Australian Ninja Warrior
{{Short description|Australian sports entertainment series where ninjas have to complete obstacles in the quickest time}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Ausninjawarrior.png
| caption =
| genre = Family fun
| creator = Ushio Higuchi
| developer =
| writer =
| director =
| creative_director =
| presenter = {{Plainlist|
- Leila McKinnon
- Jim Courier
- Will McMahon
- Woody Whitelaw
}}
| narrated =
| editor =
| composer =
| country = Australia
| language = English
| num_seasons = 6
| num_episodes = 57
| list_episodes =
| executive_producer =
| producer =
| camera =
| location = {{Plainlist|
- Cockatoo Island, New South Wales (2017–2018)
- Spotswood, Victoria (2019)
- Melbourne Showgrounds (2020)
- Sydney Olympic Park (2021–2022)
}}
| runtime = 1 hour and 20 minutes
(without ads)
| company = Endemol Shine Australia
| channel = Nine Network
| first_aired = {{Start date|2017|07|09|df=yes}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2022|07|11|df=yes}}
| related = {{Plainlist|
}}
}}
Australian Ninja Warrior is a sports entertainment competition spin-off of the Japanese television series Sasuke which premiered on 9 July 2017 on the Nine Network.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2017-06-22 |title=It's Australian Ninja Warrior premiere v House Rules finale |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2017/06/its-australian-ninja-warrior-premiere-v-house-rules-finale.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929044056/http://tvtonight.com.au/2017/06/its-australian-ninja-warrior-premiere-v-house-rules-finale.html |archive-date=2017-09-29 |access-date=2017-06-22 |website=TV Tonight}} It features hundreds of competitors attempting to complete series of obstacle courses of increasing difficulty, in hopes of advancing to the finals and becoming the season's "Australian Ninja Warrior."
On 15 September 2022, the series was cancelled by Nine and wouldn't return in 2023.{{cite web |last=Perry |first=Kevin |date=16 September 2022 |title=All the shows not returning to Nine in 2023 |url=https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2022/09/16/all-the-big-shows-not-returning-to-channel-9-in-2023/ |access-date=28 October 2022 |website=TV Blackbox}}{{cite web |last=Bond |first=Nick |date=15 September 2022 |title=Nine drops Ninja Warrior and Celebrity Apprentice as 2023 line-up revealed |url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/nine-drops-ninja-warrior-and-celebrity-apprentice-as-2023-lineup-revealed/news-story/f8354bc34c485d11e98ec75d870429c6?amp |access-date=28 October 2022 |publisher=news.com.au}}
History
The series was announced in 2016 with applications open until 9 September 2016, with filming between November & December 2016 on Cockatoo Island.{{Cite web |title=Australian Ninja Warrior |url=https://go.mycastingnet.com/Apply/Show/ANW |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221112022/https://go.mycastingnet.com/Apply/Show/ANW |archive-date=2017-02-21 |access-date=2017-07-27 |publisher=My Casting Net}} The series was officially confirmed at Nine's upfronts in November 2016 with Rebecca Maddern announced as host.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2016-11-08 |title=Upfronts 2017: Nine highlights |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/11/upfronts-2017-nine-highlights.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109021306/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/11/upfronts-2017-nine-highlights.html |archive-date=2016-11-09 |access-date=2016-11-08 |website=TV Tonight}}{{Cite web |date=2016-11-08 |title=Nine in 2017 |url=http://www.nineentertainmentco.com.au/2016/11/08/15/40/media-release-nine-in-2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109021054/http://www.nineentertainmentco.com.au/2016/11/08/15/40/media-release-nine-in-2017 |archive-date=2016-11-09 |access-date=2016-11-09 |website=Nine Entertainment Co}} A few days after the announcement, Ben Fordham was announced as second host & Freddie Flintoff as the series' sideline reporter.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2016-11-28 |title=Ben Fordham, Freddie Flintoff join ANW |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/11/ben-fordham-freddie-flintoff-join-australian-ninja-warrior.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128195309/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2016/11/ben-fordham-freddie-flintoff-join-australian-ninja-warrior.html |archive-date=2016-11-28 |access-date=2016-11-28 |website=TV Tonight}} The series began airing on 9 July 2017.
