A spin-off from the Japanese reality series Sasuke, it is hosted by Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, and Zuri Hall.
The first qualifying round featured three new obstacles: Overpass, Tipping Point, and V Formation, along with 'Split-Decision' (Domino Effect & Spinning Log).
This episode set a record for the fewest finishers in a qualifying episode with only 5. Notable ninjas who did not advance were Mathis "Kid" Owhadi, Thomas Stillings, Barclay Stockett (who returned after missing Season 12), Maggi Thorne, Jeri D’Aurelio, Casey Shuchocki, Nate Burkhalter, Quest O’Neal, John Loobey, and Ben Wilson.
Two rookies, 19-year-old Brett Hernandez Strong and 16-year-old Vance Walker (a two-time American Ninja Warrior Junior winner), both scaled the Mega Wall.
Notable ninjas running the course were super-lightweight champion professional boxer Melissa St. Vil, former NFL player Andrew East (trained by his wife, Olympic gold-medal gymnast Shawn Johnson), and PLL lacrosse player Rob Pannell.
Brian Beckstrand and his son, Kai (who previously competed on American Ninja Warrior Junior), became the first ever father-and-son duo to hit the buzzer in the qualifying round.
Jesse "Flex" Labreck joined Meagan Martin as one of only two women to hit a buzzer in the qualifying round this season.
Among the notable veteran ninjas not advancing to the semifinals was Labreck’s fiancé, Chris DiGangi, as well as Michael Torres.
The show moved to Los Angeles, California for the semifinals, which took place on the lot of Universal Studios Hollywood.
The Power Tower returned here, where the top two finishers would face off for the chance to win a Safety Pass (which would allow for a do-over of stage 1 or 2 of the Finals if necessary).
Some notable competitors like Ethan Swanson, Joe Brown, Flip Rodriguez, Dan Polizzi, and Cal Phlohoros didn't move on to the National Finals.
Jake Murray put the fastest time for the second year in a row in a semifinals round, despite a loss on the Power Tower against Austin Gray.
Joe Moravsky fell on The High Road on his first attempt, but thanks to the Safety Pass, he completed Stage 1 on his second try.
Striding Steps, Double Salmon Ladder (after 8 years of absence), Hammer Drop, and Epic Air Surfer were introduced on Stage 2.