NBC Renews ‘American Ninja Warrior’, Acquires ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’

The warped wall isn’t going anywhere.

NBC has renewed summer hit American Ninja Warrior for a fifth season. The news isn’t a surprise; Ninja Warrior has averaged 7.1 million viewers this summer (up 23% from last year), making it the show’s most-watched season to date in total viewers.

The pickup comes in advance of this summer’s three-hour season finale, which airs Monday, Sept. 14 at 8/7c.

Casting has already started to find next season’s contestants; potential Ninja Warriors can apply at www.anwcasting.com until January.

Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila host the obstacle course competition show, along with sideline reporter Kristine Leahy.

NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt announced the renewal Thursday at NBC’s portion of the Television Critics Association press tour.

Also at the TCA tour, Greenblatt announced that NBC has acquired rights to the 1966 holiday animated classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas for two runs a year.

Chuck Jones’ animated take on the Dr. Seuss book most recently aired on ABC, in addition to Turner. It began its original run nearly 50 years ago on CBS.

And NBC has signed a first-look programming deal with Keshet Studios, the U.S. arm of Israeli programming giant Keshet International. Keshet formats have previously been adapted into Homeland (Showtime), Tyrant (FX) and Your Family or Mine (TBS), while Keshet also produced Allegiance (NBC) and Dig (USA).

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