As reality TV became a bigger part of the cultural zeitgeist, The Challenge was must-see TV for Gen X and elder millennial. With the backdrop of competition infusing the social dynamics of the game, the stars of The Challenge competed while living together and partying together, which stacked another layer onto the competitive aspect of the series. Throughout the series, how The Challenge cast members integrated their social game into the cut-and-dry style competition became more complicated, making the show even more fascinating. Having been there from the inception, Mark has been part of the blueprint of The Challenge.

https://screenrant.com/the-challenge-season-40-mark-long-godfather-just-getting-started/