G4 Announces Season Two Of "AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR" Upping The Action With Increased Competition, More And Longer Episodes, A Live-In Elimination Boot Camp And... Oh Yeah... A $250,000 Prize

G4 to Hold Open Tryouts in Venice Beach, CA on Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8

G4's biggest and most daring "Ninja Warrior" event ever is about to get a whole lot bigger and even more daring.  The debut season of "American Ninja Warrior" set viewing records for G4 and the network is responding by expanding season two to 10 one-hour episodes.  

Additionally, the American competitor who can complete all four stages of the world's toughest obstacle course in Japan with the fastest final stage time will win a $250,000 prize.  Season two will also take viewers for the first time inside a live-in boot camp where 15 finalists will train together and compete to make it to the final 10 who will go to Japan for the legendary competition.  Executive produced by A. Smith & Co. Productions' founders Arthur Smith and Kent Weed ("Hell's Kitchen," "I Survived a Japanese Game Show," "Pros vs. Joes"), the new season of "American Ninja Warrior" will premiere this December on G4.

"What began as a Japanese TV phenomenon quickly developed into a powerhouse performer for G4, and we are committed to delivering an even bigger and better production for season two," said Neal Tiles, President, G4.  "We are especially excited that viewers will get to know the American competitors on a deeper level this season.  From day one of the tryouts to the grueling live-in boot camp to the infamous Japanese obstacle course, viewers will be there every step of the way to watch these fierce competitors become real ninjas and compete for a $250,000 prize."

"'American Ninja Warrior' is a great show with a great viewership that is passionate about watching these incredible athletes perform each week," said Smith and Weed in a joint statement.  "We at A. Smith are excited about the opportunity to take the show to an entire new level for G4.  Not only do we hope to intensify an already captivating audience experience, but we are also committed to featuring more content to those who love the show."

Next month, open tryouts for the unforgiving competition will take place on Southern California's Venice Beach (August 7-8).  More than 300 entrants are expected to begin here, but only 15 will emerge from these tryouts and move on to the "reality" portion of the competition.  During this stage, these 15 warrior wanna-bes will have the opportunity to live and train together at a boot camp in preparation for Japan's Mount Midoriyama.  Divided into teams to test their character, all 15 must work together while also seeking the necessary edge to ensure their personal advancement.  They will undertake difficult challenges that determine who lives most comfortably during this key physical and mental stage and, ultimately, who is eliminated prior to the trans-Pacific flight.

Only 10 finalists will make the trip to Japan where they will face Mount Midoriyama and Sasuke 26, the world's most difficult and diabolical obstacle course.  The American competitor who completes all four stages at Sasuke with the fastest final stage time will be named the ultimate "American Ninja Warrior" receiving a $250,000 prize.

Production for "American Ninja Warrior" will begin in August with the kick-off of the nationwide search for America's strongest competitors at the open tryout on Venice Beach (at Windward Plaza).  Fans are encouraged to go to G4tv.com/ANW2 for rules and more information.

Seasoned experts in unscripted programming, A. Smith & Co. Productions will produce the second season of "American Ninja Warrior."  Executive producers Arthur Smith and Kent Weed will use their industry knowledge and experience to create additional elements to the already successful series.  The upcoming season will feature more in-depth background on the diverse group of contestants while also introducing the additional element of having the semi-finalists live together.