NBC has announced its primetime revival of American Gladiators will premiere with a special two-hour broadcast on Sunday, January 6 at 9PM ET/PT. NBC will then air one-hour episodes of American Gladiators in its regular time period of Mondays at 8PM ET/PT beginning January 7.
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Similar to the original American Gladiators franchise, which aired on syndication in the U.S. from 1989 to 1996, NBC's reinvention of the show will feature amateur male and female contenders pitted against gladiator professionals.
Classic American Gladiators challenges including The Joust, The Wall, Hang Tough, and of course, the Eliminator, will all be upgraded and featured in the reinvented version of the show, along with a mixture of new competitions designed to test physical strength and endurance.
American Gladiators will be co-hosted by Hogan Knows Best patriarch and wrestling star Terrence "Hulk Hogan" Bollea -- who is currently involved in a divorce from his wife of 23-years and also dealing with his 17-year-old son Nick's legal troubles. Professional boxer and fourth-season Dancing with the Stars celebrity participant Laila Ali will co-host the show with Hogan.
American Gladiators will be produced by Reveille as well as MGM Television -- the show's original producers. Reveille managing director Howard T. Owens, as well as Mark Koops and David Hurwitz will serve as executive producers.
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American Gladiators' return represents the first co-production between MGM Television and Reveille, which was founded in 2002 by current NBC Entertainment co-chairman Ben Silverman, who had previously teased the show's potential return at July's Television Critics Association summer press tour before the network formally announced plans to revive it in August.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio