The Return of The Gladiators

Hey, I bring good news: NBC is going to bring back American Gladiator!

The official (More or less) announcement was quietly made last week and according to NBC co-chairman Ben Silverman, "Bringing back Gladiator is a priority and the show will be updated for the 21st century with new technology" - Love Ben Silverman...

David vs. Goliath

As you may recall, the hugely successful worldwide phenom, originally taped at Universal Studios here in L.A., had aired from 1989 to the mid 90's and featured colorful spandex wearing characters known as "Gladiators".

Does that spandex make you look fat? The Herculean muscular male and female "Glads" wielded bombastic names such as Nitro, Malibu, Gemini, Lace, Elektra, Ice, Blaze, Titan, Thor, Atlas, Cyclone, Laser, Thunder, Turbo and Zap (and many others).

The 'characters' would appear larger than life and greatly over manicured with nicely coiffed hair and brightly colored patriotic attire for battle. Really, sometimes I was not sure if they were going into competition or to a fitness magazine photo shoot...

In each episode, everyday people (Many of the contestants were amateur athletes) would battle it out in a competition style of events, based on strength and agility with skillful games such as 'Powerball', 'Joust', and 'Breakthrough and Conquer', against the "Gladiators" to win $10,000 and advance to the Grand Championship (Which included a vacation at Club Med).

The Return of Sports Reality Competition

Thanks to the collaboration between Reveille and MGM Television, the timing for a primetime recharged return of the show could not have been better for NBC.

In this re-imagination, it is reported that the new version will follow eight gladiators (Four men and four women) as they take on contestants both male and female.

The twist is that 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 event (Once again, Reality provides the missing ingredient).

The new show is expected to incorporate a number of elements from the classic series, along with a greater focus on the men and women competing against the Gladiators.

Get Out Your Head Gear and Knee Pads
On a side note, the network ran a promo for the show during "Last Comic Standing" last Wednesday night and has already received thousands of applications from prospective contestants on its web site.

So, if you are considering participating in the show as a contestant/combatant, better hurry!

Even more rewarding, the show is on the schedule for a mid-season premiere, which will not only introduce the re-emergence of the show to former fans, but will also appeal to a new generation of hopefuls.

Crunch Time

Although just as many fans, I have my favorites and whether or not the original "Glads" will return to the new version of the show remains to be seen.

Not for the weak...I have a few friends that are former professional wrestlers (A similar profession that requires a larger than life persona) and understand the physical requirements of such entertainment; the job is physically and mentally exhausting from what I have heard, and is not really a profession of continued longevity.

Of course, we could only hope there will be cameo and commentating appearances by fan faves...Nitro, I am speaking to you!

Bring on the Tennis Ball Cannon & Giant Q-Tips!

Sure it's campy, cheesy and over the top. Right, but what show on TV is not?

Maybe that is what makes all of this soo much good FUN! Let the games begin...