The series was renewed for a second season during the season one final which was filmed between December 2017 & January 2018, with applications that closed by 3 September 2017.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2017-07-26 |title=Renewed: Australian Ninja Warrior |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2017/07/renewed-australian-ninja-warrior.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727122259/http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2017/07/renewed-australian-ninja-warrior.html |archive-date=2017-07-27 |access-date=2017-07-27 |website=TV Tonight}}{{Cite web |title=Australian Ninja Warrior Series 2 |url=https://go.mycastingnet.com/Apply/Show/ANWS2 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011181716/https://go.mycastingnet.com/Apply/Show/ANWS2 |archive-date=2017-10-11 |access-date=2017-07-26 |publisher=My Casting Net}} On 11 October 2017, the series was officially confirmed for renewal at Nine's upfronts, also confirming Fordham, Maddern & Flintoff returning for the second season.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2017-10-11 |title=Renewals underpin Nine's 2018 slate |url=http://tvtonight.com.au/2017/10/renewals-underpin-nines-2018-slate.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011095948/http://tvtonight.com.au/2017/10/renewals-underpin-nines-2018-slate.html |archive-date=2017-10-11 |access-date=2017-10-11 |website=TV Tonight}} The second season began airing on 8 July 2018.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2018-06-25 |title=Returning: Australian Ninja Warrior |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2018/06/returning-australian-ninja-warrior.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625021729/https://tvtonight.com.au/2018/06/returning-australian-ninja-warrior.html |archive-date=2018-06-25 |access-date=2018-06-25 |website=TV Tonight}}
On 17 October 2018, the series was officially renewed for a third season at Nine's upfronts, also confirming Fordham, Maddern & Flintoff returning for the third season.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2018-10-17 |title=Upfronts 2019: Nine: SeaChange, Australian Open, Lego Masters, Bad Mothers. |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2018/10/upfronts-2019-nine-seachange-australian-open-lego-masters-bad-mothers.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416131351/https://tvtonight.com.au/2018/10/upfronts-2019-nine-seachange-australian-open-lego-masters-bad-mothers.html |archive-date=2019-04-16 |access-date=2019-05-01 |website=TV Tonight}} Filming for the series was relocated to Spotswood in Melbourne with filming commencing 15 November until 1 December.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2018-10-08 |title=Australian Ninja Warrior confirms move to Melbourne |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2018/10/australian-ninja-warrior-confirms-move-to-melbourne.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501013053/https://tvtonight.com.au/2018/10/australian-ninja-warrior-confirms-move-to-melbourne.html |archive-date=2019-05-01 |access-date=2019-05-01 |website=TV Tonight}}{{Cite web |last=Dmytryshchak |first=Goya |date=2018-11-13 |title=Watch Ninja Warrior live in Spotswood |url=https://www.starweekly.com.au/news/watch-ninja-warrior-live-in-spotswood/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501013055/https://www.starweekly.com.au/news/watch-ninja-warrior-live-in-spotswood/ |archive-date=2019-05-01 |access-date=2019-05-01 |website=Star Weekly}} The third season began airing on 8 July 2019.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2019-06-24 |title=Returning: Australian Ninja Warrior 2019 |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/06/returning-australian-ninja-warrior-2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624060616/https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/06/returning-australian-ninja-warrior-2.html |archive-date=2019-06-24 |access-date=2019-06-24 |website=TV Tonight}}
On 17 October 2019, the series was officially renewed for a fourth season at Nine's upfronts, also confirming Fordham, Maddern & Flintoff returning for the fourth season.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2019-10-16 |title=Upfronts 2020: Nine: Informer 3838, Halifax, returning reality juggernauts. |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/10/upfronts-2020-nine-informer-3838-halifax-returning-reality-juggernauts.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017160426/https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/10/upfronts-2020-nine-informer-3838-halifax-returning-reality-juggernauts.html |archive-date=2019-10-17 |access-date=2019-10-17 |website=TV Tonight}} The series will again be relocated, filming will take place at Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2020-02-19 |title=Audience tix: Australian Ninja Warrior |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/02/audience-tix-australian-ninja-warrior.