Take a closer look at the first episode of season 12 with these preview photos

This is going to be a season like no other.

By Nikki Lee@anwnation Sep 3, 2020, 10:24am PDT

American Ninja Warrior is just days away and we’re diving in to every new clip and photo we can get our hands on! Season 12 will debut on Monday, September 7 at 8pm EST/PST on NBC. The show was filmed entirely in the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis with new systems in place due to COVID-19 that had effects on both the filming set up and the format.

While we fritter away the last few days before we can REALLY dive into new Ninja Warrior news, we’ve got some preview photos from the first episode to take a look at!

We tried to only use photos that were as spoiler-free as possible, but if you want to go into the episode totally blind, you should probably find something else to read right now.

Look at this spacious host tower! Matt and Akbar have plenty of room to express their excitement.

Oh Zuri, how we’ve missed you.

Production took many precautions to keep the crew and Ninjas safe. One of them was having a “virtual sideline” since friends and family couldn’t be there in person.

Hey there Ms. Beird! (Allyssa Beird, that is.) School is back in session.

We loooove new obstacles. This one is called Weight For It and it’s all about timing and trusting yourself.

This little fiend is called Ring Chaser and its got a “choose your own adventure” aspect to it.

Flip Rodriguez is back! He’s rocking a “Ninjas for Black Lives” shirt. You’ll notice that emblem on many of the Ninjas’ clothing.

Oh, Grant McCartney, what whacky antics will you bring to the course this season?

Sandy Zimmerman is back! Are there more buzzers in store for her this year?

The show won’t pretend the world isn’t upside down right now. They will be celebrating frontline heroes.

We’re staring hard at that Power Tower in the background...

Basically, we’re ready. Monday can’t get here fast enough!

Season 12 of American Ninja Warrior kicks off on Monday, September 7 at 8pm EST/PST on NBC!