The fourth season of the sports entertainment reality competition series Australian Ninja Warrior premiered on 26 July 2020 on the Nine Network.[1] The season is hosted by Rebecca Maddern, Ben Fordham, Freddie Flintoff and Shane Crawford.[2]
| Australian Ninja Warrior | |
|---|---|
| Season 4 | |
| Presented by | |
| No. of episodes | 8 |
| Release | |
| Original network | Nine Network |
| Original release | 26 July – 10 August 2020 |
| Season chronology | |
Production
editOn 17 October 2019, the series was officially renewed for a fourth season at Nine's upfronts, also confirming Fordham, Maddern and Flintoff were returning.[3] The series was again relocated, with filming taking place at Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale.[4][5][6] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, production introduced audience lock-out, meaning members of the public could not attend as audience; only family members of contestants were allowed to attend.[7] Co-host Rebecca Maddern, was temporarily placed in self-isolation and replaced by Shane Crawford for two heats, before being cleared and returning to filming.[8][9] Crawford returned to the season as the sideline commentator for the semis and Grand Final after Freddie Flintoff had to fly back to the UK before coronavirus pandemic measures came into effect.[10]
Format Changes
edit- Power Tower - The Power Tower will see the two furthest fastest Ninjas from each heat and semi-final run go head-to-head side by side on an all new obstacle, climbing five 1.5m high steps, before a 2.35m leap to the first bar, travel 4.5m to the vertical pole, which they will slide down to an unsteady horizontal beam, move across a 3m beam to the next pole and climb 5.5m, then lache 1.75m to the horizontal ladder before leaping onto the platform and race to hit the buzzer.
- Advantages
- Heats - The winner will receive a 10-second time advantage into the semi-finals, meaning 10 seconds will be taken off their final time.
- Semi-finals - The winner will receive a second chance advantage into the Grand Final, meaning if they make a mistake during their run, they can re-run the course again.
- Advantages
Rounds
editUnderline represents the contestant who won the Speed Pass in the qualifying heats as a result of winning the head to head competition on the Power Tower.
Green represents the contestant who won the Safety Pass in the semi-finals as a result of winning the head to head competition on the Power Tower.
Italics denotes female competitors.
Episode 1
editHeat 1
editThis episode aired on 26 July 2020. Only 6 competitors completed this course, with a large number of athletes bowing out on the Doorknob Drop. Returning athlete Ashlin Herbert received a 10-second advantage for the semi-finals, after beating Daniel Mason on the Power Tower.
- Quintuple Steps
- Tic Toc to Net
- Bridge of Blades
- Doorknob Drop
- Double Squirrel
- Warped Wall
| Rank | Competitor | State | Time | Furthest Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashlin Herbert | VIC | 1:26 | Completed |
| 2 | Daniel Mason | VIC | 1:42 | Completed |
| 3 | Zak Stolz | VIC | 1:58 | Completed |
| 4 | Jake Baker | VIC | 2:25 | Completed |
| 5 | Stewart Furze | SA | 2:38 | Completed |
| 6 | Steve Taylor Madin | VIC | 4:06 | Completed |
| 7 | Michael Mischefski | VIC | 1:20 | Failed on Double Squirrel |
| 8 | Rhys Landwehr | WA | 1:48 | Failed on Double Squirrel |
| 9 | Troy Cullen | VIC | 1:05 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 10 | Chris Poppleton | VIC | 1:06 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 11 | Ryan Solomon | QLD | 1:16 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 12 | Matthew Matazita | VIC | 1:17 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 13 | Josh O’Sullivan | NSW | 1:10 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 14 | Dan Bird-Smith | QLD | 1:24 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 15 | Cian Maciejewski | NSW | 2:02 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 16 | Skye Haddy | QLD | 2:04 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
Episode 2
editHeat 2
editThis episode aired on 27 July 2020. Only 2 competitors completed this course, with a large number of athletes bowing out on the Doorknob Drop. Returning athlete Ben Polson received a 10-second advantage for the semi-finals, after beating Olivia Vivian on the Power Tower.
