War Machine star sets unexpected return to Netflix after action movie's success

So far in 2026, two types of content have been especially popular on Netflix: action movies and reality shows. Inevitably, the streaming service is combing the two concept into one show, a survival competition series hosted by the star of the year’s biggest Netflix action movie. You would think he’d be back for a sequel (maybe he will be!), but his Netflix comeback is unexpected.

War Machine star Alan Ritchson has been announced by Netflix as the host of a currently untitled survival competition series, in which the on-screen action hero steps in to “help guide the participants through the competition, pushing them beyond their limits and into the unknown.” Ritchson will put these contestants through various survivalist tasks that will make or break them.

After the series was revealed, Ritchson shared the news on his Instagram with a caption that eluded to the fact that he won’t be taking it easy on those taking on the grueling competitions and fighting for survival: “Let’s see if some influencers can handle my brand of crazy. Apologies in advance to the players, but this show is gonna be wild. Can’t wait to see who survives.”

Alan Ritchson survival competition series coming to Netflix

As Ritchson suggested, the contestants on the show will be “high-profile creators and headline-makers,” per Deadline’s description of the series. Within the show, the contestants will have to work together but also rely on their own strength in order to rise to the occasion and use their grit to survive without the “comforts and luxuries” we rely on every day to make life either. They can’t lean on their followers or fame with Ritchson putting them through action-star challenges.

Based on its logline, the forthcoming series sounds similar to Fox’s reality competition series Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, which welcomes a group of public figures each season to take part in the United States Special Forces selection course. But it sounds like Netflix’s Ritchson-fronted take on that premise will be far more dramatic and wild, as the actor said himself.

The series comes from Bunim/Murray Productions, which has been responsible for so many iconic reality shows over the years, including the likes of The Real World, Road Rules, Bad Girls Club, The Challenge, Project Runway, The Simple Life, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, I Survived Bear Grylls, and Vanderpump Villa. That’s an incredible mixture of shows with intense competition and high-stakes drama, both of which keep us hooked and on the edge of our seats.

Ritchson is no stranger to being an outdoorsman and action hero on and off the screen. Most recently, he starred in Netflix’s blockbuster sci-fi action movie War Machine and will next be seen in the action thriller Runner and the fourth season of Prime Video’s Reacher. The actor has also starred in Smallville, Blue Mountain State, Titans, Fast X, and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.