‘American Ninja Warrior’ hosts Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbajabiamila talk first NBC series to complete full season during COVID

A new season of hit competition, “American Ninja Warrior” kicks off Monday with all-new ninjas, challenges and thrills as they compete for the ultimate Ninja Warrior title.

We sat down with hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila, who took Pittsburgh inside the challenges in and around Season 12 including what filming and production was like during the pandemic for them and the competitors.

Sideline reporter and third host Zuri Hall will also be back by Iseman and Gbajabiamila’s side to get reaction from the ground level of the competition. The series will feature an abridged format with multiple rounds: Qualifiers (6 obstacle course), Semi-Finals (10 obstacle course) and Finals (10 obstacle course + Power Tower playoff bracket).

To determine the winner during the Finals, the top eight ninjas will compete in a playoff bracket where they will race head-to-head on the Power Tower. The winner will earn $100,000.

Production for the eight-episode series took place in St. Louis at the Dome at America’s Center. “American Ninja Warrior” is the first NBC series to have completed a full season of episodes during the current pandemic.

Catch the premiere and all-new episodes of “American Ninja Warrior” with us Mondays at 8 p.m. on Channel 11.

Cox Media Group