PING: Gemini, Nitro, Laser...

[Logan]

You guys still roiding up?

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...&cs=1&nid=2565

NBC pumps up for 'Gladiators' redo
Competition show revived for midseason
By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER, JOSEF ADALIAN
Talk Back - post a comment

'American Gladiators'
The original 'Gladiators'

Craig Plestis
Plestis
NBC is getting into the ring with "American Gladiators," which has been revived by the Peacock for midseason.

The competition skein -- which featured players with names like Nitro, Turbo and Laser in its campy, early '90s syndie incarnation -- will be updated for the 21st century with new technology and twists. MGM TV, which was behind the original hit, is producing along with Reveille.

Peacock's interest in the revival actually predates the arrival of NBC Entertainment/Universal Media Studios co-chairman Ben Silverman, who began developing the project while still in charge of Reveille. Net confirmed last month that "Gladiator" was a priority at the net (Daily Variety, July 16).

"We've been circling around this property for a long time now," said Craig Plestis, exec VP of alternative programming, development and specials at NBC Entertainment. "It's truly what's not in the TV landscape right now. While everyone's zigging, I'm attracted to doing a zag."

Net wouldn't confirm the episodic order, but at least six segs are believed to be in the works. NBC could opt to launch the show as a one-week strip -- similar to how it bowed "Deal or No Deal" -- or as a weekly skein.

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.

"The timing to bring the franchise back is perfect, and NBC is the ideal home," Packer said. "It's a very big, grandiose type of show."

In the 10 years after "Gladiators" went off the air, Reveille managing director Mark Koops said, shows like "Fear Factor" raised the bar for stunt-driven shows, and thus it's more important than ever to find contestants with compelling backstories. Producers are currently scouting for new gladiators and hosts in addition to contestants. Koops will serve as an exec producer.

"Gladiators" marks the first co-production between MGM TV and Reveille. Under their arrangement, MGM Worldwide will handle international sales of the show, while Reveille will be in charge (with MGM's assistance) of selling new locally produced editions around the world.

Koops said Reveille is close to making several international deals, including co-productions in Australia and the U.K.

Besides Koops, exec producers include Reveille's Howard Owens, as well as "Fear Factor" alum David Hurwitz and original series creator Johnny Ferraro.

[ISiddiqui]

YES!!

[mauchow]

Oh, my God! Best news of the year.

I have been catching a lot of the reruns on ESPN lately. I want to be in this show so bad! Hahah!

[rkmsuf]

Hosted by???

[Logan]

Perhaps Karim Abdul Jabbar to continue the lineage of retired Dolphins' backs?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by Logan

Perhaps Karim Abdul Jabbar to continue the lineage of retired Dolphins' backs?

That's gold right there. Dammit, Logan, after the past week or so, I'm about ready to schedule a lovefest with you (you wouldn't happen to have Microsoft Outlook, by the way?), but then I remember that you're a damn Rangers fan.

Anyway, after scanning the article, I'm scared that it's going to be much like the first season of "American Gladiators" or a "Knights and Warriors" type of show. What I mean is that the Gladiators are going to be like professional wrestling characters instead of just bulked-up athletes. I would prefer the Gladiators to be just regular people like they were in the later seasons of the original show.

Does anyone remember that first season of AG very well? The referees wore black hoods, and the Gladiators acted like their collective reason for living was to destroy the competitors. They might as well have put the Ultimate Warrior on there. I was not much of a fan of AG at that time, but it got much better after they ditched the theatrics and just made it a sports competition.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

That's gold right there. Dammit, Logan, after the past week or so, I'm about ready to schedule a lovefest with you (you wouldn't happen to have Microsoft Outlook, by the way?), but then I remember that you're a damn Rangers fan.

I've been working from home all week, and since I'm too lazy to operate from two laptops, I've been using webmail to check email. Sorry pal.

[Young Drachma]

Better than the caveman show idea.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Well if it helps, I found Dan "Nitro" Clark a few weeks ago.
http://www.cmt.com/shows/dyn/ty-murr...e/series.jhtml

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

Hosted by???

Well, Mike Adamle does still have ties to NBC.

(dang, I didn't know Adamle was almost 58!)

