If you are like me, you watched countless hours of NBC's American Gladiators between 1989 and 1997. Each week, athletic contestants faced off against body builders in games such as The Assault, Joust, The Wall, Breakthrough and Conquer, Hang Tough, and Powerball. Come midseason, NBC will bring the show back to primetime.During last night's installment of Last Comic Standing, the network aired a promo to advertise the upcoming season of AG. It's doubtful that Gladiators such as Gemini, Nitro, Laser and Blaze will be back. But it would be nice to have some guest stars. Zap2It reveals that the show will incorporate elements from the old series but will focus more on the contestants than it used to.
NBC is currently auditioning for gladiators and contenders for the new version of the show. If you are "big, bad, and athletic with a personality that sizzles," as NBC puts it on its site, then you can download an application.
The Cheers episode Ken Levine's still writing in his head
Giveaway Tuesday: Fastlane - The Complete Series
Giveaway Monday: The X-Files: Revelations on DVD
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-23-2007 @ 2:18PM
Scott said...
I think this answers the question "Just HOW desperate is NBC?"
Reply
8-23-2007 @ 2:19PM
Gilbert0 said...
Very Cool - I loved this show when I was a kid. Will try it again. I remember the old Ninetendo game version - gotta love it.
Reply
8-23-2007 @ 2:35PM
Mike said...
I still watch the re-runs on ESPN Classic. Csonka's Zonks is where it's at.
Reply
8-23-2007 @ 2:47PM
Dave said...
Make it look more like Ninja Warrior / Sasuke, and I'm in.
Heck, who am I kidding, I am probably in anyway.
Reply
8-23-2007 @ 2:49PM
Oreo said...
I LOVED this show when I was younger, great show.
But has NBC and FOX switch places? Fox used to be known for dumb sitcoms and "When Animals Attack Children on Bikes Part 189". NBC was know for good shows, number 1 shows. Fox now has decent sitcoms, lots of new dramas, and House and Bones. NBC has.... umm..... Deal or No Deal? Proves my point.
Reply
8-23-2007 @ 2:59PM
Chris said...
Yeah...not so much. NBC still has Earl, 30 Rock, The Office and Scrubs. FOX has....cartoons and that crappy Till Death sitcom. Sure Fox has Bones and House but until FOX consistently puts on good sitcoms that last more than 1-2 seasons I don't quite think they have switched with NBC yet.
Reply
8-23-2007 @ 3:16PM
David said...
I liked this show even though it was very campy. I think re-creating it is an idea worth trying. (It's not like NBC has our respect anymore - they have nothing to lose! *laugh*)
Reply
8-23-2007 @ 3:55PM
TVGenius said...
Sounds like it might be OK... I loved the original as a kid...my parents even took me to a taping and we were in the front row right at the finish line of the Eliminator.
But I'm scared by the 'focusing more on the contestants part'. The old way worked... I'm sick of all the vignettes and packages they cram into reality shows anymore. Guess that's why I like Amazing Race.
Reply
8-23-2007 @ 4:14PM
colby said...
Think the success of Ninja Warrior has anything to do with this? Everyone I know watches it now.
Reply
8-23-2007 @ 4:31PM
Will said...
Duh dat at dat duh Duh! Duhd at duh duh!
Duh dat at dat duh Duh! Duhd at duh duh!
As long as they bring back the awesomeness that is it's theme song, I'm OK w/ it!
Reply
8-23-2007 @ 5:41PM
JT said...
Awesome! I've found myself watching a lot of the reruns on ESPN Classic lately, so it'll be nice to see something new. I wonder if the original gladiators will be back along with the same announcers.
Go Electra and Siren!
Reply
8-23-2007 @ 6:01PM
firejeffzucker.com said...
As I said on FJZ: Are you F'ing Kidding Me?
This is the lamest thing ever. I'm kind of sad that TVSquad is endorsing it.
Reply
8-23-2007 @ 6:47PM
David said...
I've asked around, and everyone in my office thinks it's an excellent idea. "Way cool!" and the like were the common responses.
Reply
8-24-2007 @ 5:23PM
John said...
I say, its about damn time somebody brought this back. Of all the bad recycled idea being shoved on us on television, why not give the Gladiator anouther go.
Reply
8-29-2007 @ 10:28AM
Liz said...
ROCK ON!!! YES!!! I hope all the same events and challenges. I love watching this on espn classics...brings me back I'd watch it every saturday....this is reality tv worth watching!!!
Attention all body builders your purpose is back.
Reply
8-29-2007 @ 1:22PM
Chris said...
THis is great news....I loved Zap but I guess she's too old at this point but she was buff as hell and kick a lot of ass. it was awesome.
Reply