Where to Watch The Challenge in Australia: Which Streamer Has It
The Challenge streams in Australia on Paramount+, the same day new episodes land in the US, not on Netflix, Stan or Binge. A subscription starts at $7.99 a month for the ad-supported Basic plan, or $12.99 for Standard without ads.
Quick facts:
- Paramount+ is the only place to stream The Challenge in Australia — there's no free-to-air or other streaming home for it.
- Season 42, subtitled The Challenge: Cutthroat, premiered Wednesday 5 August 2026, the same day it dropped on Paramount+ in the US.
- It's not the axed local spin-off "The Challenge: Australia," which ran one season on 10/10 Shake in 2022.
Is The Challenge on Netflix, Stan or Binge in Australia?
No. The Challenge is a Paramount+ original in Australia, licensed there because it's produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, part of the same Paramount group. It doesn't appear on Netflix, Stan, Binge or any of the free-to-air catch-up apps.
If you're weighing up services for reality TV generally, our guide to streaming The Chase Australia covers the free-to-air options side by side.
How much does Paramount+ cost in Australia?
Three tiers: Basic with ads at $7.99 a month, Standard (no ads) at $12.99, and Premium, which adds 4K and offline downloads, at $17.99. All three carry the full season of The Challenge; the difference is picture quality and ads, not access to the show.
How far behind the US is Australia?
Not at all, for this show. New episodes of The Challenge: Cutthroat post to Paramount+ on the same calendar day in both countries — Wednesday US time lands as the same Wednesday, or very early Thursday depending on your state, in Australia. That's different from a lot of US cable shows, which can run a day or more behind here.
Is this the same show as The Challenge Australia?
No, and it's a common mix-up. The Challenge Australia was a separate, locally cast spin-off that aired on Network 10, then moved to 10 Shake, for one season in 2022 before it was axed. The show covered on this page is the original US format — MTV's The Challenge, now in its 42nd season — with an international cast and no Australian version currently in production.
Who hosts The Challenge, and what's Cutthroat about?
T.J. Lavin, who has hosted the US show since 2005. Season 42 has 24 competitors split into three teams, filmed around Bangkok and Chonburi in Thailand, chasing a $500,000 prize. It's a returning-format season — "Cutthroat" — that MTV last used years ago, brought back for returning players and a handful of newcomers.
The season has had one significant off-course story: three cast members were removed from the game after the 17 September episode for breaking a house rule, which Page Six and People both covered from the same broadcast.
Can I watch older seasons of The Challenge in Australia?
Paramount+ Australia carries a large back catalogue of the show, though not every season MTV has ever made is listed — availability has shifted over time as licensing deals change. If a specific old season doesn't show up in search, checking the show's main page on the service is the fastest way to confirm.
FAQ
Do I need a VPN to watch The Challenge in Australia?
No. It's officially licensed to Paramount+ Australia, so a local subscription is all that's required.
Does Paramount+ have a free trial in Australia?
Paramount+ runs trial offers from time to time; check the sign-up page for the current one before you commit to a paid plan.
When does The Challenge season 42 finish?
Not yet confirmed. At episode 9 of a season that has typically run 16–19 episodes in recent years, a finale in October or November is likely but not announced.
For Australia's own weeknight quiz shows rather than US reality TV, this week's quiz line-up, the Chasers on The Chase Australia and Tipping Point Australia's air time are on this site. Our sister site AU Reality On Air covers The Block, The Voice and Australia's other home-grown reality shows.
Sources
- TV Tonight (tvtonight.com.au), "Returning: The Challenge," 4 August 2026 — confirms the Australian Paramount+ premiere date of Wednesday 5 August 2026.
- Paramount+ support, "How much does Paramount+ cost?" — Australia pricing: Basic with Ads $7.99, Standard $12.99, Premium $17.99 per month.
- Wikipedia, "The Challenge: Cutthroat (2026 season)" — host T.J. Lavin, 24 contestants, Bangkok and Chonburi, Thailand filming location.
- People and Page Six, 17 September 2026 — Nelson Thomas, Leo Dionicio and Josh Goldstein removed from the season.
- The Chase Australia Chasers: All 10, Their Nicknames and Who's Chased in 2026
- Have You Been Paying Attention? What Time It's On, Who's on the Panel and How to Watch
- Tipping Point Australia: What Time It's On (5pm on Nine), Which Nights Are New and How It Works
- What Time Is The Chase On in Australia? 5pm Weekdays on Seven, 7plus Catch-Up and Which Nights Are New