NBC has picked up a second season of the hit competition series “American Gladiators” (Mondays, 8-9 p.m. ET) it was announced today by Craig Plestis, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Development and Specials, NBC Entertainment.
“‘American Gladiators’ has delivered everything we were hoping for and has come out of the gate as a top contender,” said Plestis. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the audience reaction to this top-notch show all ages can enjoy.”
“Reveille and MGM are so thrilled that America has responded to our reinvention of ‘American Gladiators,'” said executive producer Howard T. Owens, managing director of Reveille LLC. He adds, “The next cycle will allow us to tell more stories, create bigger drama, introduce new challenges and further create the most fun-filled, action-packed hour of television.”
“MGM is pleased to bring viewers a highly entertaining show that has sparked a chord with viewers all over the country,” said Jim Packer, Co-President, MGM Television. “We and our partners at Reveille look forward to another action-packed season of ‘American Gladiators’ on NBC.”
Hulk Hogan (“Hogan Knows Best”) and Laila Ali (“Dancing with the Stars”) host the iconic competition series, which returned with a fresh modern reinvention for the 21st century. Using splashy twists including special effects, water skills and the latest technology, the classic games have been upgraded with even higher thrills, impact, energy and spectacle.
Celebrating the everyday, true American heroes — weekend warriors who excel and take pride in their physical fitness — 24 contenders go up against the show’s Gladiators, charismatic and eclectic warriors — in the ultimate David & Goliath battle. The male Gladiators including Titan, Militia, Toa, Justice, Wolf and Mayhem and the female Gladiators Fury, Venom, Stealth, Crush, Hellga and Siren, have emerged as larger-than-life, break-out characters.
As in MGM’s traditional “American Gladiators” franchise, everyday amateur athletes compete against the Gladiators in contests of physical strength and endurance. The series includes such classic events as Joust, The Wall, Hang Tough, Powerball, Assault, Pyramid, Gauntlet and the Eliminator along with two brand-new events including Earthquake and Hit & Run.
The 24 male and female contenders compete in three rounds of challenges where the final man and woman left standing will win a $100,000 top prize and will become Gladiators next season. All contenders have a unique story to tell and a compelling reason why they need to win. These unsung heroes combine brawn and heart in their effort to be worthy competitors, winning over the audience and turning them against the villainous Gladiators.
