The Challenge: All Stars Season 5 Returns to MTV with a "Rivals" Twist
"The Challenge: All Stars" is making a comeback on January 29th, bringing back one of its most popular themes: Rivals. The season will feature 13 teams of two and will be hosted on MTV, the original home of the show.
Season 5 focuses on authentic rivalries and meaningful entry points for the cast. Contestants include Steve Meinke and Adam Larson, who had a falling out on "All Stars" Season 4, and Veronica Portillo and Katie Doyle, who clashed on 2004's "The Inferno." Exes Ashley Kelsey and Dario Medrano, who haven't spoken in years, will also team up.
The casting process involved carefully considering every relationship and nuance within the franchise. Showrunner Emer Harkin emphasizes the importance of selecting pairs that offer variation, freshness, and hidden rivalries.
Ashley Mitchell returns to the show after her absence from Season 40. Harkin believes it was the right moment to bring her back in an authentic way.
Fans' concerns about Turbo Çamkıran's past behavior were discussed, and the show has ongoing conversations with cast members about their growth and evolution.
Harkin expresses her pride in cast members who compete on other shows, such as "The Traitors," as it showcases the talent of "The Challenge" franchise.
When asked about the most exciting contestants to return, Harkin highlights the explosive pairing of Melissa Reeves and Nicole Zanatta, the palpable rivalry between Nany Gonzalez and Turbo, the iconic duo of Veronica and Katie, and the enigmatic reunion of Ashley K. and Dario.