Ninja Warrior UK https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/t3073 Runboard| Ninja Warrior UK en-us Thu, 28 Mar 2024 23:59:47 +0000 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 23:59:47 +0000 https://www.runboard.com/ rssfeeds_managingeditor@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds managing editor) rssfeeds_webmaster@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds webmaster) akBBS 60 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367894,from=rss#post367894https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367894,from=rss#post367894I don't think it'll come as much of a surprise but the show has once again been axed sadly.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshi1)Wed, 15 Feb 2023 18:56:24 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367703,from=rss#post367703https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367703,from=rss#post367703You see for me this comes down to getting the format wrong. Ultimately they should have continued with a round 1-style contestant vs contestant race for all the rounds in a knockout bracket format, or not done head to head racing at all! I think it works best as a spin-off show, like they did in Germany with All Stars - and that works really well because it separates out the two formats and keeps things simple. Making one round racing and the rest normal format wouldn't work - it backfired awfully for Australia and is an unpopular part of the format in France. The only time you can get away with one singular round being head-to-head in an otherwise solo format is if it's some kind of bonus round with no eliminations (eg. for cash or a place in the final).nondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshi1)Mon, 07 Nov 2022 15:20:48 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367691,from=rss#post367691https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367691,from=rss#post367691I wonder how much they paid the "Elite Ninjas" - the were a complete waste of time. I'm not completely against changes - I think the heats could have worked well with head to head races as they did (but retaining the no touching the water rule) and then for the second run just have it be each person against the course, scrapping the Elite Ninja. If they remain head to head just have the contestants. Then use the final format of the early series of a three part course, with it all being about Ninja vs Course, not each other - although head to head for the first round is passable. One thing I didn't like this series was how despite there being fewer women competing (4 per episode compared to 6 men) that in both cases only 8 qualified for the final, which seemed particularly harsh on the men - especially as some who got through by beating their Elite Ninja may not have completed the course, unlike some of the "Fastest Furthest".nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Fri, 04 Nov 2022 20:17:41 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367681,from=rss#post367681https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367681,from=rss#post367681Yeah definitely an underwhelming end to the season - and that's coming from someone who knew the format beforehand! Overall it wasn't awful but it wasn't good either. Genuinely the best round was the first one in the heats (specifically the course with flying squirrel & ring chaser), and it's not like that was a fair game either. That's the issue with these ninja Vs ninja shows, you just don't get a fair format. The final episode being worse than the heats though is quite something. The only time that's happened before on NWUK was season 2, where 9/15 got taken out by obstacle 3. The format wasn't really broken before so changing it up like this was never going to go well. Can't help but think half the reason for this was cost savings - they filmed in 5 days as opposed to the usual 2 weeks! Would have definitely preferred the solo format but I guess having some ninja action is better than none at all.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshi1)Mon, 31 Oct 2022 18:16:53 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367677,from=rss#post367677https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367677,from=rss#post367677No surprise the final was a joke too. The 8 competitors did a 9 obstacle course (6 for the women, because it's still 1950) in pairs with no time limit. Weren't head to head but an even bigger farce. The fastest 2 times across the 4 heats just went straight on to face Mount Midoriyama. I thought the final at least would follow a three round structure with them having to complete each stage to get to Mount Midoriyama. This structure though means you can get through the entire series without completing a round and still face the final round. No time limit on the rope climb either - just head to head races. Also cut from 22m to 13m for the women and 15m for the men.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Sun, 30 Oct 2022 13:11:05 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367671,from=rss#post367671https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367671,from=rss#post3676717 out of the 8 episodes will be heats this series, with just 8 men and 8 women in the one episode grand final.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Wed, 19 Oct 2022 14:48:37 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367643,from=rss#post367643https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367643,from=rss#post367643This is getting annoying now. Dropping the no feet in the water rule is as frustrating as the skipping forward in the Wipeout Zone, whilst half the contestants have far more credentials than the "elite" ninjas.