How to Watch ‘The Challenge’ Season 42 For Free Online and on TV

A reality favorite has finally returned as we prepare for a new season of The Challenge!
The 42nd edition of MTV’s beloved franchise, The Challenge: Cutthroat, takes our favorite Challengers to Thailand as the mix of legendary veterans and wide-eyed newcomers battle for a share of the $500,000 grand prize.
“In this bold new era, the Challengers will be divided into three teams, and the only way to take home a share of the cash prize is to cross the finish line together as a unit,” the official series synopsis states. “To win, nominated captains must balance their hunger for dominance with the need for loyalty, or risk losing their power, while solo players must prove they can be team players or lose their chance at the winnings.”
This year’s cast features a host of familiar reality favorites, including five-time Challenge champion Chris “CT” Tamburello, Johnny Bananas, Love Island alum Josh Goldstein, two-time Challenge champ Cara Maria Sorbello, Survivor stars Michele Fitzgerald, Cassidy Clark, and Chris Underwood, and Nelson Thomas, who’s making his long-awaited return to the franchise after a near-fatal car accident that resulted in a leg amputation.
New episodes of The Challenge: Cutthroat will be available to stream Wednesday mornings on Paramount+ and will also air Wednesday nights on MTV. Here’s how to watch all the action for free.
How To Watch The New Season of The Challenge Online:
The Challenge Season 42 is streaming on Paramount+. The season premiere of the fan-favorite reality series is now available on the platform.
Paramount+ offers two subscription plans, Essential and Premium. Right now, you can get started with a seven-day free trial on the Premium plan.
The ad-supported Essential plan typically costs $8.99/month, while the ad-free Premium plan (which comes with Showtime titles and live CBS) costs $13.99/month.
How To Watch The Challenge Season 42 on TV:
New episodes of The Challenge also air Wednesday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET on MTV.
The only way to watch shows airing live without cable is by using a live TV streaming service. Our favorite is DIRECTV, which comes with a five-day free trial before payment begins.
DIRECTV offers a number of flexible subscription options, including Genre Packs, so you can best choose which streaming plans fit your needs and budget. Packs start at $19.99/month.
You can also watch MTV live with an active subscription to Philo ($25/month), which offers a seven-day free trial.
Does YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV Offer MTV?
Yes! You can find an MTV live stream via an active subscription to Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or Sling TV. Fubo, Hulu, and YouTube TV offer free trials for new subscribers.
When Will The Challenge Season 42, Episode 2 Be on Paramount+?
New episodes of The Challenge drop Wednesday mornings on Paramount+.
The Challenge Season 42, Episode 2 debuts Wednesday, August 12 at 3:01 a.m. ET on Paramount+ and will air at 8:00 p.m. ET on MTV.
The Challenge on Hulu and Amazon Streaming Options:
You can also add Paramount+ to your Hulu or Amazon accounts for $13.99/month. Both streamers offer free trials for new subscribers.
The season premiere of The Challenge is now streaming on Paramount+.