NBC announced its Emmy Award-nominated series "American Ninja Warrior" returns for season 12 premiering September 7. Hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila return along with sideline reporter Zuri Hall.

The eight-episode season took place in St. Louis at the Dome at America's Center with the Top 50 athletes who each brought two people from their communities with them for a total of 150 competitors. According to NBC's press release, "'American Ninja Warrior' is the first NBC series to have completed a full season of episodes during the current pandemic." 

This season will have an abridged format featuring multiple rounds: Qualifiers (6 obstacle course), Semi-Finals (10 obstacle course) and Finals (10 obstacle course + Power Tower playoff bracket). "To determine the winner during the Finals, the top eight ninjas will compete in a playoff bracket where they will race head-to-head on the Power Tower. The winner will earn $100,000," says the press release.

Season 12 of "American Ninja Warrior" premieres Monday, Sept. 7 with a two-hour episode beginning at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Photo by: NBC