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!
The qualifying round from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, takes over the Richmond Power Plant where ninjas face 6 obstacles, including the brand-new “Spinning Bow Ties” and “Lightning Bolts.” Ninja veterans Najee Richardson, Michelle Warnky, Allyssa Beird, and Chris Wilczewski return to the competition and compete alongside former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 69 votes.
The top 30 competitors from this city’s Qualifying round face an extended, 10-obstacle course, including a brand-new obstacle called “The Hinge.” Ninja veterans taking to the course include Meagan Martin, Joe Moravsky, Jake Murray, and Lance Pekus.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 62 votes.
In the qualifying round from Los Angeles, California, ninjas tackle 6 obstacles, including the brand-new “Jumper Cables” and “Doorknob Drop.” Ninja veterans Sean Bryan, Kevin Bull, and Flip Rodriguez compete.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 90 votes.
In the qualifying round from Minneapolis, Minnesota, ninjas attempt to conquer 6 obstacles including the brand-new “Double Twister” and “Diamond Dash.” Featured ninjas include Meagan Martin, Joe Moravsky, Lance Pekus, Maggi Thorne, and Sarah Schoback.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 73 votes.
The top 30 competitors from this city’s Qualifying round face an extended, 10-obstacle course including the brand-new “Captain’s Wheel.” Ninjas include: Najee Richardson, Michelle Warnky, Allyssa Beird, Jamie Rahn, and Chris Wilczewski.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 60 votes.
The top 30 competitors from this city’s Qualifying round face an extended, 10-obstacle course including the brand-new “Cane Lane” and the grueling 10th obstacle “Spider Trap.” Ninjas include: Brian Arnold, Jimmy Choi, Jesse “Flex” Labreck, and season 7 champion Isaac Caldiero.
The episode was rated 7.89 from 65 votes.
The top 30 competitors from this city’s Qualifying round face an extended, 10-obstacle course, including the brand-new “Baton Pass” and “Spider Trap.” Ninjas include: Tiana Webberley, Sean Bryan, Kevin Bull, Josh Levin, and Flip Rodriguez.
The episode was rated 7.90 from 72 votes.
The qualifying round from Indianapolis, Indiana, takes over downtown at the foot of the majestic “Monument Circle” where ninjas face 6 obstacles, including the brand-new “Wheel Flip” and the “Spin Hopper.” Season 7 champion Isaac Caldiero returns to the show after a 2 year hiatus. He is joined by ninja veterans Brian Arnold, Jimmy Choi, and Jesse “Flex” Labreck, as well as notable guests including Verizon IndyCar driver Scott Dixon and Olympic Gold Medalist Kendall Coyne.
The episode was rated 7.94 from 69 votes.
In the qualifying round from Miami, Florida, ninjas tackle 6 obstacles, including the brand-new “Ring Turn” and “Slippery Summit.” Featured ninjas include Jessie Graff, Drew Drechsel, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School teacher Gabe Stewart.
The episode was rated 7.95 from 74 votes.
The other half of the field takes on the 1st of 4 stages. Ninjas include Meagan Martin, Lance Pekus, and Najee Richardson. Stage 1 consists of 8 obstacles that must be completed in under 2:25 minutes in order to advance to stage 2.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 64 votes.
In the qualifying round from Dallas, Texas, ninjas face 6 obstacles, including the new 18-foot “Mega Warped Wall,” which offers a chance to win $10,000 if conquered. Ninjas can also be younger this year, with the age limit lowered from 21 to 19. Notable Dallas ninjas include Daniel Gil, Brent Steffensen, and Barclay Stockett. Matt Iseman & Akbar Gbajabiamila host and Kristine Leahy co-hosts.
The episode was rated 7.99 from 96 votes.
Competitors who conquered stage 1 move on to stage 2, in the hope of advancing to stages 3 and 4. Finalists vie to win a cash prize of $1 million and the title of “American Ninja Warrior.” New this year, the ninja who goes the farthest walks away with the “last ninja standing” prize of $100,000.
The episode was rated 8.00 from 71 votes.
The top 30 competitors from this city’s Qualifying round face an extended, 10-obstacle course, including the brand new “Crazy Clocks.” Ninjas include: Jessie Graff, Drew Drechsel, Morgan “Moose” Wright, Rachael Goldstein, and Jessica Clayton.
The episode was rated 8.05 from 66 votes.
Drew Drechsel, Jesse Labreck, Mathis “The Kid” Owhadi, Najee Richardson, and Barclay Stockett represent Team USA against top athletes from Team Europe and Team Australia in a battle for worldwide ninja domination.
The episode was rated 8.17 from 47 votes.
One half of the field takes on the 1st of 4 stages. Ninjas include Daniel Gil, Jesse Labreck, and rookie Mathis "Kid" Owhadi. Stage 1 consists of 8 obstacles that must be completed in under 2:25 minutes in order to advance to stage 2.
The episode was rated 8.25 from 69 votes.
