American Grit 2016: TV Schedule, Preview for John Cena Reality Show

WWE Superstar John Cena will continue dabbling in other areas of the entertainment industry when his reality TV series, American Grit, begins airing on Fox with Thursday's premiere at 9 p.m. ET.  

Fox ordered 10 episodes of the competition show, which features 16 men and women divided into four teams. They are faced with a number of "military-grade and survival-themed challenges," and the team left standing at the end reaps the rewards of a $1 million grand prize.

"The U.S Military is the epitome of resolve and dedication, which is why I am so excited to be a part of American Grit," said Cena in a November news release from Fox. "This show will not only be a challenging and fierce competition, but it will give viewers a glimpse into the perseverance and training of the men and women of the Armed Forces."

Members of multiple branches of the Armed Forces will serve as mentors on the set for the civilians who will participate in the show. Based on the recent trailer Fox released in the video above, there seems to be a playful tone among them.

But that will likely precede an atmosphere of utmost intensity during the show, for which Cena serves as the host and executive producer.

"The Cadre" is the group of elite military mentors contestants will lean on and be pushed by throughout the show. They consist of Rorke Denver, Noah Galloway, Tawanda Hanible and Nick Irving.

American Grit's official Twitter page linked to a preview of the series on Hulu ahead of Thursday's premiere and showed some highlights of Cena and a bit of training the competitors will go through:

This show isn't the first time Cena has been linked the military by way of the entertainment industry. His first starring film role came in 2006's The Marine, a movie that didn't resonate with the vast majority of critics.

The reality TV realm, combined with Cena's ever-growing profile and a unique concept, seems more conducive to a successful run for at least one season of American Grit.

Cena recruited the contestants from across the U.S. himself, according to the Hulu preview, and wants to give viewers an inside look at what it takes to be an elite-level member of the American military.

Given the testimony some of the American Grit competitors gave through a Monday promotional video, they all seem determined to come out on top in what should be a heated fight for glory:

With multiple military personnel on set to ensure an authentic training experience and a strong personality like Cena as a catalyst, American Grit has all the makings of a smash hit.

Whether the show's content lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but Cena's presence almost guarantees strong initial ratings.

Also helping the cause is the fact that Leftfield Entertainment is producing the show. As Fox's release noted, the production company facilitated Pawn Stars among other sleeper hits, and it figures to do a fine job with a fascinating show concept and a headliner like Cena leading the charge.

Next Thursday, April 21, the second episode will follow the show's premiere at the same time, per Fox.