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219055857/https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/02/audience-tix-australian-ninja-warrior.html |archive-date=2020-02-19 |access-date=2020-02-19 |website=TV Tonight}}{{Cite web |date=2020-02-18 |title=Nine locks in new location for AUSTRALIAN NINJA WARRIOR |url=https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2020/2/19/nine-locks-in-new-location-for-australian-ninja-warrior?format=amp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219055603/https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2020/2/19/nine-locks-in-new-location-for-australian-ninja-warrior?format=amp |archive-date=2020-02-19 |access-date=2020-02-19 |website=TV Blackbox}}{{Cite web |date=2020-02-19 |title=Australian Ninja Warrior moves to new location + tickets now available |url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/australian-ninja-warrior-moves-to-new-location-tickets-now-available/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219055856/https://www.mediaweek.com.au/australian-ninja-warrior-moves-to-new-location-tickets-now-available/ |archive-date=2020-02-19 |access-date=2020-02-19 |website=Mediaweek}} Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nine has introduced Audience Lock-out meaning members of the public can not attend as audience, only family members of contestants will be allowed to attend,{{Cite news |last=Quinn |first=Karl |date=2020-03-15 |title=No live audiences for Q&A, The Project as TV hopes to avoid worst |work=Sydney Morning Herald |url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/no-live-audiences-for-q-and-a-the-project-as-tv-hopes-to-avoid-worst-20200315-p54a92.html |url-status=live |access-date=2020-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316214244/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/no-live-audiences-for-q-and-a-the-project-as-tv-hopes-to-avoid-worst-20200315-p54a92.html |archive-date=2020-03-16}} as well as co-host Rebecca Maddern, who was put in self-isolation, was temporarily replaced by Shane Crawford for two heats, she has since been cleared and returned to filming.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2020-03-17 |title=COVID-19: Rebecca Maddern / Survivor reunion / Aust. Got Talent delay |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/03/covid-19-rebecca-maddern-survivor-reunion-aust-got-talent-delay.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317043713/https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/03/covid-19-rebecca-maddern-survivor-reunion-aust-got-talent-delay.html |archive-date=2020-03-17 |access-date=2020-03-17 |website=TV Tonight}}{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2020-03-18 |title=Rebecca Maddern cleared, returns to Ninja Warrior. |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/03/rebecca-maddern-cleared-returns-to-ninja-warrior.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318073723/https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/03/rebecca-maddern-cleared-returns-to-ninja-warrior.html |archive-date=2020-03-18 |access-date=2020-03-18 |website=TV Tonight}} Crawford returned to the season as sideline commentator for the Semis and Grand Final after Freddie Flintoff had to fly back to the UK before coronavirus pandemic measures came into effect.{{Cite web |last=Gavin |first=Rachael |date=2020-08-03 |title=Freddie Flintoff forced to leave Australian Ninja Warrior mid-season due to coronavirus border closures |url=https://9now.nine.com.au/australian-ninja-warrior/freddie-flintoff-departs-mid-season-uk-border-closure-coronavirus-2020/f81bf5bf-0d36-40ff-a953-b4c6184b5cab |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922151150/https://9now.nine.com.au/australian-ninja-warrior/freddie-flintoff-departs-mid-season-uk-border-closure-coronavirus-2020/f81bf5bf-0d36-40ff-a953-b4c6184b5cab |archive-date=2020-09-22 |access-date=2020-08-03 |website=Australian Ninja Warrior |publisher=9Now}} The fourth season began airing on 26 July 2020.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2020-07-13 |title=Returning: Australian Ninja Warrior 2020 |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/07/returning-australian-ninja-warrior-3.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712203440/https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/07/returning-australian-ninja-warrior-3.html |archive-date=2020-07-12 |access-date=2020-07-13 |website=TV Tonight}}
Ben Polson became the first contestant to win after four seasons. His prize was $400,000 and the title of ‘Australian Ninja Warrior’.{{Cite news |last=Bond |first=Nick |date=2020-08-10 |title=Ninja Warrior's new $400,000 winner makes history |work=News.com.au |url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/australian-ninja-warrior-2020-grand-finale-ben-polson-wins-scores-400000/news-story/40adfc8aa263138d91434baf3866720e |url-status=live |access-date=2020-08-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810114928/https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/australian-ninja-warrior-2020-grand-finale-ben-polson-wins-scores-400000/news-story/40adfc8aa263138d91434baf3866720e |archive-date=2020-08-10}}
