December 15, 2008

Rodeo through the eyes of the cowboys.
Their grit. Their blood. Their voices.

The American cowboy has long been an iconic symbol of grit and determination. Now, you will get to experience the epic struggle of man vs. beast as twelve daring cowboys compete for the ultimate prize—a spectacular ranch in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming.
The eight, one-hour broadcasts will be produced by world-renowned producer Mark Burnett and take sports entertainment in an entire new direction.

This is intense action as these fearless cowboys ride in the three most dangerous disciplines—bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. Each week, one competitor will be sent home in a head-to-head, sudden elimination bull riding match. What’s unique is—you get it to hear it from the voices of the cowboys themselves. No commentators calling the action, this is first-hand grit, sweat and blood. No other program takes you right where the action is and documented right from the competitors. It is this revolutionary approach to television that has brought Spike TV, Mark Burnett and Toughest Cowboy together.
“We are thrilled to be in business with one of the true legends in the television industry,” said John Griffin, vice president, programming, Spike TV.  “The high-action sport of rodeo will be the perfect complement to our Thursday lineup following TNA wrestling.”

Emmy-award winning producer Mark Burnett, behind such landmark series “Survivor” and “The Apprentice,” serves as executive producer for “Toughest Cowboy.”  “Toughest Cowboy” marks the first series to emerge from a pact between Mark Burnett Productions and AEG announced earlier this year.

“The athletes on ‘Toughest Cowboy’ are living icons who take unbelievable risks every time they enter the arena,” said Mark Burnett, President of Mark Burnett Productions. “We are excited to bring their stories to the Spike audience as they fight to secure their American dream in a competition that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.”

The 2009 broadcast season on Spike TV begins January 29, 2009 at 11:00pm ET/PT, 10:00PM CT, 9:00pm MT. The series continues every Thursday at 11:00pm for eight weeks, culminating in the 2009 Finals on March 19, 2009.

2009 TV Broadcast Schedule
January 29      Try-outs, Mesquite, TX
February 5      Tournament 1, Raleigh, NC
February 12    Tournament 2, Indianapolis, IN
February 19    Tournament 3, Columbus, OH
February 26    Tournament 5, Atlanta, GA
March 5           Semi-finals, St. Paul, MN
March 12         Semi-Finals, St. Paul, MN
March 19         Finals, Chicago, IL

Printable Schedule (PDF format)

Want to see the 2009 season live? For tickets and event information click here.