Universal Orlando shutters ‘Fear Factor Live’ show for good

Universal Orlando has confirmed that its long-running “Fear Factor Live” show is closing permanently after a 19-month hiatus prompted by the pandemic.

Rumors of the action-packed attraction closing for good have swirled around the elaborate venue in the Universal Studios park’s World Expo area since last year’s initial shutdown in the wake of the first spread of the Covid-19 virus.

While the rest of the park had re-opened, “Fear Factor Live” did not return, with the venue currently being used for the “Nightmare Fuel” stage show during the current Halloween Horror Nights program.

And, this week, Universal has finally announced that the performance, based on the original NBC TV show and featuring audience members attempting some of the program’s daredevil stunts, will officially end next month.

Their spokesperson confirmed by email: “Yes, the ‘Fear Factor Live’ venue will permanently close at Universal Studios Florida on November 1, 2021. Stay tuned to UniversalOrlando.com for updates about the destination.”

The show originally opened in spring 2005 in both Universal Studios and Universal Hollywood on the back of the NBC program’s success, but only the Orlando version continued past 2008.

It featured three main stunts which audience contestants had to pass in order to reach the final challenge, as well as a couple of hair-raising (and often stomach-turning!) mini-stunts.

“Fear Factor Live” operated seasonally at times, but was back on a full schedule when Universal shut down for almost three months in March 2020 as a result of the pandemic.

There is no initial word on what might replace it, but it would be no surprise if it was demolished to make way for a long-rumored expansion of the neighboring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley section of the park.