Nine Network announced a fifth season on 16 September 2020.{{Cite news |last=Lallo |first=Michael |date=2020-09-16 |title=Nine seeks to COVID-proof 2021 line-up with fewer live reality shows |work=Brisbane Times |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/nine-seeks-to-covid-proof-2021-line-up-with-fewer-live-reality-shows-20200916-p55w3i.html |url-status=live |access-date=2020-09-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918093827/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/nine-seeks-to-covid-proof-2021-line-up-with-fewer-live-reality-shows-20200916-p55w3i.html |archive-date=2020-09-18}} Casting applications are open until 30 November 2020.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2020-11-12 |title=Auditions: Australian Ninja Warrior 2021 |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/11/auditions-australian-ninja-warrior.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111220038/https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/11/auditions-australian-ninja-warrior.html |archive-date=2020-11-11 |access-date=2020-11-15 |website=TV Tonight}} The series was again relocated, filming took place in Homebush, New South Wales.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2021-02-08 |title=Australian Ninja Warrior 2021 heads to Homebush |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2021/02/australian-ninja-warrior-2021-heads-to-homebush.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208012130/https://tvtonight.com.au/2021/02/australian-ninja-warrior-2021-heads-to-homebush.html |archive-date=2021-02-08 |access-date=2021-02-08 |website=TV Tonight}} In June 2021, Nine announced Nick Kyrgios would be joining the series as a sideline commentator alongside Shane Crawford; Freddie Flintoff will not be returning due to travel challenges and a busy schedule.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2021-06-05 |title=Nick Kyrgios joins Ninja Warrior team |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2021/06/nick-kyrgios-joins-ninja-warrior-team.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604233740/https://tvtonight.com.au/2021/06/nick-kyrgios-joins-ninja-warrior-team.html/ |archive-date=2021-06-04 |access-date=2021-06-05 |website=TV Tonight}} The fifth season began airing on 20 June 2021.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2021-06-07 |title=Returning: Australian Ninja Warrior |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2021/06/returning-australian-ninja-warrior-4.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606224235/https://tvtonight.com.au/2021/06/returning-australian-ninja-warrior-4.html |archive-date=2021-06-06 |access-date=2021-06-07 |website=TV Tonight}}
On 15 September 2021, the series was officially renewed for a sixth season at Nine's upfronts.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2021-09-15 |title=Upfronts 2022: Nine |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2021/09/upfronts-2022-nine.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915072455/https://tvtonight.com.au/2021/09/upfronts-2022-nine.html |archive-date=2021-09-15 |access-date=2021-09-15 |website=TV Tonight}}{{Cite web |last=Molk |first=Steve |date=2021-09-15 |title=UPFRONTS: NINE in 2022 |url=https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2021/09/15/upfronts-nine-in-2022/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-09-15 |website=TV Blackbox|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915204721/https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2021/09/15/upfronts-nine-in-2022/ |archive-date=15 September 2021 }} In October 2021, Fordham quit as series host.{{Cite web|last=Knox |first=David|title=Ben Fordham quits as Australian Ninja Warrior host|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2021/10/ben-fordham-quits-as-australian-ninja-warrior-host.html|date=14 October 2021|access-date=14 October 2021|website=TV Tonight}} In November 2021, Nine announced Madderns contract was not renewed and she would be leaving the network effective immediately, in which she will be resigning as the show's host.{{Cite web|last=Knox |first=David|title=Rebecca Maddern departs Nine|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2021/11/rebecca-maddern-departs-nine.html#close-menu|date=28 November 2021|access-date=28 November 2021|website=TV Tonight}}{{Cite web|title=Nine star Rebecca Maddern leaves network|url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/morning-shows/nine-star-rebecca-maddern-leaves-network/news-story/ce24c627756a5d41181427c3fecf10fe?amp|date=28 November 2021|access-date=28 November 2021|website=news.com.au}} In January 2022, Jim Courier and Leila McKinnon were announced as the new hosts of the series, with Will & Woody as sideline commentators.{{Cite web|last=Simmonds |first=Matthew|title=Jim Courier and Leila McKinnon naked new hosts of Australian Ninja Warrior|url=https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2022/01/29/jim-courier-and-leila-mckinnon-named-new-hosts-of-australian-ninja-warrior/|date=29 January 2022|access-date=29 January 2022|website=TV Tonight}} The sixth season began airing on 27 June 2022.{{Cite web|last=Knox |first=David|title=Airdate: Australian Ninja Warrior S6|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2022/06/returning-australian-ninja-warrior-5.html|date=14 June 2022|access-date=15 June 2022|website=TV Tonight}}
On 15 September 2022, the series was cancelled by Nine and wouldn't return in 2023.
Format
Potential contestants go through a rigorous series of obstacles before the possibility of becoming the next Australian Ninja Warrior and win a cash prize, starting at $100,000. If there is no winner in a season the prize will jackpot and rise by $100,000 until someone eventually conquers Mount Midoriyama.
From the third season, the format changed slightly with the most successful contestant who goes the furthest and fastest guaranteed to win $100,000 should they not conquer the course, but will win the growing jackpot should they conquer Mount Midoriyama.
