Critic Reviews

[Host John Cena is] smart and he’s funny when he goes off-script. He gives American Grit its shot at glory.

There’s a certain flair in the way Cena speaks, fluently, the language of military veterans. Better still, there’s genuine grace in the way he lets the veterans themselves do most the talking.

Cena brings energy and earnestness to the hosting chores, as do the mentors. Yet barring audiences forging some unforeseen bond with the by-the-numbers competitors, American Grit seems too familiar and derivative.

American Grit is sluggishly paced, and plays like one of those weeks on Survivor when everyone is just waiting for the visit from their “loved ones” so they can cry and hug a little before the next test of strength.