Raid the Cage premiered on October 13, 2023, on CBS as an American adaptation of the Israeli format called Kluv Hazahav (Golden Cage). Developed for U.S. audiences and produced by Sony Pictures Television’s game show division, the series blends mental and physical competition within a high-energy studio environment. The show quickly became a popular feature of CBS’s unscripted programming slate, offering viewers a distinctive take on classic game show mechanics.
Each episode pits two teams of two contestants — often friends, family members, or solo qualifiers paired together — against each other in a series of rounds. Teams earn time to enter “the Cage” by correctly answering trivia questions; the more seconds they accumulate, the more opportunities they have to grab prizes ranging from electronics and trips to cars and cash. During the timed grabs, players must collect as many items as possible before the cage doors close, with successful exits securing those prizes for their team.
After three main rounds, the team that banks the highest total prize value keeps all they’ve collected and advances to a final bonus round called “Beat the Cage.” In this round, teams have one last opportunity to chase even bigger prizes, with success depending on their ability to strategize under pressure and use every second earned throughout gameplay. The combination of trivia, teamwork, and fast-paced grabs distinguishes Raid the Cage within CBS’s game show lineup.
The series is hosted by Damon Wayans Jr. and Jeannie Mai Jenkins, both of whom also serve as executive producers. Wayans Jr. brings comedic energy to the proceedings, while Mai adds dynamic interaction with contestants and helps keep the pace brisk. As of early 2026, Raid the Cage remains in limbo, neither renewed for season 3 nor cancelled.
