How to Watch The Challenge: Cutthroat Final (Season 42)
The Challenge: Cutthroat, Season 42, has a two-part final on Paramount+. Episode 13, “The Final – Part 1,” was scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 3 a.m. ET (midnight PT). The Paramount+ public episode guide showed through Episode 12 when checked that morning, so viewers should check the app for current availability. Episode 14 is expected Wednesday, October 28; its release time has not been confirmed. The final episodes are not scheduled for MTV; the August 5 premiere also aired on MTV.
The Challenge: Cutthroat final schedule
| Episode | Release (ET) | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 13: The Final – Part I | Wed., Oct. 21, 2026, 3 a.m. ET (midnight PT) | Paramount+ |
| Episode 14: Season finale | Expected Wed., Oct. 28, 2026; 3 a.m. ET is unconfirmed | Paramount+ |
| Episodes 1–12 | Already out (Aug. 5 – Oct. 14) | Paramount+, on demand |
Checked October 21, 2026: Paramount+’s public episode guide showed through Episode 12, while Paramount Press Express identifies Episode 13 as “The Final - Part 1.” Episode 13 was scheduled for October 21 at 3 a.m. ET. Episode 14 is expected October 28; its time is inferred from the weekly pattern, not confirmed. No reunion has been announced.
The season was filmed in Bangkok, Thailand, with host TJ Lavin and three teams competing for a $500,000 prize.
How to watch on DIRECTV
Because the episodes aren’t on MTV, tuning to MTV on DIRECTV (channel 331) won’t get you the final. What you need is Paramount+, and DIRECTV can include it:
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| PREMIER or LO MÁXIMO Signature TV plan | Included | Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and Paramount+ app access |
| Eligible ENTERTAINMENT through ULTIMATE package (select offer) | First 3 months included; currently $13.99/mo. after | Paramount+ with SHOWTIME app access; SHOWTIME channels from 545 |
DIRECTV’s current premium-channel page says eligible packages may include the offer for three months, then auto-renew at the current $13.99 monthly rate; PREMIER and LO MÁXIMO include Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. Terms and eligibility can change.
After linking an eligible DIRECTV account, you can use Paramount+ on supported phones, TVs and DIRECTV Gemini devices. DIRECTV advertises a separate 5-day trial for some streaming plans and a premium-channel offer on eligible packages; check the terms shown for your account before assuming Paramount+ is included during a trial.
Want Paramount+ included in your DIRECTV package? Call 1-855-690-9884.
How to watch with Paramount+ directly
| Paramount+ plan | Monthly | Ads |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $8.99 | Yes |
| Premium (includes SHOWTIME) | $13.99 | No ads on most on-demand titles |
Paramount+ U.S. monthly prices checked October 21, 2026. Premium includes SHOWTIME; plan features and promotional offers can change.
Paramount+ lists Season 42 episodes on demand; the public episode guide showed through Episode 12 when checked October 21. Essential is the lower-cost monthly option if you want to watch the final episodes after they appear. Walmart+ members may also choose Paramount+ Essential as an included perk, subject to current Walmart+ terms.
If you also watch MTV
MTV is on DIRECTV channel 331 in all main packages, and it still carries Challenge-adjacent shows and reruns. For MTV itself, see our guide to what channel MTV is on DIRECTV. For how Paramount+ ads work by plan, see does Paramount+ have ads.
Not sure which DIRECTV package includes Paramount+ at your address? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
When was The Challenge: Cutthroat final scheduled to arrive?
Episode 13, The Final - Part 1, was scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 3 a.m. ET (midnight PT). Paramount+'s public episode guide showed episodes through Episode 12 when checked on October 21, so check the app for current availability. Episode 14 is expected Wednesday, October 28; its 3 a.m. time is not confirmed.
Is The Challenge: Cutthroat final on MTV?
Season 42 streams on Paramount+. The August 5 premiere also aired on MTV; the two-part final was scheduled as a Paramount+ release, not an MTV broadcast.
Can I watch The Challenge: Cutthroat on DIRECTV?
DIRECTV PREMIER and LO MÁXIMO Signature TV plans include Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, which provides Paramount+ app access. Eligible other plans may have a premium-channel offer; select it and check its terms. App access requires CBS in the DIRECTV subscription, and local-channel availability varies by market.
How much does Paramount+ cost to watch The Challenge?
Paramount+ monthly plans are $8.99 for Essential and $13.99 for Premium, which includes SHOWTIME. DIRECTV plan and premium-channel offers have separate eligibility and renewal terms.
Details reviewed October 21, 2026 (ET). Paramount Press Express identifies Episode 13 as The Final - Part 1; the public Paramount+ episode guide showed through Episode 12 at review time. Monthly prices are from Paramount+; DIRECTV package and premium-channel terms are from DIRECTV. MTV channel details are from our channel guide. The Challenge, MTV, Paramount+, SHOWTIME and DIRECTV marks belong to their owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.