- Quintuple Steps
- Tic Toc to Net
- Bridge of Blades
- Doorknob Drop
- Flying Shelf Grab
- Warped Wall
| Rank | Competitor | State | Time | Furthest Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Polson | WA | 2:16 | Completed |
| 2 | Olivia Vivian | WA | 5:53 | Completed |
| 3 | Eddie Burrill | QLD | 3:16 | Failed on Flying Shelf Grab |
| 4 | Jack Martin | QLD | 1:06 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 5 | Danielle Smith | WA | 1:07 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 6 | Todd Smith | QLD | 1:12 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 7 | Tom Nicholson | VIC | 1:13 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 8 | Brendan Nachtigal | VIC | 1:14 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 9 | Justin Flegler | QLD | 1:15 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 10 | Nathan Burley | QLD | 1:21 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 11 | Jade Genet | QLD | 1:22 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 12 | Monika Siemonek | QLD | 1:34 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 13 | Mel Armstrong | VIC | 1:35 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 14 | Eloni Vunakece | NSW | 1:36 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 15 | Sarah Blackmore | VIC | 2:03 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
| 16 | Raphaela Wiget | SA | 2:13 | Failed on Doorknob Drop |
Episode 3
editHeat 3
editThis episode aired on 28 July 2020. Only 3 competitors completed this course, with a large number of athletes bowing out on the Bar Hop. Returning athlete Sam Goodall received a 10-second advantage for the semi-finals, after beating Matt Filippi on the Power Tower.
- Quintuple Steps
- Butterfly Wall to Zipline
- Bridge of Blades
- Bar Hop
- Flying Shelf Grab
- Warped Wall
| Rank | Competitor | State | Time | Furthest Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matt Filippi | QLD | 1:17 | Completed |
| 2 | Sam Goodall | WA | 1:38 | Completed |
| 3 | Zed Colback | WA | 2:34 | Completed |
| 4 | Alex Matthews | WA | 2:34 | Failed on Flying Shelf Grab |
| 5 | James Sayers | VIC | 1:44 | Failed on Flying Shelf Grab |
| 6 | Matt Laycock | QLD | 1:57 | Failed on Flying Shelf Grab |
| 7 | Nic Manning | NSW | 3:15 | Failed on Flying Shelf Grab |
| 8 | Harry Cole | VIC | 0:46 | Failed on Bar Hop |
| 9 | Rhys Menzel | SA | 0:54 | Failed on Bar Hop |
| 10 | Danial Wyles-Wall | QLD | 0:55 | Failed on Bar Hop |
| 11 | Luke Filippi | QLD | 0:56 | Failed on Bar Hop |
| 12 | Alex Bigg | SA | 1:10 | Failed on Bar Hop |
| 13 | Jarryd Sutton | SA | 1:11 | Failed on Bar Hop |
| 14 | Luke London | VIC | 1:12 | Failed on Bar Hop |
| 15 | Daniel Tolli | VIC | 1:30 | Failed on Bar Hop |
| 16 | Will Kelly | SA | 1:55 | Failed on Bar Hop |
Episode 4
editHeat 4
editThis episode aired on 2 August 2020. 10 competitors completed this course, with a large number of athletes bowing out on the Basket Toss. Returning athlete Charlie Robbins received a 10-second advantage for the semi-finals, after beating Bryson Klein on the Power Tower.
- Quintuple Steps
- Butterfly Wall to Zipline
- Bridge of Blades
- Bar Hop
- Basket Toss
- Warped Wall
| Rank | Competitor | State | Time | Furthest Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charlie Robbins | VIC | 0:47 | Completed |
| 2 | Bryson Klein | NSW | 0:48 | Completed |
| 3 | Rainer Scheu | QLD | 1:01 | Completed |
| 4 | Rob Patterson | QLD | 1:02 | Completed |
| 5 | Mike Snow | VIC | 1:27 | Completed |
| 6 | Fred Dorrington | QLD | 1:42 | Completed |
| 7 | Michael Fisher | QLD | 1:47 | Completed |
| 8 | Jordan Papandrea | NSW | 1:55 | Completed |
| 9 | Zac Perillo | VIC | 2:21 | Completed |
| 10 | Clem Vertigan | VIC | 2:36 | Completed |
| 11 | Alexander Robinson | NSW | 1:37 | Failed on Basket Toss |
| 12 | Tony Torrisi | QLD | 2:02 | Failed on Basket Toss |
| 13 | Chris White | WA | 2:03 | Failed on Basket Toss |
| 14 | Donny Byrne | WA | 2:04 | Failed on Basket Toss |
| 15 | Paul Culloty | QLD | 2:14 | Failed on Basket Toss |
| 16 | Matthew Bowles | WA | 0:21 | Failed on Bar Hop |
Episode 5
editSemi-final 1
editThis episode aired on 3 August 2020. The top 12 competitors all completed the course. Returning athlete Zak Stolz received a second chance advantage for the Grand Final, after beating Jordan Papandrea on the Power Tower.
- Snake Run
- Rolling Log
- Diving Boards
- Ring Toss
- Slingshot
- Warped Wall
- Barrell Roll
- Spider Jump
- Invisible Ladder
| Rank | Competitor | State | Time | Furthest Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zak Stolz | VIC | 3:03 | Completed |
| 2 | Jordan Papandrea | NSW | 3:43 | Completed |
| 3 | Rob Patterson | QLD | 4:07 | Completed |
| 4 | Mike Snow | VIC | 4:57 | Completed |
| 5 | Troy Cullen | VIC | 5:12 | Completed |
| 6 | Zed Colback | WA | 5:37 | Completed |
| 7 | Todd Smith | QLD | 5:38 | Completed |
| 8 | Eddie Burrill | QLD | 5:38 | Completed |
| 9 | Stewart Furze | SA | 5:48 | Completed |
| 10 | Sam Goodall | WA | 5:51 | Completed |
| 11 | Alex Matthews | WA | 6:00 | Completed |
| 12 | Jack Martin | QLD | 6:12 | Completed |
Episode 6
editSemi-final 2
editThis episode aired on 4 August 2020. Five competitors completed this course, with a large number of athletes bowing out on the Slingshot. Returning athlete Charlie Robbins received a second chance advantage for the Grand Final, after beating Matthew Bowles on the Power Tower.
- Snake Run
- Rolling Log
- Diving Boards
- Ring Turn
- Slingshot
- Warped Wall
- Barrel Roll
- Spider Jump
- Invisible Ladder
| Rank | Competitor | State | Time | Furthest Obstacle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charlie Robbins | VIC | 5:03 | Completed |
| 2 | Matthew Bowles | WA | 5:15 | Completed |
| 3 | Bryson Klein | NSW | 5:40 | Completed |
| 4 | Fred Dorrington | QLD | 6:49 | Completed |
| 5 | Olivia Vivian | WA | 10:17 | Completed |
| 6 | Harry Cole | VIC | 6:51 | Failed on Spider Jump |
| 7 | Ben Polson | WA | 2:01 | Failed on Slingshot |
| 8 | Alex Bigg | SA | 2:02 | Failed on Slingshot |
| 9 | Jake Baker | VIC | 2:09 | Failed on Slingshot |
| 10 | Rainer Scheu | QLD | 2:18 | Failed on Slingshot |
| 11 | Ryan Solomon | QLD | 2:19 | Failed on Slingshot |
| 12 | Rhys Landwehr | WA | 2:30 | Failed on Slingshot |
Episode 7
editGrand Final, Stage 1
editThis episode aired on 9 August 2020.
Competitors had to complete Stage 1 within 3 minutes and 45 seconds to advance to Stage 2. Only 8 of the 24 semi-finalists managed to complete all the obstacles in time. Olivia Vivian became the first woman to advance to Stage 2 of the Grand Final in the history of the Australian competition.
- Snake Run
- Rolling Log
- Balance Bridge
- Ring Turn
- Flying Shelf Grab
- Warped Wall
- Ferris Wheel
- Spider Jump
- Chimney Sweep
| Rank | Competitor | State | Time Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zak Stolz | VIC | 0:37 |
| 2 | Mike Snow | VIC | 0:32 |
| 3 | Jordan Papandrea | NSW | 0:19 |
| 4 | Charlie Robbins | VIC | 0:13 |
| 5 | Ben Polson | WA | 0:07 |
| 6 | Olivia Vivian | WA | 0:06 |
| 7 | Alex Matthews | WA | 0:05 |
| 8 | Matthew Bowles | WA | 0:02 |
Episode 8
editGrand Final, Stage 2
editThis episode aired on 10 August 2020. Contestants had 2 minutes and 15 seconds to finish the six obstacles that were Stage 2.
- Rope Jungle
- Spin Hopper
- Salmon Ladder
- Unstable Bridge
- Wing Nuts
- Cat Grab
- Wall Lift
| Rank | Competitor | State | Furthest Obstacle | Time Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charlie Robbins | VIC | Completed | 0:22 |
| 2 | Zak Stolz | VIC | Completed | 0:15 |
| 3 | Ben Polson | WA | Completed | 0:09 |
| 4 | Matthew Bowles | WA | Completed | 0:04 |
| 5 | Alex Matthews | WA | Failed on Wing Nuts | |
| 6 | Olivia Vivian | WA | Failed on Salmon Ladder | |
| 7 | Jordan Papandrea | NSW | Failed on Spin Hopper | |
| 8 | Mike Snow | VIC | Disqualified on Spin Hopper |
Grand Final, Stage 3
editUnlike the first two stages, no time limit was imposed on the Ninjas to complete Stage 3. Completion of this stage resulted in progressing to Stage 4.
- Hang Climb
- Body Prop
- Crazy Cliffhanger
- Floating Doors
- Flying Bar
| Competitor | State | Furthest Obstacle |
|---|---|---|
| Charlie Robbins | VIC | Completed |
| Zak Stolz | VIC | Completed |
| Ben Polson | WA | Completed |
| Matthew Bowles | WA | Failed on Flying Bar |
Stage 4, Mount Midoriyama
editCompetitors have to climb up a single rope up 20 metres to the top of Mt. Midoriyama within 30 seconds. For the first time in 4 seasons, 3 people made the top of Mt. Midoriyama. They are allowed to hit the buzzer before fully completing the ascent to the top.
| Rank | Competitor | State | Time to ascend | 2020 Season Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Polson | WA | 25:56 | Winner & First Australian Ninja Warrior |
| 2 | Charlie Robbins | VIC | 26:56 | |
| 3 | Zak Stolz | VIC | 29:80 |
Obstacles by episode
editHeats
editTime Limit 1:50
| Heat 1 | Heat 2 | Heat 3 | Heat 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quintuple Steps | Quintuple Steps | Quintuple Steps | Quintuple Steps |
| Tic Toc to Net | Tic Toc to Net | Butterfly Wall to Zipline | Butterfly Wall to Zipline |
| Bridge of Blades | Bridge of Blades | Bridge of Blades | Bridge of Blades |
| Doorknob Drop | Doorknob Drop | Bar Hop | Bar Hop |
| Double Squirrel | Flying Shelf Grab | Flying Shelf Grab | Basket Toss |
| Warped Wall | Warped Wall | Warped Wall | Warped Wall |
Finals
edit| Semi-final 1 | Semi-final 2 | Grand Final | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | ||
| Snake Run | Snake Run | Snake Run | Rope Jungle | Hang Climb |
| Rolling Log | Rolling Log | Rolling Log | Spin Hopper | Body Prop |
| Diving Boards | Diving Boards | Diving Boards | Salmon Ladder | Crazy Cliffhanger |
| Ring Toss | Ring Turn | Ring Turn | Unstable Bridge | Floating Doors |
| Slingshot | Slingshot | Flying Shelf Grab | Wing Nuts | Flying Bar |
| Warped Wall | Warped Wall | Warped Wall | Cat Grab | |
| Barrel Roll | Barrel Roll | Ferris Wheel | Wall Lift | |
| Spider Jump | Spider Jump | Spider Jump | ||
| Invisible Ladder | Invisible Ladder | Chimney Sweep | ||
Viewership
edit| No. | Title | Air date | Timeslot | Overnight ratings | Consolidated ratings | Total viewers |
Ref(s) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viewers | Rank | Viewers | Rank | ||||||
| 1 | Heat 1 | 26 July 2020 | Sunday 7:00pm | 1,040,000 | 3 | 56,000 | 3 | 1,096,000 | [11][12] |
