Forged in Fire

Competitors re-create weapons from historical periods ranging from Japanese katanas to medieval broadswords to ancient throwing blades. Each entry is judged on its artistry as well as its functionality and accuracy.

Forged in Fire (2015-present) is an American reality competition series that airs on History. Hosted by Wil Willis and Grady Powell, with judges David Lain Baker, Doug Marcaida, J. Neilson and Jason Knight, it follows competing bladesmiths who must re-create weapons drawn from historical periods, from Japanese katanas to medieval broadswords to ancient throwing blades. The engine of each episode is a demanding forge challenge in which contestants shape, temper and finish a blade under time pressure, then face the judges who weigh its artistry as well as its working function and historical accuracy. The show runs across eleven seasons and hundreds of episodes as an ongoing run, with a format built around self-contained contests rather than one continuing story. Its setting is a workshop forge rather than a fixed era, and the atmosphere is hands-on, sweaty and earnest, with heat, hammering and quiet concentration giving way to tense judging moments. Fans of Top Chef and Blood, Sweat and Tears will find resonance in its blend of skilled craft, pressure and expert critique.

Audiences widely consider the series an acclaimed, craft-focused competition that rewards artistry and historical accuracy in bladesmithing.

• Top Chefreality competition built on skilled craft and judged artistry, reality competition
• Blood, Sweat and Tearshands-on craft competition judged on skill and results, reality competition

Release Date

2015-06-22

Episode runtime

42 min

Rating

8.2 / 10 (167)

What is Forged in Fire about?

Competitive bladesmiths re-create historical weapons from katanas to ancient throwing blades, judged on both artistry and function.

What is Forged in Fire like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Forged in Fire as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is Forged in Fire violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Forged in Fire.

What did critics think of Forged in Fire?

Audiences widely consider the series an acclaimed, craft-focused competition that rewards artistry and historical accuracy in bladesmithing.

Which shows are like Forged in Fire?

Shows with a similar feel include Top Chef and Blood, Sweat and Tears.

How long is Forged in Fire?

Forged in Fire: 11 seasons, 272 episodes.

Is Forged in Fire still running?

Yes, Forged in Fire is still running.

Where can I watch Forged in Fire?

In United States, Forged in Fire streams on Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, Philo, HISTORY Vault Apple TV channel, HISTORY Vault Amazon Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, History.