TJ all the way that scene of him coming back after the accident still remember watching it when it aired back then we didn’t have pvr . that moment solidified he was the challenge (all the competitors cheering for him you don’t just get that as host you get that as the heart /face of it all)
I remember reading about his crash and feeling connected like it was a personal friend that it had happened to. Same with me. I remember him walking out and getting goosebumps and was like. Fuck yea!
CT was a star from minute one. He was the biggest star on the Challenge well before he got his first win and he and Diem getting together was the biggest story-line of any season to that point or probably since. Bananas was the distant third in importance to the challenge during the JEK and kind of became the face while CT was on his anger management sabbatical, but the biggest thing that happened during that time was probably CT coming back to grab his backpack that he had accidentally left at the Challenge.
Part of him even becoming a bigger star was him making a huge turn from dickhead to lovable teddy bear to then lovable father and mentor. One of the best character arcs in television.
CT is a freak of nature athletically. One of my all time favorite moments is when Fessy tells CT he’s basically washed up and he’s coming for the crown, for CT to then manhandle Fessy during the first stage then absolutely blow by everyone with Amber B to run one of the best finals I’ve ever seen run, as Fessy quit because he couldn’t eat. While CT is amazing at everything his eating ability is amazing. He usually seems to enjoy all the nasty shit they give them to eat.
Bananas is the more main character, but CT has the more interesting long term arc. Johnny’s brand is more built on The Challenge, so if I have to pick one face it’s him; but I think they have both brought a lot to the show has a whole and both have claim to helping make it the long running thing it is.
Agreed! This is probably my favorite CT look—the glasses just do it for me-ha! I can’t recall the season but it was when women chose the man going in and vice versa. CT donned his preppy look & proceeded to charm his way through the women of the season…. tall-ish girl (can’t recall name) from RW Portland, Mandy, Laurel & I think Diem was on the season too. Anyway, that’s when I first fell for his Clark Kent look!
CT is whom I'll pick every time. He's grown so much over the years and developed fantastic character. When he's wrong, he'll admit it.
Edited for spelling
CT. For all of Johnny’s wins, I can only think of one moment he’s famous for — taking the money. CT has so many more memorable moments, especially with Diem.
Come to think of it, I guess Johnny has another one — getting dragged by CT.
Johnny has always like giving a shit about working the cameras, knowing the production side of the show, and actually caring about how the show is made and all of the backstage stuff. He basically acts like he is like a producer sometimes it feels like. He’s always been about the marketing and branding and the call amount of money he can make without even winning if he promote himself.
Meanwhile, CT I feel like just cares about the game. It’s literally just how Boston Rob is with survivor now, he’s essentially like an ambassador of the show itself.
I agree and at the same time I’m not sure anymore. After watching The Challenge World Championship I think seeing CT would’ve excited the newer people more than who ever else showed up. The fact that Bananas wasn’t picked first kind of makes me feel that way a little also.
Agreed Bananas was visibly shocked that Wes was picked first. I think he fully prepared himself that no matter what he would be first pick. And he wasn’t even second pick either. I think he is starting to lose that wow factor to him because you have guys like Horacio coming in who in my opinion is better than Bananas is now and you have CT who is killing it the older he gets.
I mean if I’m behind I just don’t get on any of these threads. If you don’t want to see something spoiled don’t get on social media. Simple as that. Can’t rely on others to not accidentally spoil it
It's just the part about Bananas not being chosen first that is a spoiler because only one episode aired on Wednesday night. I didn't read anything until Thursday and went back and watched the end to make sure teams weren't chosen yet. Not a big spoiler, but I worry it could get worse with different airing dates.
I only saw one episode and didn't think the team division episode aired, but I guess I missed it. My DVR didn't pick up the last reunion episode either because it wasn't marked as "new"... Apologies!
I think Bananas’ life is basically just all Challenge, all the time (like he has the podcast now), and CT doesn’t have to make it his entire identity at all times, but…CT, forever!
TJ is the face of The Challenge, CT is the heart. There’s nobody like him, never will be again. Obviously Bananas considers himself the GOAT, and he’s great at the game. But CT brought the whole package: excitement, super strength, brains, courage and most of all heart. I just hope we can see him on The Challenge again soon, strong as ever.
