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Forged in Fire
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<h2 id="format">Format</h2> <p>The set, referred to as "The Forge," is stocked with a wide range of metalworking equipment, including propane forges, coal forges, grinders, <a href="/facts/Power_hammer/HrtcnEDJ">power hammers</a>, and <a href="/facts/Hydraulic_press/kcAdYTED">hydraulic presses</a>. Medical personnel are present to treat any injuries or other health problems and may, at their discretion, disqualify smiths who are unable to continue safely. At the end of each round, the smith whose weapon is judged to be the least satisfactory must surrender it and leave the competition. </p><p>In a typical episode, the four smiths are presented with a quantity of steel that they must use in the first round to forge a blade in a style of their choosing. In some episodes, they all begin with the same starting material; in others, they may choose from an assortment of metal objects or must salvage their material from a source such as a junked car or lawnmower. The host states one set of criteria concerning blade or blade/<a href="/facts/Tang_(tools)/WQCfTGzK">tang</a> length, and often a second set for a feature that must be incorporated, such as serrations or a <a href="/facts/Fuller_(weapon)/d8NSkfNs">fuller</a> groove. The smiths are given 10 minutes to sketch out their designs, followed by three hours to forge the blades; they need not adhere to their original designs. Once the time expires, the judges evaluate the blades based on the host's criteria and inspect their craft, quality, and design, then deliberate privately before announcing their decision. Any smiths who fail to meet the criteria or who fail to turn in a blade at all are subject to immediate elimination. </p><p>For the second round, the three remaining smiths are given an additional two (originally three) hours to turn their blades into fully operational weapons. They must attach a handle, choosing from a range of provided materials, and incorporate any additional special features stated by the host. They must also grind, sharpen, and polish the blades, and may address any flaws or issues pointed out by the judges in the first round, if they choose to do so. After the time expires, the judges put each weapon through a series of tests to gauge properties such as sharpness, durability, and ease of use. For these tests, the weapons are used to chop/slash/stab objects that include ropes, ice blocks, animal bones/carcasses, and metal plumbing pipes. If one weapon suffers a catastrophic failure, defined as damage that renders it unsafe or ineffective for further testing, its maker is immediately disqualified. In the case of catastrophic failure by multiple weapons, the worst performer is eliminated. The judges may, at their discretion, choose not to subject a weapon to a particular test if it is sufficiently cracked or flawed. </p><p>In the third round, the two remaining smiths are shown a historically significant (and technically difficult) weapon, mostly prepared by David Baker,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:6" href="#fn:6"><sup>6</sup></a> and are given four (originally five) days to create a version of it. They return to their home forges to do the work and must comply with any specifications set by the host. Afterward, they return to the Forge and submit their weapons for testing against objects and environments similar to the historical scenarios in which they were typically used. Based on the test results, the judges select one smith to receive the $10,000 prize and the day's championship title. </p> <h3>Rule changes</h3> <p>Some episodes have incorporated modifications to the rules, as follows: </p> <ul><li>Extension or omission of the 10-minute design period in the first round.</li> <li>Omission of a required special feature in the first round.</li> <li>Not revealing the purpose of the blade in the first round.</li> <li>Extension or shortening of the three-hour forging time in the first and/or second rounds, depending on the difficulty level of the blade design and any special features.</li> <li>Shortening of the three-hour time to attach a handle in the second round to two hours.</li> <li>Requiring the smiths to forge a blade of a specific style in the first round.</li> <li>Omission of the requirement to attach a handle in the second round.</li> <li>Shortening of the working time from five days to four in the third round.</li> <li>Testing of weapon properties after the first round.</li></ul> <h2 id="personnel">Personnel</h2> <h3>Hosts</h3> <ul><li>Wil Willis (seasons 1–7) is a former <a href="/facts/United_States_Army_Rangers/x7vYnTGI">Army Ranger</a> (Third Ranger Battalion) and decorated <a href="/facts/U.S._Air_Force/7MxWBYlc">Air Force</a> para-rescue specialist.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:7" href="#fn:7"><sup>7</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:8" href="#fn:8"><sup>8</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:9" href="#fn:9"><sup>9</sup></a> Willis' previous television experience includes <i><a href="/facts/Special_Ops_Mission/1576QGvt">Special Ops Mission</a></i> and <i><a href="/facts/Triggers%3a_Weapons_That_Changed_the_World/tdehF0Qk">Triggers</a></i>, two series that aired on the former <a href="/facts/American_Heroes_Channel/pBsKKkoP">Military Channel</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:10" href="#fn:10"><sup>10</sup></a></li> <li>Grady Powell (season 8–present), a former U.S. Army <a href="/facts/Green_Berets/jT2G7KWy">Green Beret</a>, replaced Wil Willis as the show's host as of the Season Eight premiere on November 18, 2020. Powell's previous television experience includes two seasons starring on <i><a href="/facts/Dual_Survival/90k8SRG9">Dual Survival</a></i> on the <a href="/facts/Discovery_Channel/mmhjAhgr">Discovery Channel</a>,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:11" href="#fn:11"><sup>11</sup></a> a