Wil Willis left “Forged in Fire” after the seventh season due to his contract ending and the show deciding to go in a different direction. Grady Powell, a former Green Beret, replaced him as the host starting with the eighth season.
Wil Willis was the host of the History Channel’s “Forged in Fire” from its inception in 2015 until the end of the seventh season in 2020. His departure from the show was not due to any public controversy or scandal but seemed to be a mutual decision between Willis and the show’s producers. The exact reasons behind the change have not been publicly disclosed, but it is common for television shows to make changes to their format and personnel to keep the content fresh for viewers.
Before his time on “Forged in Fire,” Willis had a background in the military, which included service as an Army Ranger and an Air Force Pararescueman. This experience lent him a certain credibility and authority as the host of a show centered around weapons and craftsmanship. His military background, combined with his charismatic on-screen presence, helped to establish the show’s popularity.
When Willis left the show, he was replaced by Grady Powell for the eighth season, which premiered in November 2020. Powell is also a veteran, having served as a U.S. Army Green Beret, and he brought his own unique set of skills and personality to the show. The transition between hosts was smooth, and “Forged in Fire” continues to be a popular series for viewers interested in bladesmithing and weapon forging competitions.