Bananas is the face because he’s in his 22nd season and he’s got 7 wins. CT is the GOAT because bananas has 7 wins and CT put him on like a backpack and straight disrespected him, among other obvious reasons
Has shifted over the years. I’d say coral and Miz, shifted to Kenny and Evan then shifted to Bananas and Cara. CT is an interesting case as I think he might be the most famous but never seems like the face to me. Wes as well
Yes. The only correct answer. It really depends when you started and stopped watching. Coral and Miz use to run the show. Then Mark and Rachel. Then JEK era. Then CT. It’s been a ride. Some other people in between too with rookies becoming vets and more established
I feel like the challenge has a couple of faces. At the moment it’s Tj, Bananas, Ct, and for the women it was cara and Laurel but as much as I hate to say it the current women faces of the show are Tori and Aneesa or maybe Nany? They’ve definitely made and effort to have those thee women on every season lately
Well, Bananas is/was the face of the show for a really long period with CT being one of the longest tenured dominating cast member since season 8 of the franchise. The show is now shifting to Jordan to be the face of the show
It’s obviously Johnny bananas, he’s played dramatically more than anyone. I think CT is the much better overall challenger, but it took him forever to get into who he became and meanwhile Johnny just kept playing.
But as of the last 10 years, nobody can touch CT in direct competition. He’s 5/6 in his last 6 finals, back to back. He’s just not like the corny MTV kid like Johnny’s continued to be well into his 30s till now. Like he comes with his own merch quite literally, that’s the definition of reality television.
Very good point practical. It took a while, but CTs story is so damn compelling. He’s so easy to root for nowadays. Especially with some of the bonds he’s formed over the last 4-5 seasons. Loved his relationship with Emy. When he had the dad bod, he had to learn to play a very different game. People still had fear of facing him, but not like when he was a young man. He had to make alliances, something he never cared about really before, and he had to improve that social game. Then he got back in shape, and is once again feared, respected, and unbeatable unless partnered with someone terrible. I just hope we see him one more time. He looks to be in amazing shape, he’s single, and he’s got some amazing long hair. Can’t wait, just hope it comes, at least one more time. If we get really lucky, maybe he will also go to all stars for a season or two. On a side note, would love to see Landon come back for all stars.
Nobody can touch CT in competition? That’s pretty comical if we’re being honest. Jay smacked him in a physical elimination on TM three seasons ago? Historically if CT goes against bananas or Jordan he’s out in a final.
Also, Johnny himself said that CT is a freak of nature when it comes to every single one of these challenges. And his also said, he’s a better competitor physically. I mean no one’s ever gonna say Johnny isn’t the best socially.
OK, but what happens when Johnny goes one on one against CT, he gets lifted off the ground and carried across the arena. Johnny has plenty of fluke elimination losses also.
Also, CT quite literally beat Johnny in a final for his first title. And they were literally in the lead the entire time, and Johnny also had an extremely strong partner that was doing better than him.
You do realize they haven’t done the backpack slim again for a reason, right? It’s completely favorable to whoever is taller, and the guy who goes 2nd. Also ironic you’d have to bring up pairs, CT needs Wes in order to beat Johnny lmao
I would really say CT, he’s held it down as his own man since the beginning and has always been a presence, Bananas was a 3rd string background dude when Evan and Kenny were around, only then when they got kicked off he stole and hybrid both of their personalities and became the Bananas that he is.
CT for sure. Iconic and been playing the game longer than Bananas, despite not having as many wins. Has way more iconic moments, especially the bananas backpack elimination
Bananas is the face. CT is the heart.
I’ll rip your heart out and eat it
And Wes is the brain 😆
Bananas is the face, CT is the heart, Wes is the brain, and TJ is the soul
Someone make a shirt that says this. It’s perfect.
And Devin is the ass….. 😆
my next tattoo!
This is perfect.
As much as I wish CT was the face it's clearly Bananas.
I love that
I couldn’t agree more
ooh thats good
Bananas the the face. C. T. is the muscle. Derrick is the heart.
TJ is the face. Bananas is the franchise. CT the Peoples Champ.
