There are plenty of competitive obstacle course shows that have found success over the years (Ninja Warrior, Wipeout, Ultimate Beast Master). Yet none of them have been able to recreate the magic that was known to many as Takeshi’s Castle or MXC (Most Extreme Elimination Challenge). Now, ten years after it ended, the show will be returning to Comedy Central UK with all new episodes.
“Takeshi’s Castle is the gold standard of physical game shows and we can’t wait to bring the delightful mayhem of this show back to the UK with this new series,” said Louise Holmes, Vice President, General Manager, Comedy Central UK.
Originally broadcasted in Japan from 1986 to 1990 under the name Takeshi’s Castle, the show was re-purpose in 2003 to create an American comedy television program that aired on Spike TV. The original saw 40 contestants competing against each other in challenges in order to be one of the five finalists who would attempt to storm the castle and defeat the powerful Count Takeshi and his crew of underlings.
The American reuse of the old footage created a completely new premises, storylines, and characters, dubbed over by American actors. MXC structured the show differently as well, creating two teams that would compete against each other, with players trying to win points for their teams by surviving through different challenges. Announcers Vic Romano (Victor Wilson) and Kenny Blankenship (Chris Darga) parodied announcers as well, providing comical commentary on the competition and competitors.
The UK version of the show was narrated by Craig Charles, but the reboot will not be bringing back his British dulcet tones. He will be replaced by Jonathan Ross, best known for his BBC One chat show Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.
Comedy Central will be showing all-new episodes of the series this autumn. It’s yet to be known if there will be another version of the show ported over to America, but we will see if the UK version can bring back the magic of the old series first.