The obstacle racing community has been voicing their opinions on social media all day after the premiere of Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge last night. The community has been quick to “Tuesday morning quarterback” the new reality competition show. Everyone enthusiastic about the sport of obstacle racing wants this new show to showcase the sport that has become the core of who many are or want to become.

But once we strip away the emotions and gut reactions it's time to look at the numbers and most importantly the ratings. The show was up against stiff competition last night with the NBA playoffs taking place on the ABC network. Taking the second place spot for the evening was NBC with the one/two punch of American Ninja Warrior and the new Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge.

American Ninja Warrior drew 6.2 million viewers then 4.8 million carried over and watched the new Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge according to The Wrap. The new Spartan show outshined on the highly anticipated CBS series “BrainDead”. According to TVByTheNumbers, a site which ranks primetime television…

“NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” posted a 1.9, its best of the summer so far, pending updates, and helped “Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge” earn a solid 1.5 for its premiere.  CBS’ “BrainDead” didn’t fare so well, managing only a 0.7 for its debut.”

These numbers led the show to claim second best launch of an “alternative” tv program in the last 9 months. Overall it was a good night for obstacle racing on television. The effects of the show have rippled out into the community already with a spike in web traffic during the shows last night as well as spikes in books related to obstacle racing on Amazon today.

Follow Mud Run Guide each week on Twitter @mudrunguide and using #Spartan during the episodes and join the live conversation. Additionally, each week the day after the episode we bring you exclusive interviews with participants and also update our bracket to track who has moved on and whose journey has ended. Be sure to follow all the action and join the conversation.

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Tell us your thoughts on the new NBC series. 

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