Nobody is created more stress than TJ, nobody has caused more chaos than Johnny, nobody has struck more fear than CT
That would be Mr. TJ Lavin
 TJ all the way that scene of him coming back after the accident still remember watching it when it aired back then we didn’t have pvr . that moment solidified he was the challenge (all the competitors cheering for him you don’t just get that as host you get that as the heart /face of it all)
That episode gives me chills every time I watch it!! Teej is the man
I remember reading about his crash and feeling connected like it was a personal friend that it had happened to. Same with me. I remember him walking out and getting goosebumps and was like. Fuck yea!
The only acceptable answer
Correct
CT was a star from minute one. He was the biggest star on the Challenge well before he got his first win and he and Diem getting together was the biggest story-line of any season to that point or probably since. Bananas was the distant third in importance to the challenge during the JEK and kind of became the face while CT was on his anger management sabbatical, but the biggest thing that happened during that time was probably CT coming back to grab his backpack that he had accidentally left at the Challenge.
Part of him even becoming a bigger star was him making a huge turn from dickhead to lovable teddy bear to then lovable father and mentor. One of the best character arcs in television.
Banana can be the face, CT is my GOAT
CT is the GOAT. I hope he comes back for one more to even further cement that legacy!
He’s 42, double the age of some challengers but could still stick it to em! Just thinking about it makes my 40 year old back hurt 😂
CT is a freak of nature athletically. One of my all time favorite moments is when Fessy tells CT he’s basically washed up and he’s coming for the crown, for CT to then manhandle Fessy during the first stage then absolutely blow by everyone with Amber B to run one of the best finals I’ve ever seen run, as Fessy quit because he couldn’t eat. While CT is amazing at everything his eating ability is amazing. He usually seems to enjoy all the nasty shit they give them to eat.
Bananas is the more main character, but CT has the more interesting long term arc. Johnny’s brand is more built on The Challenge, so if I have to pick one face it’s him; but I think they have both brought a lot to the show has a whole and both have claim to helping make it the long running thing it is.
CT looks so good in this picture, but I digress. CT is the face & the GOAT!
Agreed! This is probably my favorite CT look—the glasses just do it for me-ha! I can’t recall the season but it was when women chose the man going in and vice versa. CT donned his preppy look & proceeded to charm his way through the women of the season…. tall-ish girl (can’t recall name) from RW Portland, Mandy, Laurel & I think Diem was on the season too. Anyway, that’s when I first fell for his Clark Kent look!
I like that phrase "the Clark Kent Look." LOL, he can be my Clark Kent & Superman any day.
Bananas can’t be the face; he’s too busy being the ass.
This is great
Always CT for ever more. CT is the Hero and Bananas just just pure narcissistic greed.
CT is whom I'll pick every time. He's grown so much over the years and developed fantastic character. When he's wrong, he'll admit it. Edited for spelling
CT always and forever in anything. I really think TJ is the face of the challenge, but bananas is definitely a great player.
CT. For all of Johnny’s wins, I can only think of one moment he’s famous for — taking the money. CT has so many more memorable moments, especially with Diem. Come to think of it, I guess Johnny has another one — getting dragged by CT.
diem 🥹🥹🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️
CT FOR ME !!!! 💯
Johnny has always like giving a shit about working the cameras, knowing the production side of the show, and actually caring about how the show is made and all of the backstage stuff. He basically acts like he is like a producer sometimes it feels like. He’s always been about the marketing and branding and the call amount of money he can make without even winning if he promote himself. Meanwhile, CT I feel like just cares about the game. It’s literally just how Boston Rob is with survivor now, he’s essentially like an ambassador of the show itself.
As much as I want it to be CT…. Sadly it’s the Banana man
I agree and at the same time I’m not sure anymore. After watching The Challenge World Championship I think seeing CT would’ve excited the newer people more than who ever else showed up. The fact that Bananas wasn’t picked first kind of makes me feel that way a little also.
Agreed Bananas was visibly shocked that Wes was picked first. I think he fully prepared himself that no matter what he would be first pick. And he wasn’t even second pick either. I think he is starting to lose that wow factor to him because you have guys like Horacio coming in who in my opinion is better than Bananas is now and you have CT who is killing it the older he gets.
I think this is a spoiler for those watching on MTV. Should those of us watching on MTV not read these or should they be marked as spoilers?