Series overview
{{Series overview
| auxA = Play-by-play
announcer(s)
| auxB = Sideline
reporter
| infoA = Prize
| infoB = Result
| link1 = Australian Ninja Warrior season 1
| auxA1 = Rebecca Maddern
Ben Fordham
| auxB1 = Freddie Flintoff
| episodes1 = 9
| start1 = {{Start date|2017|07|09|df=yes}}
| end1 = {{End date|2017|07|25|df=yes}}
| infoA1 = Winner: $100,000
| infoB1 = Last Ninja Standing:
Fred Dorrington (Failed Stage 2)
| link2 = Australian Ninja Warrior season 2
| episodes2 = 12
| start2 = {{Start date|2018|07|08|df=yes}}
| end2 = {{End date|2018|07|31|df=yes}}
| infoA2 = Winner: $200,000
| infoB2 = Last Ninja Standing:
Rob Patterson (Failed Stage 2)
| link3 = Australian Ninja Warrior season 3
| episodes3 = 10
| start3 = {{Start date|2019|07|08|df=yes}}
| end3 = {{End date|2019|07|29|df=yes}}
| infoA3 = Winner: $300,000
Last Ninja Standing: $100,000
| infoB3 = Last Ninja Standing:
Charlie Robbins (Failed Stage 3)
| link4 = Australian Ninja Warrior season 4
| auxA4 = Rebecca Maddern
Ben Fordham
Shane Crawford
| auxB4 = Freddie Flintoff
Shane Crawford
| episodes4 = 8
| start4 = {{Start date|2020|07|26|df=yes}}
| end4 = {{End date|2020|08|10|df=yes}}
| infoA4 = Winner: $400,000
Last Ninja Standing: $100,000
| infoB4 = Australian Ninja Warrior:
Ben Polson (Completed Stage 4)
| link5 = Australian Ninja Warrior season 5
| auxA5 = Rebecca Maddern
Ben Fordham
| auxB5 = Shane Crawford
Nick Kyrgios
| episodes5 = 9
| start5 = {{Start date|2021|06|20|df=yes}}
| end5 = {{End date|2021|07|06|df=yes}}
| infoA5 = Winner: $200,000
Last Ninja Standing: $100,000
| infoB5 = Last Ninja Standing:
Zak Stolz (Failed Stage 3)
| link6 = Australian Ninja Warrior season 6
| auxA6 = Jim Courier
Leila McKinnon
| auxB6 = Will & Woody
| episodes6 =9
| start6 = {{Start date|2022|06|27|df=yes}}
| end6 = {{End date|2022|07|11|df=yes}}
| infoA6 = Winner: $200,000
Last Ninja Standing: $100,000
| infoB6 = Last Ninja Standing:
Zak Stolz (Failed Stage 3)
}}
Cast and seasons
| class="wikitable"
|+Cast ! rowspan="2" |Cast Member ! colspan="6" |Seasons |
| 1 (2017) !2 !3 !4 !5 !6 |
|---|
| Ben Fordham
! colspan="5" {{yes|Host}} | {{n/a |
|-
! colspan="5" {{yes|Host}}
|{{n/a|}}
|-
! colspan="4" {{yes|Sideline}}
| colspan="2" {{n/a|}}
|-
| colspan="3" {{n/a|}}
! colspan="2" {{yes|Sideline}}
|{{n/a|}}
|-
| colspan="4" {{n/a|}}
! {{yes|Sideline}}
|{{n/a|}}
|-
| colspan="5" {{n/a|}}
!{{yes|Host}}
|-
| colspan="5" {{n/a|}}
!{{yes|Host}}
|-
| colspan="5" {{n/a|}}
!{{yes|Sideline}}
|}
=Season 1 (2017)=
{{Main|Australian Ninja Warrior season 1}}
The first season premiered on 9 July 2017, on the Nine Network and concluded on 25 July 2017. The season was filmed on Cockatoo Island, Sydney where 50 ninjas ran in each of the six qualifying heats, with the top 18 from each heat moving on to the Semi-finals. From the three semi finals, the top 7 competitors moved on to the Grand Final. 9 Competitors finished stage one of the Grand Final, but none completed stage two.
