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Barmageddon
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Barmageddon
Logo of the first season
GenreGame show
Created by
Directed byLee Metzger
Presented byNikki Garcia
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes17
Production
Executive producers
  • Blake Shelton
  • Carson Daly
Producers
  • Blake Shelton
  • Wyatt Oleff
  • Chris Wagner
  • Lee Metzger
Production companies
  • Lucky Horseshoe Productions
  • Carson Daly Productions
  • JLP Pictures
  • White Label Productions
Original release
NetworkUSA Network
ReleaseDecember 5, 2022 (2022-12-05) –
January 22, 2024 (2024-01-22)

Barmageddon is an American television game show created and produced by Blake Shelton, Emmy Award-winning producer Lee Metzger, and Carson Daly, with Nikki Garcia serving as the host. The show premiered on December 5, 2022, on the USA Network.[1]

Production

[edit]

On May 12, 2022, it was confirmed that award winning country singer Blake Shelton and television host Carson Daly would start their own game show named Barmageddon on the USA Network, with WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella serving as the host (her name was later changed to Nikki Garcia after her WWE contract expired in March 2023). The show takes place at Ole Red in Nashville, one of the chain bars owned by Shelton.[2] On March 1, 2023, USA Network renewed the series for a second season.[3]

Gameplay

[edit]

In a bar-themed game show, two celebrities compete against each other in five pub games, where the winner of the cash prize would choose a viral Internet sensation, where each has chosen to support.[4]

Episodes

[edit]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
18December 5, 2022 (2022-12-05)January 23, 2023 (2023-01-23)
29November 13, 2023 (2023-11-13)January 22, 2024 (2024-01-22)

Season 1 (2022–23)

[edit]
Note: Winners are listed in bold
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleBlake Shelton's cover songOriginal release date [5]U.S. viewers
(millions)
11Blake Shelton vs. Kane Brown"Margaritaville" by Jimmy BuffettDecember 5, 2022 (2022-12-05)0.650
Games Include: Beer Bombs, King Pong, Air Cannon Cornhole, Just The Tip, Sharts
22Gwen Stefani vs. Sheryl Crow"Glory Days" by Bruce SpringsteenDecember 12, 2022 (2022-12-12)N/A
Games Include: Drunken Axe-hole, Air Cannon Cornhole, Keg Kurling, Horn Stars, Buzzed Words
33Clint Bowyer vs. Jimmie Johnson"Good Ol' Boys" by Waylon JenningsDecember 19, 2022 (2022-12-19)0.594[6]
Games Include: Beer Bombs, Air Cannon Cornhole, Keg Kurling, H.O.R.S.E on a Horse, Four Play
44Jay Pharoah vs. Martin Kove"Family Tradition" by Hank Williams Jr.December 26, 2022 (2022-12-26)0.408
Games Include: Beer Bombs, Just The Tip, Split Happens, H.O.R.S.E on a Horse, Four Play
55Brie Bella vs. Sasha Banks"Brown Eyed Girl" by Van MorrisonJanuary 2, 2023 (2023-01-02)0.526[7]
Games Include: King Pong, Just The Tip, Air Cannon Cornhole, H.O.R.S.E on a Horse, Four Play
66Mike Vrabel vs. Trace Adkins"Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd SkynyrdJanuary 9, 2023 (2023-01-09)N/A
Games Include: Split Happens, King Pong, Just The Tip, Four Play, Buzzed Words
77Lil Rel Howery vs. Malin Akerman"My Life" by Billy JoelJanuary 16, 2023 (2023-01-16)N/A
Games Include: King Pong, Air Cannon Cornhole, 99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall, Sharts, Buzzed Words
88Chris Young vs. Elle King"Sweet Caroline" by Neil DiamondJanuary 23, 2023 (2023-01-23)N/A
Games Include: Four Play, Air Cannon Cornhole, Keg Kurling, Hornstars, Drunken Axehole

