The challengers come to the arena to watch the classic, brutal eliminations from each era in a new episode of “The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras,” airing Wednesday, August 21.

The new episode airs at 8 p.m. ET on MTV. Those without cable can watch the show for free via Philo, FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, each of which offers a free trial to new users. Sling is another option for streaming the show and is offering special deals.

• WATCH CHALLENGE 40: BATTLE OF THE ERAS FOR FREE HERE

In the new season, 40 candidates are back in the game, making it the show’s largest cast to date.

What is season 40 of The Challenge about?

Contestants are divided into four teams from different eras of the challenge’s 26-year history. Fans can cheer on familiar faces, including veterans like Mark Long, Chris “CT” Tamburello and Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio, as well as younger contestants like Horacio Gutiérrez Jr. and Michele Fitzgerald, who return for Season 40.

The name of the season may have been inspired by Taylor Swift’s legendary “The Eras Tour,” in which she performs songs from every “era” of her discography.

Who is competing in season 40 of The Challenge?

The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras teams are comprised of contestants from four eras of the show. Here is the full list of teams competing for the million dollar prize:

Seasons 1-10
Tina Barta
Katie Cooley
Aneesa Fereira
Brad Fiorenza
Derrick Kosinski
Mark Long
Rachel Robinson
CT Tamburello
David Taylor
Jodi Weatherton

Seasons 11–20
Derek Chavez
Nehemiah Clark
Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio
KellyAnne Judd
Ryan Kehoe
Aviv Melmed
Brandon Nelson
Emily Schrom
Cara Maria Sorbello
Laurel Stucky

Seasons 21-30
Tori Deal
Amanda Garcia
Leroy Garrett
Jonna Mannion
Nia Moore
Tony Raines
Averey Tressler
Devin Walker
Cory Wharton
Jordan Wiseley

Season 31-39
Paulie Calafiore
Theo Campbell
Kaycee Clark
Michelle Fitzgerald
Horacio Gutierrez Jr.
Olivia Kaiser
Josh Martinez
Nurys Mateo
Jenny West
Kyland Young

In Episode 2, “challengers will enter the arena to see what they expect are classic, brutal eliminations from each era. Sixteen people will fight in the sand and only eight will return. The losers will learn that they will be sent away with a parting gift in the form of karma for the remaining players.”

Here’s a look at the trailer for season 40 from MTV’s The Challenge YouTube channel:

How do I watch The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras without cable?

Those without cable can watch the show for free via Philo, FuboTV or DirecTV Stream. All providers offer a free trial to new users. Sling is another option for streaming the show and offers special deals.

what is Philo?

Philo is an over-the-top internet live TV streaming service that offers over 60 entertainment and lifestyle channels like AMC, BET, MTV, Comedy Central and more for the low price of $25/month.

what is FuboTV?

FuboTV is an over-the-top internet live TV streaming service that offers more than 100 channels, including sports, news, entertainment, and local channels. It offers DVR storage and is designed for people who want to cancel cable but don’t want to miss out on their favorite live TV and sports.

what is DirecTV stream?

The streaming platform offers a wealth of content, including the best live streaming and on-demand, starting with more than 75 live TV channels.

what is loop?

Sling TV is the first app-based TV service that lets you stream live TV and on-demand content over the internet. Sling TV lets you choose the TV option that works best for you, including Channel Add-ons, Premium Add-ons, DVR Plus, and more.