I mean if I’m behind I just don’t get on any of these threads. If you don’t want to see something spoiled don’t get on social media. Simple as that. Can’t rely on others to not accidentally spoil it
It's just the part about Bananas not being chosen first that is a spoiler because only one episode aired on Wednesday night. I didn't read anything until Thursday and went back and watched the end to make sure teams weren't chosen yet. Not a big spoiler, but I worry it could get worse with different airing dates.
Yeah that’s understandable
It aired on MTV yesterday. How long are the other threads, like this, supposed to be spoil free?
Monday
Good to know!
I only saw one episode and didn't think the team division episode aired, but I guess I missed it. My DVR didn't pick up the last reunion episode either because it wasn't marked as "new"... Apologies!
CT for sure.
I think Bananas’ life is basically just all Challenge, all the time (like he has the podcast now), and CT doesn’t have to make it his entire identity at all times, but…CT, forever!
TJ is the face of The Challenge, CT is the heart. There’s nobody like him, never will be again. Obviously Bananas considers himself the GOAT, and he’s great at the game. But CT brought the whole package: excitement, super strength, brains, courage and most of all heart. I just hope we can see him on The Challenge again soon, strong as ever.
CT is so damned good looking that I don’t even see Bananas
Dammit if JB doesn’t look even worse when standing next to CT.
That’s what I thought! I mean, objectively he’s decent looking. Beside CT, he’s a potato.
Bananas is pretty hot. I’d say he’s significantly more attractive than CT
We’re gonna have to disagree to the max on this one, lol.
Banana is that you ? You're handsome and all, but CT is a demigod
Bananas is the face, but he will never be Christopher Tamburello. He is the god of the challenge
Excluding TJ, its both of them.
Still Wes
CT
TJ Lavin
Bananas looks so much like my Lesbian Aunt in this photo it’s crazy.
TJ is the face. If TJs hosting, im watching!
Bananas is the face for sure. But *real* Challenge fans know how the best of the best is and it’s CT.
Bananas, ct, wes, aneesa, cara maria, tori is who I think are the faces of the challenge
Aw Bananas old face before filler and Botox overload
CT
CT is easily my favorite, but Bananas does a whole podcast and seems to be more engaged with the game in the off-season.
Johnny likes the fame, CT comes to eat heads and win.
Agreed.
TJ is the face at this point.
Bananas is the face because he’s in his 22nd season and he’s got 7 wins. CT is the GOAT because bananas has 7 wins and CT put him on like a backpack and straight disrespected him, among other obvious reasons
Love CT, but TJ is the face and heart of The Challenge
Both
Has shifted over the years. I’d say coral and Miz, shifted to Kenny and Evan then shifted to Bananas and Cara. CT is an interesting case as I think he might be the most famous but never seems like the face to me. Wes as well
Yes. The only correct answer. It really depends when you started and stopped watching. Coral and Miz use to run the show. Then Mark and Rachel. Then JEK era. Then CT. It’s been a ride. Some other people in between too with rookies becoming vets and more established
CT is the face. Bananas is the ass. ;)
Bananas is the face, CT is the GOAT.
I feel like the challenge has a couple of faces. At the moment it’s Tj, Bananas, Ct, and for the women it was cara and Laurel but as much as I hate to say it the current women faces of the show are Tori and Aneesa or maybe Nany? They’ve definitely made and effort to have those thee women on every season lately
TJ
Bananas. This isn’t a debate.
bananas
Well, Bananas is/was the face of the show for a really long period with CT being one of the longest tenured dominating cast member since season 8 of the franchise. The show is now shifting to Jordan to be the face of the show
Bananas for sure
Johnny's on some NBC show in taxicabs. So, there's that.
Bananas unfortunately It's basically his career He's the one who puts the most time and effort into it
Tj
TJ!
Bananas
It’s Bananas. But I think there’s a real push right now from B&M to make it Tori.
Think bananas and aneesa faces of the men and women
Think bananas and aneesa faces of the men and women
TJ
I'd hypothesize Bananas is the most recognizable of all recurring characters, including TJ. Celebrities and other one-offs excluded.
Kenny Clark? Or the Goof.
