Key Takeaways:
* Amazon is rebooting the iconic reality competition series ‘American Gladiators’.
* The show will once again be produced by MGM Alternative and Amazon MGM Studios.
* Original series ‘American Gladiators’ co-creator, Johnny C. Ferraro, will executive produce the reboot.
* Fan-favorite games like Gauntlet, Hang Tough, and The Eliminator are expected to make a return.
Recharge for A New Game
Fans of American athletic challenges, rejoice: the classic reality competition series ‘American Gladiators’ is making a comeback. Amazon is primed to resurrect the iconic series for a new season on Prime Video, bringing with it a fresh wave of athletic challenges and competitions.
Original Run and Previous Reboots
For those unfamiliar, ‘American Gladiators’ originally aired between 1989 and 1996 and quickly gained popularity, becoming a household name. The show pitched amateur athletes against each other and the show’s gladiators in several physically demanding tasks, providing an intense and entertaining spectacle for viewers.
Despite a prior reboot by NBC in 2008 – hosted by WWE star Hulk Hogan and Muhammad Ali‘s daughter Laila Ali – that failed to recapture the original series’ spark, the Amazon reboot promises to take a fresh approach. This new incarnation is backed by MGM Alternative and Amazon MGM Studios and involves reputable production company Flor-Jon Films, helmed by ‘American Gladiators’ co-creator Johnny C. Ferraro.
Return of Fan Favorites
The reboot promises to hit hard with the return of fan-favorite games from the original series, including Gauntlet, Hang Tough, and the ultimate fan-favorite, The Eliminator. The relevance and popularity of these games have stayed power, even in the evolving world of athletic competition series.
Overseas Success Inspires Local Reboot
The decision to bring back ‘American Gladiators’ comes on the heels of a successful reboot of the UK version of the show, also named ‘Gladiators.’ The British version had a triumphant debut, becoming the channel’s biggest entertainment series launch in nearly ten years and swiftly earned a renewal for a second season. This success story seems to have fueled Amazon’s decision to revamp their American counterpart.
Previous Attempts and Looking Forward
While previous attempts to reboot the series by the creators of ‘American Ninja Warrior’ in 2014 and a 30th-anniversary attempt led by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen in 2018 did not pan out, the Amazon reboot signifies a renewed dedication to reviving the beloved series. In fact, there was also mention of a potential collaboration between MGM and the WWE in 2021, stoking excitement for a fresh take on the classic series.
Lauren Anderson, Head of Brand and Content Innovation at Amazon MGM Studios, expressed her enthusiasm for the reboot, stating, “Gladiators is an enduring, physical challenge format that continues to engage families around the world. We look forward to delighting our global Prime Video customers with both re-imagined and nostalgic elements that celebrate the best of the original series.”
Clearly, ‘American Gladiators’ is a cherished piece of television history, and its return marks a significant moment for both fans and the world of reality competition series. With Amazon at the helm, viewers eagerly await the series’ unexpected twists and refreshing turns that promise to revitalize one of America’s favorite athletic challenge shows.
