Nerds and engineering students rejoice. Battlebots is returning to television and this time it's on ESPN.The show originally ran for five years on Comedy Central and included hosts such as Donna D'Errico and Carmen Electra. Bill Nye served as "technical adviser". ESPN promises that this time the show would be less about the female-model hosts and general silliness and more about the science and the robots destroying each other.
I can see the appeal for ESPN. First, the show has to be fairly cheap to produce (like, reality television cheap). Second, it is a competitive sport and probably would appeal in that regard to ESPN's audience.
I'm not sure if the show will succeed, but I don't buy the whole "lack of celebrity host" angle that ESPN is selling. I'm sure we'll see some retired sports celebrity hosting the show soon enough. Maybe they'll even use a former pro-wrestler such as Mick Foley, who once hosted a similar show called Robot Wars. We'll see.
[via Engadget]
TV Squad Ten: Top Ten ESPN shows from worst to first
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Have any questions for Vik Sahay of Chuck? Ask them here!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-16-2008 @ 10:00AM
Eligio J Rosa said...
Awesome! Battlebots return and without Carmen Electra.
Now we need Slamball to return.
Reply
3-16-2008 @ 2:20PM
MCW said...
Sounds good to me. Hopefully they can get Grant Imahara to do an episode or two :)
I never watched it when it was originally on, so TV Squad, you're going to have to remind me when it returns plzkthx.
Reply
3-16-2008 @ 2:42PM
sitruc said...
I actually enjoyed the show sometimes, but the thought of this being on ESPN makes me hate them even more.
Reply
3-16-2008 @ 6:22PM
sean said...
This and the XFL will brighten my life. Maybe the ABA too.
Reply
3-16-2008 @ 5:58PM
Chris said...
This is great for ESPN because it brings in a whole segment of the male population that NEVER watches that channel.
I know it will be a first for me.
Reply
3-17-2008 @ 1:16AM
sitruc said...
I doubt that is a significant segment epecially when considering many normal viewers will turn away from BattleBots.
3-17-2008 @ 9:13AM
Cander said...
Now if we could just get Junkyard Wars back and un sexed up like they did with the last season. Underwear model in a junkyard? Wtf?!?!
Reply
3-17-2008 @ 3:20PM
kevjohn said...
There will be lot of regular viewers tuning out when this comes on, but hey, do you think they all stick around on Sundays when football's on and all ESPN's got is figure skating?? Replace that, and 'competitive cheering', and cup stacking, and a few other questionable selections with robots ripping each other to pieces and it's hard to see a downside.
Reply
3-18-2008 @ 12:15AM
sitruc said...
Production costs.
I understand what you're saying, but wanted to make sure it was clear that I don't think this will be a significant bump in ratings.
3-07-2009 @ 11:33PM
Steve said...
Ok, it's been a year. How about a follow-up? Is the idea scrapped or coming?
Reply