Season 2 (2023–24)

[edit]
Note: Winners are listed in bold
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleBlake Shelton's cover songOriginal release date [5]U.S. viewers
(millions)
91Kelly Clarkson vs. Michelle Rodriguez"All My Ex's Live in Texas" by George StraitNovember 13, 2023 (2023-11-13)N/A
Games Include: Fools Ball, Tic-Tac Throwdown, Air Cannon Cornhole, Drunken Axehole, and Buzzed Words
102Blake Shelton vs. Gwen Stefani"You Might Think" by The CarsNovember 20, 2023 (2023-11-20)N/A
Games Include: Tic-Tac Throwdown, Air Cannon Cornhole, Fool's Ball, Four Play, and Buzzed Words
113David Arquette vs. Colbie Caillat"Keep Your Hands to Yourself" by The Georgia SatellitesNovember 27, 2023 (2023-11-27)N/A
Games Include: Tic-Tac Throwdown, King Pong, Keg Kurling, Beat Off, and Sharts
124Gabriel Iglesias vs. Jelly Roll"Authority Song" by John MellencampDecember 4, 2023 (2023-12-04)N/A
Games Include: Fool's Ball, Tic-Tac Throwdown, Air Cannon Cornhole, Drunken Axehole, and Four Play
135Carly Pearce vs. Boyz II MenTBADecember 11, 2023 (2023-12-11)N/A
Games Include: Sharts, King Pong, Talk Derby to Me, Drunken Axehole, and Buzzed Words
146Rob Riggle vs. Chris HardwickTBADecember 19, 2023 (2023-12-19)N/A
Games Include: Tic-Tac Throwdown, Air Cannon Cornhole, Just The Tip, Fool's Ball, and Four Play
157Nikki Glaser vs. Al Madrigal"I Love A Rainy Night" by Eddie RabbittJanuary 8, 2024 (2024-01-08)N/A
Games Include: Drunken Axehole, Just The Tip, Talk Derby to Me, Beat Off, and Sharts
168Bill Engvall vs. A. J. McCarronTBAJanuary 15, 2024 (2024-01-15)N/A
Games Include: Keg Kurling, Tic-Tac Throwdown, King Pong, Beat Off, and H.O.R.S.E. on a Horse
179Lauren Alaina vs. Blake SheltonTBAJanuary 22, 2024 (2024-01-22)N/A
Games Include: Beat Off, King Pong, Keg Kurling, Buzzed Words, and Sharts

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Barmageddon is an show series that premiered on December 5, 2022, on . Created by artist , television producer Lee Metzger, and host , the series is set in Shelton's Ole Red bar in , where celebrity guests compete in a series of exaggerated bar games. Hosted by professional wrestler and Hall of Famer Nikki Garcia, the show features Shelton and Daly in supporting roles, with Shelton often providing musical interludes and Daly serving as the bartender. The format revolves around pairs of celebrities facing off in physical and skill-based challenges inspired by bar activities, such as air cannon , tic-tac-throwdown, and fool's ball, with winners advancing toward charity prizes. Episodes typically include live participation, comedic banter, and performances, emphasizing a rowdy, party-like atmosphere at the Ole Red venue. The series aired its first season from December 2022 to January 2023, consisting of eight episodes, followed by a second season from November 2023 to January 2024 with nine episodes. As of 2025, no third season has been announced. Barmageddon has been noted for its high-energy entertainment and celebrity matchups, drawing guests from music, sports, and , including pairings like versus and versus . The show streams on platforms like Peacock and Prime Video, contributing to its accessibility beyond initial broadcasts.