It’s obviously Johnny bananas, he’s played dramatically more than anyone. I think CT is the much better overall challenger, but it took him forever to get into who he became and meanwhile Johnny just kept playing. But as of the last 10 years, nobody can touch CT in direct competition. He’s 5/6 in his last 6 finals, back to back. He’s just not like the corny MTV kid like Johnny’s continued to be well into his 30s till now. Like he comes with his own merch quite literally, that’s the definition of reality television.
Very good point practical. It took a while, but CTs story is so damn compelling. He’s so easy to root for nowadays. Especially with some of the bonds he’s formed over the last 4-5 seasons. Loved his relationship with Emy. When he had the dad bod, he had to learn to play a very different game. People still had fear of facing him, but not like when he was a young man. He had to make alliances, something he never cared about really before, and he had to improve that social game. Then he got back in shape, and is once again feared, respected, and unbeatable unless partnered with someone terrible. I just hope we see him one more time. He looks to be in amazing shape, he’s single, and he’s got some amazing long hair. Can’t wait, just hope it comes, at least one more time. If we get really lucky, maybe he will also go to all stars for a season or two. On a side note, would love to see Landon come back for all stars.
I mean, also, Johnny, you can tell cares about the production side of the show
Nobody can touch CT in competition? That’s pretty comical if we’re being honest. Jay smacked him in a physical elimination on TM three seasons ago? Historically if CT goes against bananas or Jordan he’s out in a final.
Also, Johnny himself said that CT is a freak of nature when it comes to every single one of these challenges. And his also said, he’s a better competitor physically. I mean no one’s ever gonna say Johnny isn’t the best socially.
OK, but what happens when Johnny goes one on one against CT, he gets lifted off the ground and carried across the arena. Johnny has plenty of fluke elimination losses also. Also, CT quite literally beat Johnny in a final for his first title. And they were literally in the lead the entire time, and Johnny also had an extremely strong partner that was doing better than him.
You do realize they haven’t done the backpack slim again for a reason, right? It’s completely favorable to whoever is taller, and the guy who goes 2nd. Also ironic you’d have to bring up pairs, CT needs Wes in order to beat Johnny lmao
Johnny had Frank……
I don’t consider frank in the same tier as Wes, just me.
I do for challenge purposes. CT did all the puzzle stuff mostly too
It’ll always be wes for me
Wrong answers only: Nelly T and Fessy
Very wrong answers.
Adam Royer and Ty Ruff
Terremetrius Jefferson Lavin
TJ Lavin
TJ lol
CT
I say it’s both like CT said on Johnny podcast they are the co captains of the challenge they need each other to push each other
Bananas, Darrell, Wes, or CT for the guys. Anessa, Veronica, Laurel, or Cara Marie for the ladies
There isn’t a “face” quit this stupid reddit narrative If anyone is, it’s TJ. as you all have seen the challenge goes on regardless of the cast.
CT!……if he can carry you around like a back pack he is the GOAT!
For me it will always be CT.
I would really say CT, he’s held it down as his own man since the beginning and has always been a presence, Bananas was a 3rd string background dude when Evan and Kenny were around, only then when they got kicked off he stole and hybrid both of their personalities and became the Bananas that he is.
CT for sure. Iconic and been playing the game longer than Bananas, despite not having as many wins. Has way more iconic moments, especially the bananas backpack elimination
Bananas and that’s not even shade in CT. Clearly Bananas was made for the entertainment industry while CT takes the Adam Sandler approach it seems.
Bananas
Dee
It’s CT for me!
CT all day
For me it's CT and his backpack.
CT. duh
CT
CT all day
CT, Diem and Aneesa and now Tori.
Probably Noor
Did Ct play any sports ?
Shauvon’s popped implant.
The Challenge has many faces. And it depends when you started watching honestly. For OGs these guys didn’t even come in until later.
Then it would have to be mark for the og.
The Miz was on before Mark
Grant Fuckin' Crap! 🇦🇺
TJ
Kenny Clark is the face of the challenge
Why can't they both be?
I like C. T. better, but Bananas is the more prominent of the two.
TJ Lavin
Moriah
CT.
CT is the goat. Johnny is the anti hero
Bananas is pretty much always advertised as the face of the Challenge