Watch Tough As Nails

Tough As Nails is an American reality competition television series that premiered on CBS in 2020. The show features contestants from demanding occupations including farmers, firefighters, linemen, lumberjacks, builders, and military veterans who compete in challenges related to job skills required in their professions.

The series is hosted by Phil Keoghan, who also created and executive produces the show through his production company. Keoghan was inspired by his grandfather and father who both worked as laborers. He set out to create a competition showcasing the grit, determination and dedication of everyday working class Americans who help build and defend the country.

In the team and individual competitions, contestants aren't just tested on strength, endurance and life skills - they’re also judged on their mental toughness in real-world job challenges. Challenges in past seasons have included breaking concrete with a sledgehammer, layingbricks, building stairs, transporting blocks of ice, and assembling scaffolding several stories high. Contestants are exposed to environments relating to their occupations, from extreme heat to working high above the ground.

The series emphasizes celebrating contestants’ skills, work ethic and perseverance rather than focusing solely on their occupational prestige or pay scale. Many of the competitors take great pride in their unsung roles as the foundation of America’s infrastructure and economy. Their passion shines through as they root each other on and form bonds through shared experiences.

In each episode, the losing player is sent home while the remaining competitors advance to the next challenge. Those who make it to the season finale have a chance to win a grand cash prize along with bragging rights naming them the Toughest of the Tough.

While most reality competition shows feature primarily younger participants, Tough As Nails spotlights an older demographic of everyday heroes in their 30s through 60s. Viewers gain insight into professions they may know little about while being inspired by the determination displayed by men and women who may remind them of their parents or grandparents.

Tough As Nails provides a unique perspective honoring American workers who don’t often receive public recognition or glory for jobs well done. By showcasing real people in real working environments, the show gives audiences a glimpse into demands and difficulties those in laborious jobs face daily to keep our society functioning. The series has struck a chord by highlighting incredible people who embody perseverance, mental toughness, teamwork and an unmatched work ethic.

Tough As Nails is a series that ran for 5 seasons (53 episodes) between March 18, 2010 and on HGTV