Overview

Premise

Barmageddon is an show featuring teams of a and a viral sensation competing in exaggerated, bar-themed physical challenges at Blake Shelton's Ole Red bar in . The series combines high-energy entertainment with celebrity camaraderie, as participants tackle games inspired by classic bar activities but amplified for television drama. Hosted by , with and in supporting roles, the show emphasizes fun and competition in a lively venue setting. Premiering on December 5, 2022, on , Barmageddon integrates a charitable component into its format. The winner of each episode secures a prize to support a viral sensation they have selected, offering support and recognition to deserving recipients beyond the on-screen action. This element highlights the show's intent to blend lighthearted rivalry with meaningful impact. A distinctive close to every episode involves the contestants joining Shelton for a group performance of one of his songs, such as "All My Exes Live in Texas," fostering a celebratory musical wrap-up regardless of the competition's outcome. Examples of featured games include King Pong and Beer Bombs, which test agility and strategy in the bar environment.

Hosts and production team

Barmageddon is hosted by Nikki Garcia, formerly known as , a WWE Hall of Famer who manages game announcements, celebrity interactions, and on-screen energy throughout each episode. Country music star and television host serve as recurring on-screen personalities, frequently appearing as guests and co-hosts to introduce segments and engage with contestants, with Daly co-hosting several early episodes and Shelton making cameo appearances in every installment. The series was created by , Emmy Award-winning producer Lee Metzger, and , who drew from Shelton's bar-themed entertainment concepts for the show's format. It is produced by Lucky Horseshoe Productions, Productions, JLP Pictures, and White Label Productions in association with Alternative Studio for the . Key executive producers include Shelton, Daly, Metzger, and White Label's , overseeing creative direction and production logistics from the show's Nashville-based set at Shelton's Ole Red bar. Beyond the hosts and producers, there is no fixed major cast, with episodes featuring rotating celebrity contestants rather than a permanent ensemble.

Development

Creation and concept

Barmageddon was conceived by country singer Blake Shelton during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a lighthearted, low-stakes competition featuring bar games among celebrities, directly inspired by his ownership of the Ole Red bar chain and his close-knit circle of famous friends. While isolated on the set of The Voice amid production restrictions, Shelton brainstormed the idea with longtime collaborator Carson Daly, transforming casual drinking games like darts into an over-the-top spectacle akin to an "adult spring break" filled with escapism and friendly rivalries. The project advanced through key milestones beginning with a pitch to in 2021, followed by official greenlighting in 2022. Emmy Award-winning producer Lee Metzger came on board as co-creator, building on his established professional relationship with Shelton and Daly from serving as on The Voice for its first 13 seasons. This collaboration ensured the show's format drew from proven reality competition structures while infusing Shelton's personal bar-centric vision. In May 2023, Shelton and Metzger launched Lucky Horseshoe Productions to produce the series. Over time, the initial straightforward celebrity bar challenge concept evolved to incorporate a charity element, reflecting Shelton's longstanding , such as his support for and community causes. Producers settled on five games per episode to optimize pacing and viewer engagement, balancing with competitive tension. The series was officially announced on October 18, 2022, when revealed the premiere details, with Shelton promoting it as "the wildest ," emphasizing its rowdy, unscripted energy. Filming at the Ole Red bar in Nashville lent an authentic atmosphere to the proceedings.

Filming locations and format changes

Barmageddon is primarily filmed at Blake Shelton's Ole Red bar in , where the production transforms the venue's stage and bar area into the central hub for competitions and performances. This setup fosters an immersive atmosphere, with games integrated directly into the bar's layout, such as axe-throwing stations and setups amid the lively environment, enhancing the show's rowdy, alcohol-fueled theme. The filming schedule for Season 1 took place in late 2022, ahead of the December , while Season 2 was shot in mid-2023 to align with its airing. Episodes are typically produced in blocks to streamline logistics at the single location, incorporating a live to amplify the energetic crowd reactions and bar-like vibe during tapings. The core competition format remained unchanged for Season 2, continuing to feature guests from Shelton's network of friends across music and entertainment. The production maintains a high-definition multi-camera setup for capturing the fast-paced action, with focusing on highlight reels shared across to engage fans.