member of the Cadre on the second season of <i><a href="/facts/American_Grit/tPQyGEeP">American Grit</a></i>,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:12" href="#fn:12"><sup>12</sup></a> and winning <i><a href="/facts/Stars_Earn_Stripes/tg1fheBA">Stars Earn Stripes</a></i> with former <a href="/facts/WWE_Divas_Championship/EquSjvrE">WWE Divas Champion</a> <a href="/facts/Eve_Torres/S0tdYJao">Eve Torres</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:13" href="#fn:13"><sup>13</sup></a></li></ul> <h3>Judges</h3> <ul><li>J. Neilson, a knife and sword expert,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:14" href="#fn:14"><sup>14</sup></a> holds the rank of Master Smith within the <a href="/facts/American_Bladesmith_Society/Qs40fzcd">American Bladesmith Society</a> (ABS). He has over 20 years' experience in making knives and edged weapons.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:15" href="#fn:15"><sup>15</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:16" href="#fn:16"><sup>16</sup></a> He examines the weapons' technical qualities and tests their durability.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:17" href="#fn:17"><sup>17</sup></a> In Season 3, Neilson took a leave of absence to have surgery on his hand and returned in later episodes of Season 4.</li> <li>David Baker, a Hollywood prop maker who has appeared on the <a href="/facts/Spike_(TV_channel)/7taMgqhN">Spike TV</a> series <i><a href="/facts/Deadliest_Warrior/ckN8ccBu">Deadliest Warrior</a></i>,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:18" href="#fn:18"><sup>18</sup></a> is an authority on weapons history<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:19" href="#fn:19"><sup>19</sup></a> and an expert on replicating period-accurate weapons for both museums and films.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:20" href="#fn:20"><sup>20</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:21" href="#fn:21"><sup>21</sup></a> He judges the weapons' historical accuracy and aesthetic beauty.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:22" href="#fn:22"><sup>22</sup></a></li> <li>Doug Marcaida, an edged-weapons specialist, is a U.S. military contractor, martial arts instructor, and knife designer for FOX Knives Italy. Specializing in the Southeast Asian fighting style of <a href="/facts/Arnis/yVSWyg8P">Kali</a>, he has taught classes in weapon awareness and use for military, law enforcement, and security organizations. He also designs "the most dangerous knives in the world", owns and sells his own line of knives.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:23" href="#fn:23"><sup>23</sup></a> Marcaida evaluates the smiths' weapons to determine their effectiveness in combat with his famous kill tests. His <a href="/facts/Catchphrase/N54QWsYr">catchphrase</a> is to declare of a worthy weapon: "It will K.E.Al" (Keep Everyone Alive).<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:24" href="#fn:24"><sup>24</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:25" href="#fn:25"><sup>25</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:26" href="#fn:26"><sup>26</sup></a> He also tests the weapon's sharpness and if deemed worthy, receives the declaration "It will cut". When he is unable to test weapons himself due to injury, Marcaida brings in his brother R.J. or one of his students to perform the task in his place.</li> <li>Jason Knight, another ABS Master Smith, filled Neilson's seat on the judges' panel during his medical absence in Season 3. Neilson appeared alongside Knight for the Season 4 premiere; Neilson resumed his seat in the eighth episode.</li> <li>Ben Abbott, a nine-time Forged in Fire champion as of February 2022, debuted as a judge starting with the 21st episode of the fourth season. Abbott would replace Neilson in some episodes after Season 5 and replace Baker when Baker participates in the final round in Super Champion Edition (Season 7) and Beat the Judges episodes. In season eight, Ben took on multiple opponents in a five-part "Beat the Unbeaten" series. He remained undefeated and brought his record in the forge to 9–0. Abbott remains the only undefeated blacksmith judge apart from Jason Knight, who never participated in the competition (Marcaida is not a blacksmith and has also never competed). Neilson lost in a Beat the Judges episode, and Baker lost in the Super Champion Edition episode. Abbott improved his record to 10-0 on the October 9, 2024 episode of "Beat The Unbeaten". Abbott and his challenger were challenged to re-create the Medieval Sword of Mystery.</li></ul> <h2 id="background-and-production">Background and production</h2> <h3>Development</h3> <p>Tim Healy and Steve Ascher are executive producers for History.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:27" href="#fn:27"><sup>27</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:28" href="#fn:28"><sup>28</sup></a> Jodi Flynn, <a href="/facts/Brent_Montgomery/maeKPX2V">Brent Montgomery</a>, David George, Shawn Witt and Simon Thomas are executive producers for Outpost Entertainment.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:29" href="#fn:29"><sup>29</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:30" href="#fn:30"><sup>30</sup></a> Healy observed the demonstration, and later the filming, from the sidelines. Healy says that the inspiration for <i>Forged in Fire</i> came from his and other developers' love of food competition shows such as <i><a href="/facts/Chopped_(TV_series)/PtNIrUtL">Chopped</a></i> and <i><a href="/facts/Iron_Chef/XD19C0pA">Iron Chef</a></i>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:31" href="#fn:31"><sup>31</sup></a> However, in order to appeal to the History channel's audience, they decided to have the competition focus on historical weaponry.