[Coffee Warlord]

In the 10 years after "Gladiators" went off the air, Reveille managing director Mark Koops said, shows like "Fear Factor" raised the bar for stunt-driven shows, and thus it's more important than ever to find contestants with compelling backstories. Producers are currently scouting for new gladiators and hosts in addition to contestants. Koops will serve as an exec producer.

Blah. Just do it like you used to, dammit! I don't want it turned into a damn reality show.

[rkmsuf]

Originally Posted by Coffee Warlord

Blah. Just do it like you used to, dammit! I don't want it turned into a damn reality show.

I agree. I could give two shits about these people's backstories. Just put the schmucks on there and let the hilarity ensue.

[molson]

Awseome, but I'd be even more excited about a RollerGames return (the version with the T-birds and the alligator pit)

[ctmason]

RollerGames was the greatest television show ever created.

EOT

[lordscarlet]

Originally Posted by molson

Awseome, but I'd be even more excited about a RollerGames return (the version with the T-birds and the alligator pit)

hxxp://www.dcrollergirls.com/

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by Coffee Warlord

Blah. Just do it like you used to, dammit! I don't want it turned into a damn reality show.

Amen! I want crazy, quasi-futuristic combat not lame backstory.

SI

[Neon_Chaos]

With T-Money!!!!!!

[Ragone]

Yes indeed, once you go black.. you are in a wheelchair

[BishopMVP]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

Amen! I want crazy, quasi-futuristic combat not lame backstory.

SI

:Thumbs Up: Didn't NBC get enough crap for focusing on backstories and not the competition itself at the Olympics? And there's even less of a reason to try to appeal to a broad audience here. OK, the Olympics will have a lot of casual/female fans tuning in because it's a special once every 4 years event, but NONE of those people are going to watch American Gladiators. Either you see American Gladiators is on, think "Oh God yes" and immediately change the channel, or you're watching Gilmore Girls. No one's debating between the two NBC.[/rant over]

While we're on the subject, does anyone else think a Where Are They Now on the gladiators would be the most depressing show ever?

[rkmsuf]

Lace and Zap I think posed nude in playboy. Yummy.

[molson]

"Neon" and "Chaos" would both be pretty good gladiator names.

"Dark Cloud" isn't too shabby either.

[CamEdwards]

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

hxxp://www.dcrollergirls.com/

Oh shit. My wife would love to do this. Not sure how I feel about it though.

[SirFozzie]

Originally Posted by BishopMVP

:While we're on the subject, does anyone else think a Where Are They Now on the gladiators would be the most depressing show ever?

Actually, Dan "Nitro" Clark hosted the American Gladiators Marathon on ESPN Classic, and is taking part in a bullriding reality show (yes, you read that right) on CMT. Gemini and Malibu at least have had somewhat recent roles on TV and Movies.. and because Sack brought it up.. Siren turned 39 today and works as a personal trainer.

[Fighter of Foo]

Via deadspin I downloaded a copy of the casting application to be a contestant on the show. Not only is it 22 pages, but it includes the following wonderful questions:

42. In the lines below, (there are 6 lines) write a short poem or rap.

43. Draw a picture of yourself in the box below. (The box is about 2 inches square)

[rkmsuf]

Originally Posted by Fighter of Foo

Via deadspin I downloaded a copy of the casting application to be a contestant on the show. Not only is it 22 pages, but it includes the following wonderful questions:

42. In the lines below, (there are 6 lines) write a short poem or rap.

fuck disney.
fuck da poems.
i'm da shit.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Fighter of Foo

Via deadspin I downloaded a copy of the casting application to be a contestant on the show. Not only is it 22 pages, but it includes the following wonderful questions:

42. In the lines below, (there are 6 lines) write a short poem or rap.

43. Draw a picture of yourself in the box below. (The box is about 2 inches square)

Ick. Might need to delete this thread.

[3ric]

I loved this show. The names of some of the winners are with me forever. Rico Costantino. "Two scoops" Wesley Berry. Craig Branham, the cowboy. I'm such a dork for remembering this.

[dervack]

Rico became a Pro Wrestler I think

[lordscarlet]

Originally Posted by CamEdwards

Oh shit. My wife would love to do this. Not sure how I feel about it though.

Chalk up another item to the list of things in DC that I have told you about.

[Deattribution]

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

Hosted by???