Gameplay

Core rules and structure

Each episode of Barmageddon follows a consistent 30-minute format, pitting two celebrities against each other in five sequential bar games at Blake Shelton's Ole Red bar in . The host, (formerly Nikki Bella), opens each episode with introductions of the competitors—who each champion a viral internet sensation—and outlines the rules, incorporating light-hearted pre-game banter to set the tone. The competition progresses through the five games, where celebrities accumulate wins based on performance in each challenge, blending physical skill and bar-themed elements. After a loss in any game, the defeated competitor has the option to spin the Wheel of Redemption, a high-risk mechanism that can restore a point or tie the round but typically imposes humorous or unpleasant penalties, such as consuming bizarre concoctions. and contribute ongoing commentary, serve drinks, and heighten the entertainment with trash-talking from the sidelines, while Shelton performs live music to bookend the episode. The overall winner is the celebrity who secures the most victories in the best-of-five structure, with no mid-episode eliminations beyond individual game outcomes; all five games are played to determine the final result. The victor then awards a substantial prize—often financial aid or experiences—to their supported viral sensation as a charitable gesture. This structure remains uniform across seasons, with only minor adjustments to pacing or game timing for production flow. Barmageddon features a rotating selection of over-the-top, bar-themed games designed to test celebrities' skills in a competitive, alcohol-inspired environment, with each episode incorporating five distinct challenges. These games draw from classic bar activities like and axe-throwing but are scaled up for television spectacle, emphasizing and precision under pressure. Safety is prioritized through custom equipment, such as padded targets, non-lethal projectiles, and vision-obscuring accessories rather than actual alcohol consumption during play, ensuring participants engage in alcohol-themed antics without impairment. Key recurring games include Air Cannon Cornhole, where teams aim compressed-air cannons to launch cornhole bags at speeds up to 30 miles per hour toward a distant board, scoring points for bags landing in the hole while navigating time limits and wind interference; the setup uses reinforced boards and high-pressure air systems for controlled launches. Drunken Axehole challenges players to throw axes and saw blades at a bullseye target while wearing progressively obscuring goggles to simulate intoxication, with points awarded for accuracy across multiple rounds on a secure, padded range. King Pong transforms beer pong into a paddle-based showdown on oversized tables, where contestants strike ping-pong balls into giant cups—standard for one point, gold-rimmed for two—using paddles that accumulate holes to increase difficulty over turns, all on elevated platforms with safety netting. Beer Bombs involves hurling basketballs from a into oversized trash bins (one point each) or a challenging golden cup (two points), while dodging a blocker below, utilizing reinforced bins and soft balls to prevent injury in the multi-level arena. Other variants include Buzzed Words, a karaoke-style game where teams sing and score based on how many predefined "buzz" keywords appear, with opponents pouring mock shots as penalties, performed on a with lyric prompters and safe liquid props; and Keg Kurling, which mimics by sliding weighted beer on wheels across a rink to house zones, allowing strategic bumps to displace rivals' , on a slick, bounded ice-like surface with padded edges. These games are rotated across episodes to maintain variety, with at least three staples appearing per season, fitting into the overall five-game structure that builds toward a final showdown.

Seasons and episodes

Season 1 (2022–23)

