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Rules You Probably Didn't Know Contestants on 'The Challenge' Have to Follow

The Pioneer Woman

May 10, 2021 at 1:00 PM

Rules You Probably Didn't Know Contestants on 'The Challenge' Have to Follow

Contestants can't bring prohibited items into the house.

Cell phones are strictly off-limits.

Contestants are searched before entering the house.

Performance enhancers are confiscated too.

Contestants don't always get a big heads up before filming starts.

Contestants are filmed 24/7.

Contestants don't have to cook their own food.

Contestants have to buy their own alcohol.

Contestants can only call home once a week.

But all phone calls are monitored.

Contestants have to be on location for months.

Contestants aren't allowed to leave 'The Challenge' house property.

Contestants have access to a gym at the house.

Contestants have to travel to different locations every season.

Contestants get a cash prize if they win.

But they *may* have to split the money with teammates.

Contestants are paid per episode.

Not all contestants are paid equally.

Contestants are sometimes rewarded for having long-standing rivalries.

Alcohol is limited on set.

Contestants can't show up to a competition drunk.

Contestants used to have to be MTV alums.

But MTV made an exception in 2006.

Contestants have to take challenges seriously if they want to win.

Contestants aren't told about daily competitions ahead of time.

Contestants know that security is always on standby.

Contestants are removed from the house after a physical altercation.

Contestants have to be up for anything.

Contestants have to treat the show lilke a full-time job.

Contestants are fined for leaking information.

Contestants can be banned from the show.

Contestants were allowed to film during COVID-19.

Contestants had to quarantine before season 36.

Contestants had to get a COVID-19 test every three days.

Contestants couldn't leave the bubble.

Rules You Probably Didn't Know Contestants on 'The Challenge' Have to Follow

More than 20 years after premiering on MTV, The Challenge is now in its 36th season and is a staple in the world of reality television. But what does it take to join the cast and compete on the show? A lot of rule-following. From everything challengers can't take into the house to the harsh fines for leaking spoilers, we broke down all of the rules.

Lars Niki - Getty Images

This is what it takes to take home the prize.