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Sun, 02 Oct 2022 13:50:30 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367640,from=rss#post367640https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367640,from=rss#post367640This format really is tiresome now. Ditching the "no touching the water" rule is stupid - one went in nearly knee deep and got to continue, only for their opponent to then fall in on the next obstacle so someone who'd previously have been disqualified now advances. The Elite Ninja races are such an anti-climax too - means the show more often than not ends with 5 people failing. Nobody really has a chance against the shows only Champion. Would actually be better for the second round to just be the winners versus the course. With "furthest fastest" in play the Elites actually serve little purpose. Finally though like so many versions what was once it's asset has become a big problem, especially with so few contestants. It no longer feels like an open competition for people with a decent level of fitness to test themselves against the course but it is stacked full of former contestants, Ninja gym owners and others who dedicate their lives to training. Somewhat feels like a closed professional competition now. Only slight posititive is I think the separate womens comp does work. I don't like the Elite stage being shorter than the mens and I think come the finals it should be one combined comp, but the head to head races showcase the female contestants much better and the standard seems higher than previously.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Sun, 25 Sep 2022 12:35:54 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367633,from=rss#post367633https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367633,from=rss#post367633Quote:Brekkie wrote: I missed the very end as my recording cut off but was it just one man and one woman progressing to the finals? Yep, the other three could still advance by furthest fastest though.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshi1)Fri, 16 Sep 2022 11:12:11 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367622,from=rss#post367622https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367622,from=rss#post367622With just 10 contestants you're getting just 5 runs per episode. With 50 contestants (reduced to 40 or even 30 in later seasons) it felt like you were getting 20-30 runs an episode plus montages. As we've seen with Wipeout vs Washout it is pace that makes the difference in these shows, and slowing the pace down and showing every run in full will only ever make for a worse show. The Elite Ninja part felt so pointless. There is just nothing on the line for them - I'd actually prefer it to be noteable former contestants competing against newbies to progress themselves so at least there was a point to it. I missed the very end as my recording cut off but was it just one man and one woman progressing to the finals?nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Sun, 11 Sep 2022 11:43:26 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367621,from=rss#post367621https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367621,from=rss#post367621It's a shame you can really feel the budget decrease whilst watching. My main issue is actually the pacing - the show has always been fast-paced with a variety of people failing in a variety of places. This series there isn't enough content to fill the hour so the pacing is too slow. The head to head format leading to less fails makes the course seem less significant. The runs themselves were pretty good for head to head races, the course was very similar to what we used to get in the solo series. The pro ninja teams were a real mix - the female team is made up of some genuinely top-tier ninjas, whereas the male team has a couple of pros that feel like they could be regular contestants instead. Also the tops they have them wear look very pound shop! Overall I thought it was fine but I preferred the old format. What I think will really make this drag is there are six heats but only two heats courses, meaning after two episodes we'll have seen all the obstacles until finals start - we all know that repetition is what kills these shows so I hope it's not as big a problem as it seems it may be.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshi1)Sun, 11 Sep 2022 11:07:19 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367614,from=rss#post367614https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367614,from=rss#post367614As is usually the case when a show makes a change the change doesn't pay off. And they can now touch the water and still continue? Ridiculous. The show feels so much slower now too with all the contestants getting an intro and every run shown in full. Just 10 actually contestants per show - 6 men and 4 women. They race head to head in the first half. In the second half the winners race against the "elite Ninjas". They get a two obstacle head course. Also ridiculously for 2022 the women aren't considered capable of running the full course, doing just 6 obstacles instead of all 9. The Elite Ninjas are pretty pointless as the normal contestants carry on anyway once they've lost and the "furthest fastest" qualify anyway.