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:32" href="#fn:32"><sup>32</sup></a> </p> <h3>Casting</h3> <p>Typically, candidates for <i>Forged in Fire</i> episodes go through a casting call and screening process before appearing and competing on the show. For example, Doug Marcaida shared a casting call to his <i><a href="/facts/Facebook/0IhXFR6u">Facebook</a></i> page on October 18, 2021, seeking "...metal workers to forge iconic edged weapons from History!".<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:33" href="#fn:33"><sup>33</sup></a> After applying to be on the show, the potential competitors are interviewed by video and phone; asked questions about their metallurgy knowledge, experience, and skills; and undergo background checks. Sometimes, the entrants are asked to build a weapon with particular specifications, with progress pictures being sent to and analyzed by the show's producers before being considered to compete on an episode.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:34" href="#fn:34"><sup>34</sup></a> </p><p>On occasion, former contestants are invited back to the show to participate in another competition. As examples, bladesmiths have reappeared and competed in a military branch tournament, "Second Chance Tournament", or a broken blade "revenge" episode, just to name a few. </p> <h3>Filming and set design</h3> <p><i>Forged in Fire</i> episodes are filmed at Brooklyn Fireproof Stages in <a href="/facts/Brooklyn/UnUzxCFe">Brooklyn, New York City</a>, <a href="/facts/New_York_(state)/mnl67G1G">New York</a>, in a safe, professional environment.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:35" href="#fn:35"><sup>35</sup></a> </p><p>The set is composed of a large judge's table from where the judges spectate throughout the episode, a separate worktable for each contestant, large shelving units dubbed the "pantry" for various handle materials, and large quantities of various metal types, grades, sources, and shapes. The rest of the set floor is spotted with other work stations for tools and equipment such as <a href="/facts/Forge/B1JVtzy4">Venturi forges</a> (made and supplied by Majestic Forge<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:36" href="#fn:36"><sup>36</sup></a>), a variety of <a href="/facts/Hammer/bct4q0y4">hammers</a>, <a href="/facts/File_(tool)/jgKJ9cot">steel files</a>, <a href="/facts/Wire_brush/6MaGbmcF">wire brushes</a>, <a href="/facts/Anvil/XDkKveGI">anvils</a>, foot-operated <a href="/facts/Power_hammer/HrtcnEDJ">power hammers</a>, <a href="/facts/Hydraulic_press/kcAdYTED">hydraulic presses</a>, electric <a href="/facts/Polishing_(metalworking)/0aj8YBr4">buffer</a> wheels, grinding wheels, <a href="/facts/Vise/JWJRfIkA">vises</a>, <a href="/facts/Welding_power_supply/UGdY8UPA">welding machines</a>, and other hand and electric tools.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:37" href="#fn:37"><sup>37</sup></a> Safety equipment is also found throughout the set and is used during construction and testing of weapons. </p><p>The winning blades from each episode are showcased on the "Winners Wall" of the filming studio. Some of those blades can be seen on the wall behind the standing contestants during testing portions of various episodes. As the show's sign of respect and gratitude for the participant's effort, time, and labor that went into making each weapon, non-winning blades are returned to the competitors after the respective episode has aired.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:38" href="#fn:38"><sup>38</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="release">Release</h2> <h3>Series overview</h3> <p class="note">Main article: <a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">List of Forged in Fire episodes</a></p> <table><tbody><tr><th scope="col" rowspan="2">Season</th><th scope="col" rowspan="2" colspan="2">Episodes</th><th scope="colgroup" colspan="3">Originally released</th></tr><tr><th scope="col">First released</th><th scope="col">Last released</th><th scope="col">Network</th></tr><tr><th scope="row" colspan="1"><a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_(TV_series)_episodes/Xf7DqncR">1</a></th><td colspan="2">8</td><td colspan="1">June 22, 2015 (2015-06-22)</td><td>August 10, 2015 (2015-08-10)</td><td rowspan="12"><a href="/facts/History_(American_TV_channel)/jLIIsuhg">History</a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:39" href="#fn:39"><sup>39</sup></a></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" colspan="1"><a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">2</a></th><td colspan="2">10</td><td colspan="1">February 16, 2016 (2016-02-16)</td><td>April 19, 2016 (2016-04-19)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" colspan="1"><a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">3</a></th><td colspan="2">16</td><td colspan="1">August 23, 2016 (2016-08-23)</td><td>February 14, 2017 (2017-02-14)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" colspan="1"><a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">4</a></th><td colspan="2">23</td><td colspan="1">April 11, 2017 (2017-04-11)</td><td>October 31, 2017 (2017-10-31)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" colspan="1"><a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">5</a></th><td colspan="2">40</td><td colspan="1">March 7, 2018 (2018-03-07)</td><td>December 19, 2018 (2018-12-19)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" colspan="1"><a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">6</a></th><td colspan="2">30</td><td colspan="1">February 6, 2019 (2019-02-06)</td><td>September 25, 2019 (2019-09-25)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" colspan="1"><a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">7</a></th><td colspan="2">37</td><td colspan="1">October 9, 2019 (2019-10-09)</td><td>August 19, 2020 (2020-08-19)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" colspan="1"><a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">8</a></th><td colspan="2">45</td><td