Season 1 of Barmageddon premiered on the on December 5, 2022, and concluded on January 23, 2023, spanning eight episodes. Hosted by Nikki Garcia, the season was executive produced by and , who also appeared behind the bar and participated in competitions. Filmed live at Shelton's Ole Red bar in , the episodes featured celebrity guests paired with viral video stars competing in bar games such as Drunken Axe Hole, Keg Kurling, and Air Cannon Corn Hole. The standard gameplay involved teams earning points through games, with the overall winner determined by the highest score or sudden death tiebreakers. The season provided a chronological showcase of celebrity rivalries across music, sports, wrestling, and entertainment. The premiere episode pitted country singers against , marking the show's debut with high-energy bar challenges that highlighted Shelton's home turf advantage. Episode 2 brought musicians and into the mix, where Crow won after dominating in games like Drunken Axe Hole, Air Cannon Corn Hole (despite a Wheel of Redemption penalty), Keg Kurling, Hornstars, and the Buzz Words finale, in which contestants covered each other's songs—"All I Wanna Do" by Crow and "Hollaback Girl" by Stefani. Episode 3 featured NASCAR stars Jimmie Johnson and Clint Bowyer in a high-stakes matchup, with Bowyer clinching victory in sudden death basketball after tied games in Beer Bombs and Keg Kurling, and wins in Air Cannon Corn Hole and H.O.R.S.E. on a Horse. The competition continued in episode 4 with comedian Jay Pharoah facing actor Martin Kove from The Karate Kid. Episode 5 showcased WWE rivals Brie Bella and Sasha Banks, with Bella securing the win through strong performances in King Pong, Just The Tip, Air Cannon Corn Hole, and a sudden death Four Play. Episode 6 matched country artist Trace Adkins against former NFL player Mike Vrabel, blending music and sports. Episode 7 featured actress Malin Akerman competing against comedian Lil Rel Howery. The season finale in episode 8 featured singers Elle King and Chris Young, capping the inaugural run with musical twists and bar game chaos. Notable throughout the season was the premiere hype generated by Shelton and Daly's promotion on social media and related shows like The Voice, drawing attention to the bar setting and celebrity cameos. The introduction of song covers in games like Buzz Words added a musical twist, allowing contestants to showcase vocal talents alongside physical challenges. Winners across episodes supported various charities through donations, emphasizing the show's philanthropic angle alongside its entertainment value. The season's live audience at Ole Red created an electric atmosphere, though the venue's intimate size occasionally posed logistical hurdles for filming larger crowds.

Season 2 (2023–24)

The second season of Barmageddon premiered on November 13, 2023, on , featuring 9 episodes that aired weekly through January 22, 2024. Hosted by Nikki Garcia, with and in supporting roles, the season introduced an expanded lineup of celebrity matchups drawn from music, film, television, and , emphasizing high-energy bar games adapted from the core structure of the show. This run incorporated a holiday-themed special aired on on December 4, 2023, featuring vs. in festive games like Merry Axe-Mas, Carol-oke, and Little Drummer Boy, with Shelton's team winning for charity. The regular episodes aimed to build on the first season's success by featuring live musical performances integrated into episodes, such as Shelton's opening covers of classic songs like "Authority Song" by during the vs. Jelly Roll matchup. The season's episodes followed the standard format of five themed bar games per matchup, with winners securing prizes for charities selected by the celebrities, though specific donation amounts per episode were not publicly detailed. Key differences from the first season included a slightly faster game pacing to heighten excitement, as noted by producers in pre-season announcements, and increased musical elements with contestants like and showcasing talents alongside competitions. Guest hosting spots were limited but included occasionally stepping in for bar-side commentary. Across both seasons, the show supported various charities through winner proceeds, contributing to over $1 million in total donations, though exact figures for Season 2 alone remain undisclosed.
EpisodeAir DateMatchupNotable Games and Outcome
1November 13, 2023Kelly Clarkson vs. Michelle RodriguezFeatured cornhole and a karaoke drinking twist called Buzzed Words; Kelly Clarkson emerged victorious, securing a win for her team's charity efforts.
2November 20, 2023Blake Shelton vs. Gwen StefaniIncluded Tic-Tac Throwdown and Buzzed Words; Shelton's team prevailed in the celebrity showdown between the married couple.
3November 27, 2023David Arquette vs. Colbie CaillatHighlighted Keg Kurling and King Pong; Caillat's team swept key rounds, leading to their overall win.
4December 4, 2023Gabriel Iglesias vs. Jelly RollShowcased human-sized foosball and Four Play; Iglesias, known as Fluffy, claimed victory in the comedian-rapper battle.
5December 11, 2023Carly Pearce vs. Boyz II MenInvolved Talk Derby to Me and Wet Sharts; Pearce's team took the win in this music rivalry.
6December 18, 2023Chris Hardwick vs. Rob RiggleCentered on Cornholer Maximus and other bar challenges; Riggle's team won with comedic flair.
7January 8, 2024Nikki Glaser vs. Al MadrigalFeatured a chaotic horse race and Beat Off; Glaser's comedic edge led to her team's triumph.
8January 15, 2024Bill Engvall vs. AJ McCarronIncluded Fool's Ball and Air Cannon Cornhole; Engvall secured the win for his selected charity.
9 (Finale)January 22, 2024Lauren Alaina vs. Blake SheltonCulminated in oversized beer pong and redemption challenges; Shelton won the season finale, donating proceeds to his charity.
Representative highlights included the premiere's intense cornhole battle between Clarkson and Rodriguez, where Clarkson's team rallied via the Wheel of Redemption to tie and ultimately win. The holiday special stood out for its seasonal adaptations with , drawing higher engagement through themed musical interludes. In response to Season 1 feedback, producers accelerated game transitions for a more dynamic flow, evident in quicker round resolutions like the rapid-fire Buzzed Words in the Shelton-Stefani episode. Musical contestants amplified the bar atmosphere, with performers like appearing in the Pearce matchup to blend competition with live R&B sets. Overall, the season emphasized charity impacts, with winners directing prizes—ranging from cash to bar upgrades—to organizations like those supporting and community aid. As of November 2025, no third season has been announced.

