American Gladiators is coming back, as Variety reports in NBC pumps up for ‘Gladiators’ redo:
Airing in syndication from 1989-96, “American Gladiators” focused on physically fit amateur athletes who competed against the show’s regulars (action stars, stunt professionals and pro athletes) in various physical strength and endurance competitions.The show hit it big by showcasing David vs. Goliath-style battles in events such as the Joust, the Wall, the Eliminator and Hang Tough. Coincidentally, the original “Gladiators” shot its first several seasons at Universal Studios.
Plestis said he was particularly interested in the original U.K. version of “Gladiators,” which focused even more on the characters and the behind-the-scenes stories of common folk going up against the show’s powerful stars. The new “Gladiators,” he said, “will have the scale, scope, different characters and family drama that the U.K. version had.”
“We’re not going to completely reinvent the wheel here,” he said. “But we’re making it better, faster and stronger.”
Show will follow eight gladiators — four men and four women — as they take on contestants both male and female. This time, in a new wrinkle, the players will be given the opportunity to train for their match — and viewers will be given a glimpse of their personalities prior to the actual competish.
MGM Worldwide TV co-prexy Jim Packer said reviving “Gladiators” was part of a strategy to mine the company’s library and revive franchises for a new generation of TV viewers. Repeats of the original show are currently posting decent ratings on ESPN Classic, he noted.
I had no idea there was an original UK version.