colspan="1">November 18, 2020 (2020-11-18)</td><td>February 2, 2022 (2022-02-02)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" colspan="1"><a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">9</a></th><td colspan="2">26</td><td colspan="1">March 30, 2022 (2022-03-30)</td><td>November 2, 2022 (2022-11-02)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" colspan="1"><a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">10</a></th><td colspan="2">8</td><td colspan="1">October 4, 2023 (2023-10-04)</td><td>November 15, 2023 (2023-11-15)</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" colspan="1"><a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">11</a></th><td colspan="2">TBA</td><td colspan="1">May 29, 2024 (2024-05-29)</td><td>TBA</td></tr><tr><th scope="row" colspan="1"><a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">Specials</a></th><td colspan="2">19</td><td colspan="1">March 28, 2017 (2017-03-28)</td><td>June 15, 2022 (2022-06-15)</td></tr></tbody></table> <h3>Special episodes</h3> <p>The "Master & Apprentice" episode in Season 4 featured four master/apprentice pairs of smiths. Only one member of each pair was allowed to work at any time, trading off every 30 minutes in the first two rounds and every day in the third. The non-working member was allowed to offer advice. For this episode, the forging time in the first round was extended to three and a half hours. </p><p>The "Ultimate Champions Edition" (Season 4) and "Rookies Edition" (Season 5) each featured five smiths instead of four. The smiths were required to forge a particular type of blade at their homes and bring those weapons to the studio for a preliminary test. One smith was eliminated based on the results of this test, after which the competition proceeded through the normal three rounds. </p><p>On October 3, 2018, a five-week Invitational Tournament premiered, consisting of four preliminary heats and a finale. Four smiths with a particular specialty (farrier, armorer, blacksmith, metalworker) competed in each preliminary heat, with the winners advancing to the finale for a $50,000 prize. Dave Parthemore of Connecticut won. </p><p>A "Battle of the Branches" tournament began on May 8, 2019, with four smiths from a different branch of the United States armed services (<a href="/facts/U.S._Army/WACWBEK9">Army</a>, <a href="/facts/U.S._Navy/xYK0fUou">Navy</a>, <a href="/facts/U.S._Air_Force/7MxWBYlc">Air Force</a>, <a href="/facts/U.S._Marines/J8JDlJG2">Marines</a>) competing in each preliminary heat. </p><p>During the 2019 season, <i>Forged in Fire</i> aired "enhanced" episodes called <i><a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">Forged in Fire: Cutting Deeper</a></i>, which featured bonus scenes of older episodes with expert tips and techniques from the judges like Dave Baker explaining what happened to each blade during the weapon tests. Each episode was two hours long (made up of 2 older one-hour episodes), highlighting blade themes such as "Revolutionary War Swords" and "Curved Blades", etc. </p><p>On May 13, 2020, a special episode titled <i><a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">Forged in Fire: Meet the Judges</a></i> aired at 8/9c on History. The judges J. Neilson, Dave Baker, and Doug Marcaida, were in the "hot seat" as fans asked them questions about the show, their personal lives, and bladesmithing techniques. </p><p>On November 24, 2021, a special episode titled "Bladesgiving" aired at 10 p.m. EST on History. Before the <a href="/facts/Thanksgiving/B1f0NtI2">Thanksgiving</a> fest, comes the hunt in which the <i>Forged In Fire</i> team showcased classic hunting weapons. The episode relived five showdowns between championship hunting blades, bows and spears made by some of the forge's bladesmiths. </p> <h3>Home media and streaming services</h3> <p>Aside from viewing <i>Forged in Fire</i> episodes on <a href="/facts/History_(American_TV_network)/jLIIsuhg">History</a>'s cable channel and its internet website, there are other subscription options to watch the show. On October 1, 2021, seasons 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 were added to <a href="/facts/Discovery%252B/IJx55z0f">Discovery+</a>, with season 4 being added to the streaming platform on February 1, 2022.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:40" href="#fn:40"><sup>40</sup></a> On November 21, 2021, <a href="/facts/Netflix/TKtlFVY9">Netflix</a> began airing episodes, albeit one season at a time.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:41" href="#fn:41"><sup>41</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:42" href="#fn:42"><sup>42</sup></a> There are three seasons (87 episodes) available on <a href="/facts/Hulu/BzDs7GsQ">Hulu</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:43" href="#fn:43"><sup>43</sup></a> Episodes from all seasons are available on <a href="/facts/ITunes/pdXPE33T">iTunes</a>, <a href="/facts/Amazon_Prime_Video/xyAbHsRE">Amazon Prime Video</a>, <a href="/facts/Google_Play/j3N4wv6g">Google Play</a>, and <a href="/facts/Vudu/20Pw3fb3">Vudu</a> on a "Buy/Rent" basis.