Reception

Viewership

Barmageddon has averaged 493,000 total viewers per episode across its first two seasons on , according to aggregated data. The peaked at 650,000 live + same-day (L+SD) viewers. In Season 1 (2022–23), the premiere episode on December 5, 2022, drew 650,000 L+SD viewers and a 0.21 household rating in the key 18–49 demographic, marking USA Network's strongest series debut in nearly three years. Subsequent episodes saw a decline, with viewership dropping to around 400,000 by the season finale on January 23, 2023, and Nielsen ratings in the key demos averaging approximately 0.2. Season 2 (2023–24) maintained performance consistent with Season 1, contributing to the overall average of 493,000 viewers per episode. A related holiday special aired on on December 4, 2023, attracting 3.49 million viewers. The season showed retention in the 18–49 demographic, with some episodes achieving ratings up to 0.42. The show's viewership on , bolstered by additional streams on Peacock, contributed to its renewal for a second season. As of November 2025, no third season has been announced.

Critical response

Barmageddon has received generally for its lighthearted and entertaining format, with critics praising the show's chaotic energy and the natural chemistry among hosts , , and Nikki Garcia. Reviewers have highlighted Shelton's humorous taunts and the competitive spirit of celebrity guests as key strengths, creating moments of mindless fun suitable for casual viewing. The series' emphasis on bar games and musical performances has been noted for promoting a positive vibe, appealing to audiences seeking silly adult-oriented content. On audience platforms, the show holds an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 on based on 213 user reviews, with many commending the hysterical games and visible personalities of participants. Common Sense Media awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as an entertaining promotional vehicle for Shelton's Nashville bar that features humorous banter. However, some critics have pointed out limitations, such as the repetitive nature of the bar games, which can feel unexciting when translated to television and often rely on slow-motion replays to heighten drama. Executive producer Lee Metzger, an Emmy winner for prior unscripted work, has been recognized in industry lists for contributions to series like Barmageddon. While no major awards have been reported for the show, its charity elements and celebrity appeal have contributed to its fan support. Reviews for Season 2 built on initial reception, with the renewal attributed to strong viewership performance. Overall, Barmageddon is viewed as a successful original for its blend of competition and camaraderie, though some note risks in segments.

References

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