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Sat, 10 Sep 2022 19:25:21 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367600,from=rss#post367600https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367600,from=rss#post367600I assume the series is postponed for obvious reasons, unsure as of yet of the new air date. EDIT: Going ahead as usual but starting slightly later at 6pmnondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshi1)Fri, 09 Sep 2022 12:31:59 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367565,from=rss#post367565https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367565,from=rss#post367565The new series, dubbed Ninja Warrior UK: Race for Glory, starts next Saturday at 5.30pm. nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Sat, 03 Sep 2022 17:59:41 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367457,from=rss#post367457https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367457,from=rss#post367457I definitely agree that it’s a weird dynamic and you’d think they’d just go for Ninja v Ninja, but in a way I think this is better. I’m definitely ambivalent because it’s weird to have the pro ninjas basically there to play spoiler for the contestants, but at the same time, from a contestant’s point-of-view it’s still themselves vs “the course”. This way they’re still not going against another competitor proper - just the course and a chaser who makes the course harder. This shifts it from the competitors actually trying to knock each other out to each individual contestant going up against an “enemy”, so I think it might be better for camaraderie and maintaining the Ninja spirit that Team ANW sometimes lost, I thought. Hope that makes any sense.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Messup434)Fri, 19 Aug 2022 00:35:25 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367455,from=rss#post367455https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367455,from=rss#post367455Exactly. The Pro Ninjas seem pretty pointless then if they're not playing for anything themselves. Presumably they'll run multiple times, so it's not a case of one fall and they're out. If they insist on head to heads they should just use the actual contestants.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Thu, 18 Aug 2022 22:15:22 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367452,from=rss#post367452https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367452,from=rss#post367452Interesting! So the Pro-Ninjas aren’t competitors proper, more like guards trying to stop the actual competitors from succeeding . That’s a weird change, but I guess it keeps it different. What Brekkie asked is interesting though, as I remember a conversation somewhere else a few years ago about how the ANW veterans shouldn’t have to compete in Qualifying (and some say City Finals as well). I got the argument to an extent, but seemed to open up too many issues and take away from the blank slate format of Ninja where everyone starts on the same ground each comp.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Messup434)Thu, 18 Aug 2022 06:47:58 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367449,from=rss#post367449https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367449,from=rss#post367449Quote:Brekkie wrote: So have they basically given returning contestants a one round head start? No not at all. Think of the pro ninjas as gladiators. They take on the contestants who have advanced from round 1. The pro ninja can't start until the contestant beats obstacle 2 to give contestants an advantage. If the contestant wins, they qualify immediately for the next round. If the pro ninja wins, the contestant has to wait on furthest fastest. The pro ninjas do not at any point enter the competition as regular contestants. Nearly all those returning from previous seasons are regular contestants.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshi1)Wed, 17 Aug 2022 19:40:07 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367447,from=rss#post367447https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367447,from=rss#post367447So have they basically given returning contestants a one round head start?nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Wed, 17 Aug 2022 16:50:54 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367402,from=rss#post367402https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367402,from=rss#post367402So round 2 has finished filming now. This round was competitor vs pro ninja on the extended course. Pro ninjas include: Females - Steffi Edelmann (German furthest fastest female) & Barclay Stockett (ANW) Males - Tim Champion (UK winner) & Ruel DaCosta (UK finalist, parkour gym owner) I didn't watch this one but have been told the races were very good!!nondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshi1)Mon, 08 Aug 2022 18:11:29 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367390,from=rss#post367390https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367390,from=rss#post367390Off-topic, but ever since I started working at a job called Flying Squirrel, it takes me about five seconds to figure out what the obstacle name means when it's on the list nondisclosed_email@example.com (Messup434)Sun, 07 Aug 2022 00:44:06 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367386,from=rss#post367386https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p367386,from=rss#post367386Season 6 (Race For Glory) is filming from today (6th) until Wednesday (10th) in Manchester Central. It honestly feels as though the show hasn't had a hiatus as other than everything being ninja vs ninja, the studio and dynamic look and feel the same. Ben, Kammy and Rochelle obviously are all back too. I'll post some course and format spoilers below (highlight to view): *Course: Shrinking Steps Flying Squirrel Flywheel to Cargo Floating Tiles Ring Chaser Warped Wall So this is round 1 which is competitor vs competitor, round 2 is competitor vs pro ninja on a different course. Midoriyama is back at the end of the studio, where it will be used for a 1v1 climb off in the final.*nondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshi1)Sat, 06 Aug 2022 17:01:25 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366993,from=rss#post366993https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366993,from=rss#post366993SRO Audiences have released tickets for filming now, which takes place in early August. Sadly it's still at Manchester Central - really was hoping they'd move outdoors. The areana setting is barely big enough for the single run courses, never mind a head to head course.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Mon, 30 May 2022 15:15:28 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366709,from=rss#post366709https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366709,from=rss#post366709Quote:Takeshi1 wrote: In NW Germany All-Stars, which had a head-to-head format, we saw a lot of mediocre obstacle choices due to the necessity for speed I honestly think it would be much more interesting to see a race across more challenging obstacles after watching years of the same with Team Ninja. They really should put together some difficult obstacles and just accept that the races will be longer. Maybe start out with some quick courses and then move up to obstacles that require proper rest and such. I always thought the racing formats should do this to be less stale. Though I honestly think the racing is more of a gimmick than a sustainable idea. It’s just too hard to follow.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Messup434)Mon, 28 Mar 2022 20:49:48 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366704,from=rss#post366704https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366704,from=rss#post366704Other than series 1 they've always filmed in August, the same time as they're filming this year, doubt the indoor aspect will change. I'm certainly going to miss a more traditional format as NWUK was one of the only ninja shows that could still make it entertaining. On top of wanting change, I assume one if the main reasons for the new format will be the reduced budget too. In NW Germany All-Stars, which had a head-to-head format, we saw a lot of mediocre obstacle choices due to the necessity for speed and often one competitor would be far behind the other, so the other would play it safe and steady so there was no tension. Hopefully they don't have this problem in this show. One hope I have with the new format is they might show more full runs rather than people on just one or two obstacles. The aspect of competing against the pro ninjas in particular is I think a really nice idea. Potato is usually pretty good at coming up with entertaining formats so fingers crossed this will turn out well - but we'll really have to wait and see in this case.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshi1)Mon, 28 Mar 2022 16:52:40 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366696,from=rss#post366696https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366696,from=rss#post366696Yes, I'm not too enthused by it either - though of course what the casting notice says and what happens when they film the series aren't necessarily the same thing. It certainly does need some kind of change and am hoping the "head to head" aspect and it filming in the summer might mean a switch to a bigger outdoor course at least.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Sat, 26 Mar 2022 14:22:43 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366694,from=rss#post366694https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366694,from=rss#post366694The revamp sounds not great… but also not surprising that they want to change it. I am so out of it with alll ninja stuff sadly.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Messup434)Sat, 26 Mar 2022 06:00:23 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366689,from=rss#post366689https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366689,from=rss#post366689More details here: https://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/uks-toughest-entertainment-show-ninja-warrior-uk-returns-itv Significantly revamped with male and female champs and head to head races against a team of Ninjas.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Fri, 25 Mar 2022 11:43:08 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366681,from=rss#post366681https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366681,from=rss#post366681Here goes... Applications are open herenondisclosed_email@example.com (Takeshi1)Wed, 23 Mar 2022 21:49:03 +0000 Re: Ninja Warrior UKhttps://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366500,from=rss#post366500https://bkeshiheads.runboard.com/p366500,from=rss#post366500Seems it wasn't dead, just resting, with news today that ITV are looking to bring this back later this year. https://www.tvzoneuk.com/post/ninjawarrioruk-exc No surprise really - they never publicly said it was axed, it repeated really well during summer 2020 and they picked up the Aussie version last year too, so thought they'd come back to it.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Brekkie)Fri, 18 Feb 2022 21:28:53 +0000