Social media absolutely loses it over the first episode of Australian Ninja Warrior

TARZAN, a male stripper, a sopping wet bunny and a speedo-clad ‘deadly’ warrior. The ratings are in, and it seems Aussies love hot half-naked people running obstacle courses.

THE figures are in, and it’s official: Aussies love Australian Ninja Warrior.

The first episode of the obstacle course race show delivered massive numbers for Nine last night, with an incredible 1.68 million people tuning in across the five capital cities.

For comparison, that’s 350,000 more than who tuned in to the Voice finale at the same time on Nine last Sunday.

It also saw Nine obliterate rivals Seven (House Rules rated 1.142 million for its winner announcement) and Ten (Masterchef rated a poor 625,000 viewers).

Based on a Japanese format that’s found huge success in the US, Ninja Warrior is essentially a giant obstacle course through which contenders must race.

If they make it to the end - and fast enough - they’re in the running to be named the ultimate Ninja Warrior.

He’s the monkey man with lungs of a lady! 🙉😅 #NinjaWarriorAU pic.twitter.com/1tKpP0PEHR

— Ninja Warrior (@NinjaWarriorAU) July 9, 2017

And most Aussies seemed to be loving the action-packed show’s shtick. As its first episode played out, social media lit up enthusiastically - and many hilariously so.

Those who had a crack included a former hurdling champion, a retired gymnast, a girl dressed as a bunny rabbit, a bloke wearing a Deadpool suit who’s a part-time stripper and a fellow dressed as Tarzan.
What’s not to love?

Here’s how Twitter reacted to what appears to be the country’s new favourite show.

This is me sitting on my couch judging these people for their lack of athletic prowess #NinjaWarriorAU pic.twitter.com/13xjao0v6G

— bdavin68 (@bdv1968) July 9, 2017

Me every time someone on #NinjaWarriorAU faceplants despite not being able to do one chin-up pic.twitter.com/Xn9uUymAQ8

— Sarah McPhee (@_SarahMcPhee) July 9, 2017

Can't wait for the Parkour twins. #NinjaWarriorAU pic.twitter.com/dA0mTyUCbf

— RB 🎧 (@RayRockyDog) July 9, 2017

Australian ninja warrior will never be in the same league as Its a Knockout .. #NinjaWarriorAU pic.twitter.com/inVkyeDeJ7

— MickyT (@mickt74t) July 9, 2017

When your mate says he could smash the Ninja Warrior course... #NinjaWarriorAU pic.twitter.com/wV8gg5Kn1N

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) July 9, 2017

I'M SO EXCITED THAT AUSTRALIAN NINJA WARRIOR IS NOW A THING

— moody (@ssaltfish) July 9, 2017

Me on ninja warrior #NinjaWarriorAU pic.twitter.com/ElbwKokutA

— tadem (@Tadem2Tadem) July 9, 2017

Ninja Warrior - I'm stuck at the bit where I mentally undress the Pommy host. #NinjaWarriorAU

— RahRe (@SoSaysRenee) July 9, 2017

My brother is trying to somersault after seeing the twins do it on ninja warrior 😂😂

— Darlie (@dulcieNgabbana7) July 9, 2017

One of the First Australians becomes the first Australian Ninja Warrior. Deadly. 👍 https://t.co/msqGg019oC

— Andrew T 🌊 (@Axio_T) July 9, 2017

You're not moonlighting as the Ninja Warrior poster boy, are you David? pic.twitter.com/KMoDGnkr7P

— newto (@BryanANewton) July 9, 2017

Watching Australian Ninja Warrior has inspired me to become a stripper. Or drink more beer. I'll have a few more first, then strip

— Dan For All (@insanesna1l) July 9, 2017

"You just completed #NinjaWarriorAU! How do you feel?" "My cardio is terrible." Meanwhile, my cardio... pic.twitter.com/qBINYjbkau

— Carter Moore (@Fiatnox) July 9, 2017

What did you think of the first episode of Australian Ninja Warrior? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Originally published as Social media absolutely loses it over the first episode of Australian Ninja Warrior