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The Best Episodes of The Challenge Season 42

Every episode of The Challenge Season 42 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Challenge Season 42!

Binge this in 10h 32m•Peaking at 9.5/10

Each Challenge pits numerous cast members from past seasons of reality shows against each other, dividing them into two separate teams according to different criteria, such as gender, which show they first appeared on, whether

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The Challenge Season 42 Episode 5 - Down and Dirty
    9.5/10(62 votes)

    S42:E5

    Mud, mutiny, injury, and elimination shake the teams to their cores.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. The Challenge Season 42 Episode 12 - Participation Trophies
    9.5/10(44 votes)

    S42:E12

    A massive rig, an elimination twist, and an Arena selection shake the game.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. The Challenge Season 42 Episode 11 - Underwear Gate
    9.4/10(51 votes)

    S42:E11

    An underwear theft, a blindfolded beach challenge, Rookie vs Vet tension, and a bold plan in the Arena rattle the house.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. The Challenge Season 42 Episode 3 - Keep My Name Out Your Mouth
    9.3/10(65 votes)

    S42:E3

    The Blue Team regroups as relationships and team dynamics shift.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The Challenge Season 42 Episode 4 - Say It To My Face
    9.3/10(66 votes)

    S42:E4

    At the first swimming challenge of the season, the teams face a terrifying test that could determine who might sink or swim, while differing strategies, close observation, and a growing connection create pressure in the house.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. The Challenge Season 42 Episode 7 - You Need Me
    9.3/10(59 votes)

    S42:E7

    The players cut loose western style after the daily challenge tests each team's endurance and cohesion. Blue struggles with leadership and a devastating exit shakes the house.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. The Challenge Season 42 Episode 6 - Leave Room For Jesus
    9.2/10(57 votes)

    S42:E6

    A memory-based challenge has teams swinging forty feet above water, while attempts to clear the air fuel more drama. Romances wobble, and one argument could send a player into The Arena.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. The Challenge Season 42 Episode 13 - The Final - Part 1
    9.2/10(38 votes)

    S42:E13

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. The Challenge Season 42 Episode 9 - A Captain's Worst Nightmare
    9.0/10(58 votes)

    S42:E9

    A Thai temple challenge sparks sabotage. Choosing a new captain forces a tough decision: friendship or the betterment of the team?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. The Challenge Season 42 Episode 1 - Return to Cutthroat
    8.9/10(80 votes)

    S42:E1

    The Challenge returns to Thailand, where competitors must immediately race through Bangkok to their new villa. The top three become team captains, facing a challenge that tests the new teams' balance and agility.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. The Challenge Season 42 Episode 2 - Crying Won't Get You Off This Roof
    8.8/10(72 votes)

    S42:E2

    New captains face heights, romance, and a team in survival mode.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. The Challenge Season 42 Episode 10 - Trial By Combat
    8.6/10(60 votes)

    S42:E10

    TJ drops a bombshell! Mercenaries arrive to raid the pot and end dreams.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. The Challenge Season 42 Episode 8 - Is This Safe?
    5.8/10(59 votes)

    S42:E8

    Shocking news hits before a bizarre feast as teams face dwindling numbers, fate, hierarchy, and a new pool boy.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 42 Ratings Summary

"Down and Dirty" is the best rated episode of "The Challenge" season 42. It scored 9.5/10 based on 62 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 8/26/2026. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Participation Trophies".