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:44" href="#fn:44"><sup>44</sup></a>There is also a <i>Forged in Fire</i> channel on Samsung TV </p> <h2 id="reception">Reception</h2> <h3>Accolades</h3> <table><tbody><tr><th scope="col">Award Association(s) / Media</th><th scope="col">Year<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:45" href="#fn:45"><sup>45</sup></a></th><th scope="col">Category</th><th scope="col">Nominee(s) / Work</th><th scope="col">Result</th><th scope="col">Ref(s)</th></tr><tr><th scope="row"><a href="/facts/Blade_(magazine)/qqIsHvd0"><i>BLADE</i> magazine</a></th><td>2016</td><td>Publisher's Award</td><td><i>Forged in Fire</i></td><td>Won</td><td><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:46" href="#fn:46"><sup>46</sup></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <h3>Influence</h3> <p>In the city of <a href="/facts/Cohoes%2c_New_York/bpKomMLL">Cohoes, New York</a> near Albany, a man, inspired by the series, tried to forge a piece of metal over a fire in a barrel near his home. He caused a <a href="/facts/2017_Cohoes_fire/5hRuztMh">fire that destroyed three residential buildings and damaged 28 others</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:47" href="#fn:47"><sup>47</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="series-spin-offs">Series spin-offs</h2> <p>Several competition shows have been created as <i>Forged in Fire</i> spin-offs. </p> <h3><i>Knife or Death</i></h3> <p class="note">Main article: <a href="/facts/Forged_in_Fire%3a_Knife_or_Death/YQeHGxYx">Forged in Fire: Knife or Death</a></p> <p>On April 17, 2018, a spin-off series titled <i><a href="/facts/Knife_or_Death/YQeHGxYx">Forged in Fire: Knife or Death</a></i> premiered on History. This series is hosted by <a href="/facts/Bill_Goldberg/HNyj02wS">Bill Goldberg</a> and co-hosted by Tu Lam, a martial arts expert and retired member of the <a href="/facts/Special_Forces_(United_States_Army)/jT2G7KWy">Green Berets</a>. </p> <h3><i>Beat the Judges</i></h3> <p>On June 3, 2020, another spin-off series titled <i>Forged in Fire: Beat the Judges</i> premiered on History, hosted by Willis. On each episode, three previous <i>Forged in Fire</i> champions return to compete for an opportunity to face one judge (Neilson, Baker, or Abbott) and win another $10,000. For the first round (level 1), the three smiths each brought one weapon to the Forge in a style of their choosing and created at their home forges, and submit them for testing by Doug Marcaida. The second round (level 2) follows the same format as the third round in a typical <i>Forged in Fire</i> episode. However, the two remaining smiths are given only three days to forge an example of the featured weapon at their home forges. In the third round (level 3), the last remaining smith and the competing judge are given eight hours to create a fully functional example of a particular weapon type in the Forge, including handle fitting and grinding/sharpening/polishing. The other judges then test the weapons and choose the $10,000 winner. The competing judge is announced at the start of the third round; if he wins, the prize is donated to the charity of his choice. J. Neilson (<a href="/facts/Melanoma/qdT7E97Y">Melanoma</a> Foundation), Dave Baker (<a href="/facts/Breast_Cancer_Research/sCYCPYIY">Breast Cancer Research</a>), and Ben Abbott (Black Horse Forge: free blacksmithing classes to First Responders and Veterans). </p> <h4>Episodes</h4> Legend<table><tbody><tr><th>Color / Symbol</th><th>Description</th></tr><tr><td>1. <i>name</i></td><td>A contestant's name preceded by the numeral 1 signifies the winner.</td></tr><tr><td>2. <i>name</i></td><td>A contestant's name preceded by the numeral 2 signifies 2nd place.</td></tr><tr><td>3. <i>name</i></td><td>A contestant's name preceded by the numeral 3 signifies 3rd place.</td></tr><tr><td>4. <i>name</i></td><td>A contestant's name preceded by the numeral 4 signifies 4th place.</td></tr><tr><td>(S## E##)</td><td>The "S##" and "E##" (season and episode numbers, respectively) in parentheses showcases the contestant's previous appearance(s) on the show (win or lose).</td></tr><tr><td>#. <i>name</i></td><td>A name in bold denotes a competing Judge within a particular episode.</td></tr></tbody></table> <table><tbody><tr><th scope="col">No. inseason</th><th scope="col">Title <a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:48" href="#fn:48"><sup>48</sup></a></th><th scope="col">Level 1</th><th scope="col">Level 2</th><th scope="col">Level 3</th><th scope="col">Original release date <a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:49" href="#fn:49"><sup>49</sup></a></th><th scope="col">U.S. viewers(millions)</th></tr><tr><th scope="row" rowspan="1">1</th><td rowspan="1">"Short Sword Damascus"</td><td>Signature blades(from home forge)</td><td><a href="/facts/Khanda_(sword)/8N3og22l">Khanda</a> sword(using scrap metal)</td><td>Double-edged <a href="/facts/Short_sword/YRqaTt9I">Short sword</a>(using large & small pieces of high carbon steel)</td><td>June 3, 2020 (2020-06-03)</td><td>0.93<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:50" href="#fn:50"><sup>50</sup></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="8">Results: 1. Ben Abbott (S2 E9 & S3 E1) 2. John Summerhill (S6 E9); <a href="/facts/Bowie_knife/Jwek3n67">Bowie knife</a> 3. Kelly Vermeer Vella (S3 E4 & S4 E21); Recurve fighter knife 4. Ethan Kempf (S5 E7); Bush knife </td></tr><tr><th scope="row" rowspan="1">2</th><td rowspan="1">"Medieval Times"</td><td>Signature blades(from home forge)</td><td>Medieval knight's <a href="/facts/Dagger/bKxEtuKD">dagger</a>(using steel from a suit of armor)</td><td>Medieval arming sword(using a variety of high-carbon steel)</td><td>June 10, 2020 (2020-06-10)</td><td>1.00<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:51" href="#fn:51"><sup>51</sup></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="8">Results: 1. Dave Baker 2. Steven Bryan (S4 E12); Recurve chopper 3. Josh Navarrete (S6 E19); <a href="/facts/Bowie_knife/Jwek3n67">Bowie knife</a> 4. Mark Steele Knapp (S4 E20); Enep <a href="/facts/Machete/Efv2erd4">Machete</a> </td></tr><tr><th scope="row" rowspan="1">3</th><td rowspan="1">"Dual Swords"</td><td>Signature blades(from home forge)</td><td><a href="/facts/Butterfly_swords/HDrsnXB1">Butterfly swords</a>(using only 2 steel ball bearings)</td><td>Matched set of Fighting Knives(using 5160 coil springs with the San Mai technique)</td><td>June 17, 2020 (2020-06-17)</td><td>0.80<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:52" href="#fn:52"><sup>52</sup></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="8"><p>Burt Foster is the ABS Master Smith who performed J. Neilson's Master Smith rating test.