competitors compete for a share of a $1 million prize, with T.J. Lavin returning as host. The season’s format and cast are outlined in Paramount’s official announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does the answer change outside the United States?
Yes. The dates above are the original U.S. schedule, and the U.S. MTV/live-TV instructions do not automatically apply in other countries. Paramount+ rights, MTV distribution, episode timing, and retailer availability vary by market. For example, contemporaneous reporting identified Paramount+ availability in Canada shortly after the U.S. premiere, while U.S. viewers initially followed the new season through MTV and live-TV providers.
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- Bright, clear picture: Bring entertainment to life on our 32" flat screen TV with bright 1080p Full HD—perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and beyond. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
International viewers should check the Paramount+ catalog or the official broadcaster and streamer in their own country. A U.S. Paramount+ subscription, MTV login, or live-TV service will not necessarily work abroad, and geographic restrictions should not be bypassed.
Common mistakes when searching for Season 40
- Using August 7 as the premiere date: That was the launch special. Episode 1 arrived on August 14.
- Assuming “Paramount+” means live MTV: Paramount+ on-demand programming and the linear MTV channel are different products.
- Calling MTV.com free for everyone: Full access may require credentials from a participating TV provider.
- Counting the episodes inconsistently: The official page has 22 listings with the special; excluding it leaves 21 regular-season and reunion installments.
- Expecting a new episode every Wednesday: The schedule included breaks on September 11 and November 27.
- Assuming a provider’s old package still applies: Channel lineups and plan structures can change, so check the current MTV listing before subscribing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is August 7, 2024, the premiere of The Challenge 40?
No. August 7 was the launch and cast-preview special, listed on Paramount+ as “Launch Special: Eras Only” and previously promoted as “Countdown Begins.” The regular Season 40 premiere, “The Era Invitational: Part 1,” aired on MTV on August 14, 2024.
Can I watch the completed season on Paramount+?
In the United States, Paramount+ currently lists Season 40 on demand, including the launch special and reunion episodes. Confirm the current episode page, plan requirements, and regional availability before subscribing because catalog rights can change.
How many episodes does Season 40 have?
The Paramount+ guide lists 22 items when the launch special is included: the special, 19 competition episodes, and two reunion episodes. Excluding the special, there are 21 regular-season and reunion installments.
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Can I watch The Challenge 40 live with Paramount+?
A standard Paramount+ on-demand subscription is not the same as a live MTV subscription. To watch the original broadcast live, viewers needed MTV through cable, satellite, or a live-TV streaming provider carrying MTV.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The actual U.S. Season 40 premiere was on MTV on August 14, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET/PT; the August 7 program was only the launch special. The completed season is now listed on Paramount+ in the U.S., while live viewing requires MTV through a participating TV provider or live-TV streaming service. Check the current Paramount+ episode page and local provider lineup because availability and pricing are not permanent.
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