=Season 2 (2018)=
{{Main|Australian Ninja Warrior season 2}}
The second season premiered on 8 July 2018, on the Nine Network and concluded on 31 July 2018. The season was filmed on Cockatoo Island, Sydney. In this season there was a total of over 300 ninjas, each was placed into one of the six heats, with the top 20 in each heat advancing to the semi-finals. In each of the four semi-finals, the top 8 competitors continued to the Grand Final. In the Grand Final, stage one was completed by 24 competitors, though none of them completed stage two.
=Season 3 (2019)=
{{Main|Australian Ninja Warrior season 3}}
The third season premiered on 8 July 2019 on the Nine Network. The season was filmed in Spotswood, Victoria; and featured 200 ninjas competing across five heats.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2019-07-16 |title=How producers cast Ninja Warrior |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/07/how-producers-cast-ninja-warrior.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715233222/https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/07/how-producers-cast-ninja-warrior.html |archive-date=2019-07-15 |access-date=2019-08-01 |website=TV Tonight}} The top 18 ninjas in each heat advanced to the semi-finals, and the top ten competitors in each of the three semi-finals qualified for the Grand Final.
In the Grand Final, there were eleven ninjas who successfully completed the first stage of the course. Five competitors progressed to stage three, however all failed to complete this stage. Despite all five ninjas failing at the same obstacle, Charlie Robbins was deemed to be the "Last Ninja Standing" and awarded the $100,000 prize as he was the fastest ninja to reach this point. However, the series did not have an official "winner", as to win one must conquer the mountain. This season was the first time on Australian Ninja Warrior that any contestant had qualified for the third stage of the course.
=Season 4 (2020)=
{{Main|Australian Ninja Warrior season 4}}
The fourth season premiered on 26 July 2020, on the Nine Network. The season was filmed at Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne. In this season there was a total of over 140 ninjas, each was placed into one of the four heats, with the top 16 in each heat advancing to the semi-finals. In both of the two semi-finals, the top 12 competitors continued to the Grand Final where eight ninjas successfully completed the first stage of the course, four completed the second stage and three completed the third stage. Ben Polson was the fastest of the remaining three and was able to climb Mount Midoriyama in 25.56, earning him the title as the first legitimate winner of Australian Ninja Warrior and received $400,000.{{Cite news |last=Bond |first=Nick |date=2020-08-10 |title=Australian Ninja Warrior 2020 grand finale: Ben Polson wins, scores $400,000 |work=News.com.au |url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/australian-ninja-warrior-2020-grand-finale-ben-polson-wins-scores-400000/news-story/40adfc8aa263138d91434baf3866720e |url-status=live |access-date=2020-08-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810114928/https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/australian-ninja-warrior-2020-grand-finale-ben-polson-wins-scores-400000/news-story/40adfc8aa263138d91434baf3866720e |archive-date=2020-08-10}}
=Season 5 (2021)=
{{Main|Australian Ninja Warrior season 5}}
The fifth season premiered on 20 June 2021, on the Nine Network. The season was filmed at Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales. In this season there was a total of over 200 ninjas, each was placed into one of the four heats, with the top 20 in each heat advancing to the Semi-finals and with each winner of the Power Tower advancing straight to the Grand Final or getting a second chance advantage and winning $200,000.
=Season 6 (2022)=
{{Main|Australian Ninja Warrior season 6}}
The sixth season premiered on 27 June 2022, on the Nine Network. The season was filmed at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales. In this season there was a total of 75 ninjas, each was placed into one of the four heats, with the top 18 in each heat advancing to the semi-finals and with each winner of the Power Pool gaining an advantage in the semi-final.
Viewership
International broadcasts
On Australia Day, UK game show based channel, Challenge, announced that beginning from 18 February 2018, it would start airing episodes of Australian Ninja Warrior.{{Cite tweet |number=956900587165057024 |user=ChallengeTV |title=**New Show Alert** Happy #Strayaday all 🇦🇺. To celebrate the big day down under we thought we'd let you all know that Ninja Warrior Australia is winging {{sic|it's|nolink=y}} way from down under to Challenge TV next month. What a ripper! #AustraliaDay |date=2018-01-26}}
Australia Ninja Warrior is shown on Three{{cite web | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/122186281/australian-ninja-warrior-battling-on-in-time-of-covid19 | title=Australian Ninja Warrior battling on in time of Covid-19 | date=22 July 2020 }}
In 2021, UK broadcaster ITV broadcast Series 3 in the lunchtime slot.
In 2023, Dave started showing the series.
