Best Episodes
The heart-racing obstacle-course competition of ultra-athletes questing for a shot at the fabled Mt. Midoriyama. This American version of the Japanese show Sasuke (aka Ninja Warrior) televises a series of qualification courses across the nation, with the top contenders going to Las Vegas for the finals on the 4-stage "Mt. Midoriyama" obstacle course.In earlier seasons the show was a proving ground to find (and train) American athletes to send to Japan to compete in the original Sasuke tournaments.
Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 06, 2023.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
Stage 1 of Mt. Midoriyama continues in Las Vegas, NV. Favorites include Jake Smith, Dan Mast, Ryan Thompson, Bob Pondrom, and Ben Snead. Those who finish move on to Stage 2.
The episode was rated 8.64 from 11 votes.
Day 2 of boot camp in the California mountains.
The episode was rated 8.65 from 17 votes.
Those who completed Stage 1 now tackle Stage 2, and possibly Stages 3 & 4. Stage 2 features Rope Jungle, Double Salmon Ladder, Unstable Bridge, Butterfly Wall, Roulette Row, and Wall Lift. Stage 3 includes the Psycho Chainsaw, Doorknob Grasper, Floating Boards, Ultimate Cliffhanger, Pole Grasper, Hang Climb, Area 51, and Flying Bar. If anyone can reach Stage 4 and conquer it, they'll earn $1,000,000 and the title of "American Ninja Warrior."
The episode was rated 8.65 from 88 votes.
Top Midwest competitors take on the tough Midwest qualifying course in Dallas, TX. The obstacles include the Quad Steps, Log Grip, Bridge of Blades, Jump Hang, Curtain Slider, and Warped Wall. Veteran ninjas include the unemployed Stephen Volcko and favorite James Hardin, while pastor Johnathan Morin and the quick Zach Sokoloski take on the course for the first time.
The episode was rated 8.69 from 13 votes.
The Venice finals see the return of The Salmon Ladder, as well as new obstacles Rope Maze, the Cliffhanger, and Spider Climb.
The episode was rated 8.73 from 11 votes.
Elite Northeast ninjas take on the qualifying course in Miami, FL. The obstacles are the Quad Steps, Log Grip, Bungee Bridge, Jump Hang, Jumping Bars, Wall Lift, and Warped Wall. Veteran ninjas include top competitor Chris Wilczewski and Travis Graves, who has something to prove, while freerunning fisherman Jesse Villarreal and rapping Noel Reyes take on the course for the first time.
The episode was rated 8.73 from 11 votes.
The top 30 competitors from the Northwest qualifying round tackle the finals course with a chance to move on to Las Vegas. The back obstacles are the Salmon Ladder, Arm Rings, and Cargo Climb (additionally, the Pipe Slider is replaced by the Devil Steps). Favorites include David Campbell, James McGrath, Patrick McGrath, Kyle Cochran, Gunner Bahn, and 51-year-old Tom Hutchman.
The episode was rated 8.75 from 12 votes.
The top 30 competitors from the Southwest qualifying round take on the finals course with a chance to move on to Las Vegas. The back obstacles are the Salmon Ladder, Arm Rings, and Cargo Climb. Favorites include Brent Steffensen, Jesse La Flair, Michael "Frosti" Zernow, Dan Mast, Kole Stevens, Evan Dollard, and Derek Nakamoto.
The episode was rated 8.75 from 16 votes.
The other batch of Northeast competitors face the Northeast qualifying course, which includes the Quad Steps, Log Grip, Bungee Bridge, Jump Hang, Jumping Bars, Wall Lift, and Warped Wall. Veteran ninjas include freerunning champion Tim Shieff and Bay Area stuntman Luis Moco, while 5'5" Michael Needham and firefighter Mike Bernardo take on the course for the first time.
The episode was rated 8.82 from 11 votes.
The other batch of Northwest competitors take on the qualifying course that features the Quad Steps, Log Grip, Spinning Log, Jump Hang, Pipe Slider, and Warped Wall. Veteran ninjas include freerunner Brian Orosco and ice cream vendor James McGrath, while his brother Patrick McGrath and Alaskan native Gunner Bahn take on the course for the first time.
The episode was rated 8.85 from 13 votes.
Top contenders from the Northwest face off against the Northwest qualifying course, featuring the Quad Steps, Log Grip, Spinning Log, Jump Hang, Pipe Slider, and Warped Wall. Veteran ninjas include "the Godfather" David Campbell and the colorful Ryoga Vee, while type-1 diabetic Kyle Cochran and top female competitor Janine Cundy take on the course for the first time.
The episode was rated 8.85 from 13 votes.
The competitors go to Japan, where they face obstacles on Mt. Midoriyama, in the Season 3 finale. Matt Iseman and Jimmy Smith host, with reports from Alison Haislip.
The episode was rated 8.85 from 13 votes.
Competitors in Miami face new obstacles in the Utility Pole Slider, Balance Bridge, Slider Jump, and Monkey Peg.
The episode was rated 8.86 from 14 votes.
A return to Miami for the finals course includes new obstacles The Ledge Jump and Rolling Steel.
The episode was rated 8.91 from 11 votes.
The top 30 competitors return to Denver to take on new obstacles The Floating Stairs and The Pole Grasper.
The episode was rated 9.09 from 11 votes.