</p>Results: 1. Burt Foster (S2 E7 & S3 E1); Recurve Camp knife 2. J. Neilson 3. John McNerney (S7 E2); Recurve Bowie 4. Jeff Wagenaar (S5 E2); Musso Bowie knife </td></tr><tr><th scope="row" rowspan="1">4</th><td rowspan="1">"Smith's Choice"</td><td>Signature blades(from home forge)</td><td>Short Sword with a D-guard(either using a foundry to cast handle or canister Damascus to make entire blade)</td><td>Choice of Spadroon, Ida, or Kora Sword(using layered Damascus steel)(Tobin chooses for himself and Dave: the Ida)</td><td>June 24, 2020 (2020-06-24)</td><td>0.80<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:53" href="#fn:53"><sup>53</sup></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="8">Results: 1. Dave Baker 2. Tobin Nieto (S2 E8); Persian Recurve Fighter knife 3. David Goldberg (S1 E4 & S4 E1); Fantasy knife 4. Gene Hodges (S6 E12 & 14); Modified Bowie knife </td></tr><tr><th scope="row" rowspan="1">5</th><td rowspan="1">"The No Can Can"</td><td>Signature blade(from home forge)</td><td><a href="/facts/Falcata/9Jx042yv">Falcata</a>(using high-carbon steel from old tools)</td><td>Short Sword(using saw blades in a make-your-own "no-can" canister Damascus)</td><td>July 1, 2020 (2020-07-01)</td><td>0.83<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:54" href="#fn:54"><sup>54</sup></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="8">Results: 1. J. Neilson 2. Tony Fetters (S5 E3); Recurve Drop Point Bowie knife 3. David Roeder (S1 E5 & S3 E2); Recurve Bowie knife 4. Chris Farrell (S1 E2); Recurve Persian Chopper </td></tr><tr><th scope="row" rowspan="1">6</th><td rowspan="1">"Rock Star Smiths"</td><td>Signature blades(from home forge)</td><td>9-Ringed <a href="/facts/Dao_(Chinese_sword)/e6PCDusz">Broadsword</a></td><td><a href="/facts/Cinquedea/rXuePqu9">Cinquedea</a>(using high-carbon steel bars in a twist and stack method with a handle from a guitar)</td><td>July 8, 2020 (2020-07-08)</td><td>0.71<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:55" href="#fn:55"><sup>55</sup></a></td></tr><tr><td colspan="8">Results: 1. Ben Abbott (S2 E9 & S3 E1) 2. Tyler Hackbarth (S6 E10 & 14); Fighter knife 3. Ryu Lim (S1 E3 & S3 E2); <a href="/facts/Barong_(sword)/4eB57Ltk">Barong</a> 4. Jacob Gayton (S5 E4); <a href="/facts/Kukri/xy9bGfpS">Kukri</a> </td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="notable-contestant-achievements">Notable contestant achievements</h2> <p>Ben Abbott </p><p>Ben Abbott entered seasons 2 and 3 as a contestant and won the "Champion of the Forge" title in both. He debuted as a judge in season 4 of <i>Forged in Fire</i> and later participated in the <i>Forged in Fire: Beat the Judges</i> challenge in 2020, winning the title twice more. Abbott then went on to win five more times in the "Beat the Unbeaten" challenge series in season 8 of <i>Forged in Fire</i>. </p> Ben Abbott's competition record<table><tbody><tr><th scope="col">No.</th><th scope="col">Result</th><th scope="col">Record</th><th scope="col">Opponent(s)</th><th scope="col">Original air date</th><th scope="col">Series</th><th scope="col">S## E##</th><th scope="col">Episode title</th><th scope="col">Note(s)</th></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>Win</td><td>9–0</td><td>Nicholas Cochiolo</td><td>February 2, 2022</td><td><i>Forged in Fire</i></td><td>S8 E45</td><td>"<a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">Beat the Unbeaten: The Final Showdown</a>"</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Win</td><td>8–0</td><td>Brent Stubblefield</td><td>January 26, 2022</td><td><i>Forged in Fire</i></td><td>S8 E44</td><td>"<a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">Beat the Unbeaten: Back for Revenge</a>"</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Win</td><td>7–0</td><td>Caleb Ledford</td><td>January 19, 2022</td><td><i>Forged in Fire</i></td><td>S8 E43</td><td>"<a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">Beat the Unbeaten: Broken Blade Revenge</a>"</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Win</td><td>6–0</td><td>Rob Loveday</td><td>January 12, 2022</td><td><i>Forged in Fire</i></td><td>S8 E42</td><td>"<a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">Beat the Unbeaten: Scrap Steel Challenge</a>"</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Win</td><td>5–0</td><td>Brandon Franklin</td><td>January 12, 2022</td><td><i>Forged in Fire</i></td><td>S8 E41</td><td>"<a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">Beat the Unbeaten: Round One</a>"</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Win</td><td>4–0</td><td>Tyler Hackbarth</td><td>July 8, 2020</td><td><i>Forged in Fire: Beat the Judges</i></td><td>S1 E6</td><td>"Rock Star Smiths"</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Win</td><td>3–0</td><td>John Summerhill</td><td>June 3, 2020</td><td><i>Forged in Fire: Beat the Judges</i></td><td>S1 E1</td><td>"Short Sword Damascus"</td><td>Won money for his choice of charity</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Win</td><td>2–0</td><td>Matthew Parkinson, Salem Straub, and Burt Foster</td><td>August 23, 2016</td><td><i>Forged in Fire</i></td><td>S3 E1</td><td>"<a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">Champions Edition</a>"</td><td>Won $10,000</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Win</td><td>1–0</td><td>Tom McGinnis, Brent Stubblefield, and Nathan Zimmerman</td><td>April 12, 2016</td><td><i>Forged in Fire</i></td><td>S2 E9</td><td>"<a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">The Khanda</a>"</td><td>Won $10,000</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Jesse Hu Jesse Hu won eight times back-to-back in four episodes during the "Gladiators of the Forge" challenge in season 9. In the particular challenge series, contestants were given the choice to continue competing until eliminated. Jesse entered the contest in the third of ten total events, won against Kurt Komyati, chose to continue, and won seven more events thereafter. </p> Jesse Hu's competition record<table><tbody><tr><th scope="col">No.