HULK HOGAN CLOSE TO TV DEAL WITH NBC
TV Week is reporting that Hulk Hogan is close to finalizing a deal that would see the former WWF, WCW and WWE champion hosting the revival of American Gladiators on NBC. As PWInsider.com noted last week, there have been rumors in the TV industry for some time that Hogan was the top choice to host the series of specials. Hogan was in California last week and agreed to terms with the producers and network, but hasn't yet signed the deal as of today. The Gladiators revival is slated to be a mid-season feature on NBC.

Interesting choice if true.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Anybody else fired up for the big premiere on Sunday?

Some interesting notes......

-Laila Ali will co-host with Hulk Hogan.
-Male gladiator 'Toa' is the cousin of 'The Rock' (Dwayne Johnson).
-Male gladiator 'Titan' is a 4-time Mr. Universe champion.
-Female gladiator 'Crush' holds a 12-1-1 lifetime MMA fighting record.

The official events have not been announced yet and the link on the website is still empty. Most are expecting a mix of old and new events.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Anybody else fired up for the big premiere on Sunday?

Some interesting notes......

-Laila Ali will co-host with Hulk Hogan.
-Male gladiator 'Toa' is the cousin of 'The Rock' (Dwayne Johnson).
-Male gladiator 'Titan' is a 4-time Mr. Universe champion.
-Female gladiator 'Crush' holds a 12-1-1 lifetime MMA fighting record.

The official events have not been announced yet and the link on the website is still empty. Most are expecting a mix of old and new events.

I'm excited about this show. The commercials have shown that the Joust event is definitely back, although the combatants will be fighting over a pool of water this time. My favorite events in the old show were Powerball and Breakthrough & Conquer. I would expect Powerball to return, but Breakthrough & Conquer wasn't that popular, if I remember correctly.

Whatever the case, I expect the show to be fun.

[rkmsuf]

See what would be funny is if this was hosted by Karsen Kressley or Ant.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

See what would be funny is if this was hosted by Karsen Kressley or Ant.

"Look at all those muscles!"

[oliegirl]

Sounds like it's going to be more like Ninja Warrior now, with the backstory on the contestants and what not. We'll definitely check it out...

[SirFozzie]

ESPN's Page 2 guy gets to try the Gladiators in two events, and well, let's just say he got clobbered

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2...alipour/080104


Edit: Check out the video. Couple events previewed in there, plus some primo footage of 300 pounder Gladiator trying to assist 150 pound ESPN Page 2 guy with unpowered human flight

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

"Look at all those muscles!"

In all seriousness, we have a group that watches Miss America each year. Two of the people that watch it with us are gay men. There is nothing funnier than two gay men sitting next to each other watching the Miss America pageant. It's almost better than watching the pageant.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

ESPN's Page 2 guy gets to try the Gladiators in two events, and well, let's just say he got clobbered

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2...alipour/080104

Edit: Check out the video. Couple events previewed in there, plus some primo footage of 300 pounder Gladiator trying to assist 150 pound ESPN Page 2 guy with unpowered human flight

That was very funny. Dude got whacked around like a punching dummy.

[SirFozzie]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

That was very funny. Dude got whacked around like a punching dummy.

With multiple replays of some of the crash landings

[SirFozzie]

8 minutes into the first show, and we have our first near-Theisman moment

[Coffee Warlord]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

8 minutes into the first show, and we have our first near-Theisman moment

THERE's the damn thread. Right as I started a new one.

[SirFozzie]

Hehee.. Seirously though, when her knee buckled and her whole body twisted after getting up.. just OW.

Edit: Yup, she's out and on crutches

[Coffee Warlord]

Yep. Kiss one of those knee ligaments goodbye, there. That was ugly.

And the male gladiators just fucking owned the skateboarder at powerball.

[SirFozzie]

Wow. that was one insane Joust. Fun!

[stevew]

Thanks to whomever bumped this....otherwise I would have forgot to watch.

[SirFozzie]

The injury count is now: Contenders 1:, Gladiators 1

[SirFozzie]

Dola: If I was the suspicious type, I would say that was the quick way to hide the gladiator with the gay porn past. *chuckles*

[stevew]

Hellga is my favorite gladiator name.

[SirFozzie]

Ooh, they're bringing back some events from the International Gladiator competition.

Only 4 events before the Eliminator? Geez. that's only one less event then normal, but still..

THE HAKA!

[Coffee Warlord]

Mooka laka dooka BOOGA!