| 2 | Heat 2 | 27 July 2020 | Monday 7:30pm | 848,000 | 6 | 69,000 | 5 | 917,000 | [13][14] |
| 3 | Heat 3 | 28 July 2020 | Tuesday 7:30pm | 793,000 | 5 | 68,000 | 5 | 861,000 | [15][16] |
| 4 | Heat 4 | 2 August 2020 | Sunday 7:00pm | 898,000 | 3 | 52,000 | 3 | 950,000 | [17][18] |
| 5 | Semi-final 1 | 3 August 2020 | Monday 7:30pm | 879,000 | 5 | 65,000 | 5 | 944,000 | [19][20] |
| 6 | Semi-final 2 | 4 August 2020 | Tuesday 7:30pm | 837,000 | 6 | 91,000 | 5 | 928,000 | [21][22] |
| 7 | Grand Final Stage 1 | 9 August 2020 | Sunday 7:00pm | 1,098,000 | 3 | 47,000 | 2 | 1,145,000 | [23][24] |
| 8 | Grand Final Stage 2 Winner Announced |
10 August 2020 | Monday 7:30pm Monday 9:30pm |
1,060,000 1,199,000 |
5 2 |
86,000 73,000 |
3 1 |
1,144,000 1,272,000 |
[25][26] |
References
edit- ^ Knox, David (13 July 2020). "Returning: Australian Ninja Warrior 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
- ^ "Ninja Warrior gets Sunday premiere date on Nine". TV Black Box. 12 July 2020. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (16 October 2019). "Upfronts 2020: Nine: Informer 3838, Halifax, returning reality juggernauts". TV Tonight. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
- ^ Knox, David (19 February 2020). "Audience tix: Australian Ninja Warrior". TV Tonight. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
- ^ "Nine locks in new location for AUSTRALIAN NINJA WARRIOR". 18 February 2020. Archived from the original on 19 February 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
- ^ "Australian Ninja Warrior moves to new location + tickets now available". Media Week. 19 February 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
- ^ Quinn, Karl (15 March 2020). "No live audiences for Q&A, The Project as TV hopes to avoid worst". SMH. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (17 March 2020). "COVID-19: Rebecca Maddern / Survivor reunion / Aust. Got Talent delay". TV Tonight. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (18 March 2020). "Rebecca Maddern cleared, returns to Ninja Warrior". TV Tonight. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ Gavin, Rachael (3 August 2020). "Freddie Flintoff forced to leave Australian Ninja Warrior mid-season due to coronavirus border closures". 9Now. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (29 July 2020). "Sunday 26 July 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (7 August 2020). "Timeshifted: Sunday 26 July 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (30 July 2020). "Monday 27 July 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (7 August 2020). "Timeshifted: Monday 27 July 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (30 July 2020). "Tuesday 28 July 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (7 August 2020). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 28 July 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (3 August 2020). "Sunday 2 August 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (14 August 2020). "Timeshifted: Sunday 2 August 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (4 August 2020). "Monday 3 August 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (14 August 2020). "Timeshifted: Monday 3 August 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (5 August 2020). "Tuesday 4 August 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (14 August 2020). "Timeshifted: Tuesday 4 August 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (10 August 2020). "Sunday 9 August 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (21 August 2020). "Timeshifted: Sunday 9 August 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (11 August 2020). "Monday 10 August 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ Knox, David (21 August 2020). "Timeshifted: Monday 10 August 2020". TV Tonight. Retrieved 21 August 2020.