</th><th scope="col">Result</th><th scope="col">Record</th><th scope="col">Opponent(s)</th><th scope="col">Original air date</th><th scope="col">Series</th><th scope="col">S## E##</th><th scope="col">Episode title</th><th scope="col">Note(s)</th></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Win</td><td>8–0</td><td>Kurt Komyati</td><td rowspan="2">August 3, 2022</td><td rowspan="2"><i>Forged in Fire</i></td><td rowspan="2">S9 E17</td><td rowspan="2">"<a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">Gladiators of the Forge: The Final Battles</a>"</td><td>Won $5,000</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Win</td><td>7–0</td><td>Eric Perrault</td><td>Won $5,000</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Win</td><td>6–0</td><td>Matt Brando</td><td rowspan="2">July 27, 2022</td><td rowspan="2"><i>Forged in Fire</i></td><td rowspan="2">S9 E16</td><td rowspan="2">"<a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">Gladiators of the Forge: A Champion's Quest</a>"</td><td>Won $5,000</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Win</td><td>5–0</td><td>John Lachie</td><td>Won $15,000</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Win</td><td>4–0</td><td>Jason Moscolick</td><td rowspan="2">July 20, 2022</td><td rowspan="2"><i>Forged in Fire</i></td><td rowspan="2">S9 E15</td><td rowspan="2">"<a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">Gladiators of the Forge: Vikings vs. Gladiators</a>"</td><td>Won $5,000</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Win</td><td>3–0</td><td>Eric Perrault</td><td>Won $5,000</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Win</td><td>2–0</td><td>Ben Banister</td><td rowspan="2">July 13, 2022</td><td rowspan="2"><i>Forged in Fire</i></td><td rowspan="2">S9 E14</td><td rowspan="2">"<a href="/facts/List_of_Forged_in_Fire_episodes/Xf7DqncR">Gladiators of the Forge: The Battles Continue</a>"</td><td>Won $5,000</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Win</td><td>1–0</td><td>Kurt Komyati</td><td>Won $5,000</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="see-also">See also</h2> <ul><li><a href="/facts/List_of_martial_arts_weapons/9AzK1fx4">List of martial arts weapons</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Weapon/fV9QfoBh">Weapon</a></li></ul> <h2 id="notes">Notes</h2> <h2 id="external-links">External links</h2> <ul><li><a href="http://www.history.com/shows/forged-in-fire">Official website</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4680444/"><i>Forged in Fire</i></a> at <a href="/facts/IMDb_(identifier)/uWrqVYVy">IMDb</a></li> <li>Forged in Fire Latin America (Spanish wiki)</li></ul> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ol> <li id="fn:1"><p>Zumberge, Marianne (April 27, 2015). "History's Weapon Competition Series 'Forged in Fire' to Debut This Summer". Variety. Retrieved August 1, 2015. <a href="https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/forged-in-fire-history-weapon-competition-series-1201480512/" target="_blank">https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/forged-in-fire-history-weapon-competition-series-1201480512/</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:2"><p>Pfeiffer, Jeff (April 27, 2015). "Former "Special Ops Mission" star Wil Willis returns in new History competition series". Channel Guide Magazine. Retrieved August 1, 2015. <a href="http://www.channelguidemagblog.com/index.php/2015/04/27/special-ops-mission-wil-willis-history-competition-series-forged-in-fire/" target="_blank">http://www.channelguidemagblog.com/index.php/2015/04/27/special-ops-mission-wil-willis-history-competition-series-forged-in-fire/</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:3"><p>Kryah, Kevin (June 22, 2015). "Talking Swords on the Brooklyn Set of History's New Reality-Competition Series". Esquire. Retrieved August 2, 2015. <a href="http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a35900/forged-in-fire/" target="_blank">http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a35900/forged-in-fire/</a> <a href="#fnref:3" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:4"><p>"Forged in Fire Full Episodes, Video & More". The History Channel. Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved August 3, 2015. <a href="http://www.history.com/shows/forged-in-fire" target="_blank">http://www.history.com/shows/forged-in-fire</a> <a href="#fnref:4" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:5"><p>"History Channel scheduled Forged in Fire Season 3 premiere date: The release date for Forged in Fire Season 3 — August 23, 2016". premieredate.tv. Archived from the original on June 1, 2016. Retrieved May 24, 2016. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160601131030/http://premieredate.tv/tv-series/2386-when-will-forged-in-fire-season-2-premiere-release-date.html" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20160601131030/http://premieredate.tv/tv-series/2386-when-will-forged-in-fire-season-2-premiere-release-date.html</a> <a href="#fnref:5" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:6"><p>Forged in Fire Season 7, Episode 34 "Super Champion Edition" <a href="#fnref:6" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:7"><p>Zumberge, Marianne (April 27, 2015). "History's Weapon Competition Series 'Forged in Fire' to Debut This Summer". Variety. Retrieved August 1, 2015. <a href="https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/forged-in-fire-history-weapon-competition-series-1201480512/" target="_blank">https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/forged-in-fire-history-weapon-competition-series-1201480512/</a> <a href="#fnref:7" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:8"><p>Kryah, Kevin (June 22, 2015). "Talking Swords on the Brooklyn Set of History's New Reality-Competition Series". Esquire. Retrieved August 2, 2015. <a href="http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a35900/forged-in-fire/" target="_blank">http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a35900/forged-in-fire/</a> <a href="#fnref:8" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:9"><p>Petski, Denise (April 27, 2015). "Bladesmiths Cut To The Chase In New Competition Series On History". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2015. <a href="https://deadline.com/2015/04/bladesmiths-competition-series-forged-in-fire-history-1201416916/" target="_blank">https://deadline.com/2015/04/bladesmiths-competition-series-forged-in-fire-history-1201416916/</a> <a href="#fnref:9" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:10"><p>Pfeiffer, Jeff (April 27, 2015). "Former "Special Ops Mission" star Wil Willis returns in new History competition series". Channel Guide Magazine. Retrieved August 1, 2015. <a href="http://www.channelguidemagblog.com/index.php/2015/04/27/special-ops-mission-wil-willis-history-competition-series-forged-in-fire/" target="_blank">http://www.channelguidemagblog.com/index.php/2015/04/27/special-ops-mission-wil-willis-history-competition-series-forged-in-fire/</a> <a href="#fnref:10" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:11"><p>"Grady Powell - Dual Survival Cast". Archived from the original on November 5, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020. <a href="https://go.discovery.com/tv-shows/dual-survival/bios/grady-powell#:~:text=GRADY%20POWELL%2C%20former%20U.S.%20Army,%2C%20mobility%2C%20and%20survival%20expert." target="_blank">https://go.discovery.com/tv-shows/dual-survival/bios/grady-powell#:~:text=GRADY%20POWELL%2C%20former%20U.S.%20Army,%2C%20mobility%2C%20and%20survival%20expert.</a> <a href="#fnref:11" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:12"><p>"Get to Know Grady Powell | American Grit on FOX". Fox Broadcasting Company. Archived from the original on April 13, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2017. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20170413073113/http://www.fox.com/american-grit/bio/grady-powell" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20170413073113/http://www.fox.com/american-grit/bio/grady-powell</a> <a href="#fnref:12" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:13"><p>""Stars Earn Stripes" Brings Military Combat to Reality Television!". Archived from the original on August 16, 2012. Retrieved March 2, 2018. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20120816015547/http://www.current-movie-reviews.com/41119/stars-earn-stripes-brings-military-combat-to-reality-television/" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20120816015547/http://www.current-movie-reviews.com/41119/stars-earn-stripes-brings-military-combat-to-reality-television/</a> <a href="#fnref:13" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:14"><p>Zumberge, Marianne (April 27, 2015). "History's Weapon Competition Series 'Forged in Fire' to Debut This Summer". Variety. Retrieved August 1, 2015. <a href="https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/forged-in-fire-history-weapon-competition-series-1201480512/" target="_blank">https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/forged-in-fire-history-weapon-competition-series-1201480512/</a> <a href="#fnref:14" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:15"><p>Pfeiffer, Jeff (April 27, 2015). "Former "Special Ops Mission" star Wil Willis returns in new History competition series". Channel Guide Magazine. Retrieved August 1, 2015. <a href="http://www.channelguidemagblog.com/index.php/2015/04/27/special-ops-mission-wil-willis-history-competition-series-forged-in-fire/" target="_blank">http://www.channelguidemagblog.com/index.php/2015/04/27/special-ops-mission-wil-willis-history-competition-series-forged-in-fire/</a> <a href="#fnref:15" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:16"><p>Petski, Denise (April 27, 2015). "Bladesmiths Cut To The Chase In New Competition Series On History". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 26, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2015. <a href="https://deadline.com/2015/04/bladesmiths-competition-series-forged-in-fire-history-1201416916/" target="_blank">https://deadline.com/2015/04/bladesmiths-competition-series-forged-in-fire-history-1201416916/</a> <a href="#fnref:16" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:17"><p>Kryah, Kevin (June 22, 2015). "Talking Swords on the Brooklyn Set of History's New Reality-Competition Series". Esquire. Retrieved August 2, 2015. <a href="http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a35900/forged-in-fire/" target="_blank">http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a35900/forged-in-fire/</a> <a href="#fnref:17" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:18"><p>Kryah, Kevin (June 22, 2015). "Talking Swords on the Brooklyn Set of History's New Reality-Competition Series". Esquire. Retrieved August 2, 2015. <a href="http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a35900/forged-in-fire/" target="_blank">http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a35900/forged-in-fire/</a> <a href="#fnref:18" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:19"><p>Zumberge, Marianne (April 27, 2015). "History's Weapon Competition Series 'Forged in Fire' to Debut This Summer". Variety. Retrieved August 1, 2015. <a href="https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/forged-in-fire-history-weapon-competition-series-1201480512/" target="_blank">https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/forged-in-fire-history-weapon-competition-series-1201480512/</a> <a href="#fnref:19" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:20"><p>Pfeiffer, Jeff (April 27, 2015). "Former "Special Ops Mission" star Wil Willis returns in new History competition series". Channel Guide Magazine. 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