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Big season 14 news (Locations! Specials!) and a farewell

Big news and an emotional day.

Elizabeth Morris/NBC

Hello! It’s Nikki. I’m the editor here at ANW Nation. I hope everyone had a relaxing holiday season despite these stressful times. Welcome to 2022!

As we move into this new year, I need to share with you that ANW Nation is closing down.

Let me clarify something right away.

Season 14 of American Ninja Warrior is absolutely roaring to life. In fact, I even have some announcements for you!


Location news

This year, the show will tape in three different locations, very similar to season 13’s format. I bet you can guess two of those locations. Okay, I’ll just tell you.

American Ninja Warrior will return to Los Angeles on the Universal Studios Hollywood Backlot. The National Finals will take place in Las Vegas.

But the first location of the year? I can’t tell you, but I’ll give you a few hints. It’s in a state that’s a Ninja Warrior stronghold. Not only do MANY Ninjas call this state home, but it has played a huge role in American Ninja Warrior history. The show will make a return to a familiar city. The last time we were in this location, only one competitor was able to wizard through the City Finals course... So get ready, Ninjas.


Special competition news

During season 14, there will be a brand new special competition! Look forward to the first-ever Ninja Warrior couples’ competition. The love bug has nipped many of the sport’s competitors and now they’ll get to show off their combined skills as a team. The competition’s format will utilize both partners’ strengths and some cold, hard cash will be on the line.

Also returning with season 14 will be the American Ninja Warrior Women’s Championship! Meagan Martin is the reigning champ from season 12’s edition. There was a Women’s Championship taped during season 13, and that hasn’t aired yet. But we know the competition will live on for another year.


And now, a thank you and goodbye

I’m thrilled I get to leave you with some good news because this is an emotional day for me. This is American Ninja Warrior Nation’s final day of creating new content for you. Everything has a beginning, middle, and end. After almost six years, ANW Nation is taking a rest.

I want to deeply thank you, the readers, for your support over these seasons. It has been a wild ride both traveling with and reporting on the show, always keeping all of you on my mind. This fanbase is unlike any other - dedicated, passionate, and devoted to the sport. I’m going to miss all the insightful comments, fact-checking, and humor.

Thank you to the Ninjas who so generously gave me their time over and over again for what I’m sure seemed like endless interviews. Thank you to Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbajabiamila, and Zuri Hall for always treating me with such respect and kindness, no matter how busy they were. Thank you to the entire production crew who took me in as a family member over those many travels.

American Ninja Warrior Nation is a cherished and special part of my life. It has been an honor to create a place for the fans and Ninjas to gather, learn, and discuss. I’m going to miss everything about this. I could dwell on this all day, so I’m going to cut myself off here. Thank you.

But, American Ninja Warrior is far from over! To stay up to date on Ninja Warrior news, be sure to follow @Ninja Warrior on Facebook and Instagram. On Twitter, follow @NBC for official news.