Specials
=ANW: State of Origin=
Announced in August 2020, a two-part series set to premiere on 16 August 2020, will see the best four ninjas from each state competing against each other on a new custom built obstacle courses with the winning team receiving $100,000.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2020-08-06 |title=Australian Ninja Warrior: Aug 9 / 10. Airdate: ANW: State of Origin |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/08/australian-ninja-warrior-aug-9-10-airdate-anw-state-of-origin.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809234416/https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/08/australian-ninja-warrior-aug-9-10-airdate-anw-state-of-origin.html/ |archive-date=2020-08-09 |access-date=2020-08-09 |website=TV Tonight}}{{Cite news |date=2020-08-09 |title=What's on TV: Sunday, August 16 |work=Sydney Morning Herald |url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/whats-on-tv-sunday-august-16-20200807-h1pv32.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2020-08-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314043322/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/whats-on-tv-sunday-august-16-20200807-h1pv32.html |archive-date=2021-03-14}}{{Cite web |date=2020-08-09 |title=TV Guide: Australian Ninja Warrior Grand Final on Nine |url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/tv-guide-australian-ninja-warrior-grand-final-on-nine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922053032/https://www.mediaweek.com.au/tv-guide-australian-ninja-warrior-grand-final-on-nine/ |archive-date=2020-09-22 |access-date=2020-08-09 |website=Mediaweek}}
The special will have 20 returning contestants split into four groups from five different states, the power tower will also return for both parts.{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2020-08-13 |title=Australian Ninja Warrior: State of Origin: meet the teams |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/08/australian-ninja-warrior-state-of-origin-meet-the-teams.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015230036/https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/08/australian-ninja-warrior-state-of-origin-meet-the-teams.html |archive-date=2020-10-15 |access-date=2020-08-13 |website=TV Tonight}}{{Cite web |date=2020-08-13 |title=State pride is on the line in special Australian Ninja Warrior State of Origin series |url=https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2020/08/13/state-pride-is-on-the-line-in-a-special-australian-ninja-warrior-state-of-origin-series/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116154751/https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2020/08/13/state-pride-is-on-the-line-in-a-special-australian-ninja-warrior-state-of-origin-series/ |archive-date=2021-01-16 |access-date=2020-08-13 |website=TV Blackbox}}
Ben Poulson of Team Western Australia won the special coming head to head against Ashlin Herbert of Team Victoria in the final round, the team received $100,000 giving all four team contestants $25,000 each.{{Cite web |last=Conte |first=Peter |date=2020-08-17 |title=Western Australia wins Australian Ninja Warrior: State of Origin |url=https://9now.nine.com.au/australian-ninja-warrior/state-of-origin-winner-western-australia/509ff4ff-b789-4458-a04f-23a138446833 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922135239/https://9now.nine.com.au/australian-ninja-warrior/state-of-origin-winner-western-australia/509ff4ff-b789-4458-a04f-23a138446833 |archive-date=2020-09-22 |access-date=2020-08-17 |website=Australian Ninja Warrior |publisher=9Now}}
= Courses =
== Night 1 ==
On Night 1, the same course is used in the first three rounds, but with different number of members (4, 2, solo) on the course that comprises 9 obstacles.
- Snake Run (1st leg, 1st leg)
- Propeller Bar to Single Rope Swing (1st, 1st)
- 6m Spinning Log (2nd, 1st)
- Salmon Ladder to 2 Flying Shelves (2nd, 1st)
- 2 Basket Tosses (3rd, 1st)
- Warped Wall (3rd, 2nd)
- Barrel Rolls (4th, 2nd)
- Spider Jump (4th, 2nd)
- Chimney Sweep with Double Door at the top to buzzer (4th, 2nd)
At the end of each stage, the fastest team advance straight to Day 2.
At the end of the three stages, the two slowest team select a member compete in the power tower. The slowest is eliminated.
== Night 2 ==
With South Australia eliminated, four remaining teams will battle in three rounds, where one team is eliminated at the end of each round.
== Round 1 ==
In round 1, the team will be split into pairs, and each pair run course A of 6 obstacles. The team with the fewest obstacles cleared or the slowest time to finish all 12 obstacles will be eliminated. Western Australia had Sam Goodall running the course twice, but in different order because Zed Colback is medically eliminated due to migrane.
- Rope Jungle (1st)
- Spin Hopper
- 2x Bar Hops
- Double Squirrel (2nd)
- Double Ferris Wheel
- 20/30/40 kg Wall Lifts
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; line-height:16px; width:99%;" |
| valign="top"
! Team ! Contestants ! Team result |
| rowspan=4 style="background:#f9b427; color:black; text-align:center;"| Western Australia
| Ben Polson | rowspan=4 {{won|Winners}} |
|---|
| Olivia Vivian |
| Sam Goodall |
| Zed Colback |
| rowspan=4 style="background:#000947; color:white; text-align:center;"| Victoria (state)
| Zak Stolz | rowspan=4 {{maybe|Runners-up}} |
| Ashlin Herbert |
| Charlie Robbins |
| Mel Armstrong |
| rowspan=4 style="background:#84003d; color:white; text-align:center;"| Queensland
| Rob Patterson | rowspan=4 {{no|Eliminated Night 2}} |
| Fred Dorrington |
| Skye Haddy |
| Ryan Solomon |
| rowspan=4 style="background:#5192ce; color:#292f56; text-align:center;"| New South Wales
| Bryson Klein | rowspan=4 {{no|Eliminated Night 2}} |
| Jordan Papandrea |
| Loki Kuroi |
| Eloni Vunakece |
| rowspan=4 style="background:red; color:yellow; text-align:center;"| South Australia
| Rapheala Wiget | rowspan=4 {{no|Eliminated Night 1}} |
| Rhys Menzel |
| Jarryd Sutton |
| Nathan Ryles |
==Ratings==
{{Australian television episode ratings
| backgroundcolour = #2D5A88
| hidetimeslot=
| generic = yes
| title1 = Night 1
| date1 = 16 August 2020
| timeslot1 = Sunday 7:00pm
| OVviewers1 = 877,000
| OVrank1 = 3
| CONviewers1 = 53,000
| CONrank1 = 3
| total1 = 930,000
| ref1 = {{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2020-08-17 |title=Sunday 16 August 2020 |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/08/sunday-16-august-2020.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820063105/https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/08/sunday-16-august-2020.html |archive-date=2020-08-20 |access-date=2020-08-17 |website=TV Tonight}}{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2020-08-29 |title=Timeshifted: Sunday 16 August 2020 |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/08/timeshifted-sunday-16-august-2020.html |access-date=2020-08-29 |website=TV Tonight}}
| title2 = Night 2
| date2 = 17 August 2020
| timeslot2 = Monday 7:30pm
| OVviewers2 = 736,000
| OVrank2 = 9
| CONviewers2 = 41,000
| CONrank2 = 11
| total2 = 777,000
| ref2 = {{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=2020-08-18 |title=Monday 17 August 2020 |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/08/monday-17-august-2020.html |access-date=2020-08-18 |website=TV Tonight}}{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=29 August 2020 |title=Timeshifted: Monday 17 August 2020 |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2020/08/timeshifted-monday-17-august-2020.html |access-date=2020-08-29 |website=TV Tonight}}
}}
= Australian Ninja Warrior: Record Breakers =
In 2021, the TV special follows a day after the broadcast of Grand Final. This was also the final show that Ben Fordham would be hosting.{{Cite news|date=2021-10-14|title=Ninja Warrior co-host calls it quits|work=news.com.au|url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/ben-fordham-quits-ninja-warrior-hosting-gig-to-focus-on-2gb/news-story/c31b7b81a3b4732655f351fd19ee9735|access-date=2021-11-08}} It is so called as Australian National and Guinness World Records (previously held in the American series) for each obstacle would be attempted, and AU$15,000 for each obstacle conquered, including the World Record for the highest warped wall (5.8m), the highest salmon ladder (where the final 35m Mt. Midoriama climb is replaced by a 29-rung salmon ladder climb), Ferris wheel race between Olivia Vivian and Andrea Ha, the first woman to ever made it up the warped wall.
See also
{{Portal|Television|Australia}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.9now.com.au/australian-ninja-warrior/ Australian Ninja Warrior] on Channel 9
- [https://www.9now.com.au/australian-ninja-warrior/season-1/extras Australian Ninja Warrior - Season 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924103154/https://www.9now.com.au/australian-ninja-warrior/season-1/extras |date=24 September 2020 }} on Channel 9
- [http://www.aussieninjawarrior.com.au/ Australian Ninja Warrior] Blog, Articles, Videos & Forums
{{Nine Network programming}}
{{Ninja Warrior}}
Category:Nine Network original programming
Category:2010s Australian game shows
Category:2017 Australian television series debuts
Category:Television series by Endemol Shine Australia
Category:Australian English-language television shows
Category:Ninja Warrior (franchise)
Category:Australian television series based on Japanese television series