It looks like the classic competition series, American Gladiators, is about to attempt another comeback. Deadline reports reports that Amazon MGM Studios has ordered a new reboot of the classic series for its Prime Video streaming service. The new reboot is being produced by MGM Alternative and Amazon MGM Studios for Prime Video.
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The new iteration of the original reality competition series is being produced by Amazon MGM Studios in association with Flor-Jon Films, which is the production company for the original series and creator Johnny C. Ferraro, who is executive producing the new reboot.
AMERICAN GLADIATORS REBOOT COMING FROM AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
The original American Gladiators series pitted amateur athletes against each other and the show’s esteemed “Gladiators” across a range of physical challenges and obstacle courses. According to the report, the new series will include classic competitions such as Gauntlet, Hang Tough, and The Eliminator.
The move to revamp the classic series is due to British broadcasting network the BBC finding success with a new generation of the series, simply titled Gladiators. The BBC reboot became the network’s biggest entertainment series launch in nearly a decade, and it’s already been renewed for a second season.
The last American Gladiators reboot was short-lived. The latest reboot in the U.S. came out in 2008. It lasted two seasons with 20 episodes, airing on NBC. It featured hosts such as WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali. The original series run lasted for seven seasons and 208 episodes from 1989 to 1996, airing in syndication.
Previously, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg attempted a comeback for the show in 2018 working with MGM TV, attempting to bring back the show for its 30th anniversary, but it didn’t pan out. WWE and MGM appeared to attempt another revival in 2021, but it looks like that one didn’t pan out either.
Creator Ferraro reportedly signed with Range Sports to help put together the new revival. The management company was also interested in utilizing the brand across TV, film, attractions, merchandising, and live events.
The effort is also said to be part of one from Amazon to create more unscripted offerings across its Prime Video and Freevee streamers. This includes a U.S. version of the British game show, The 1% Club, which is hosted by Patton Oswalt, along with the reality competition show The Goat, hosted by Daniel Tosh.
Speaking on the new series, Amazon MGM Studios Head of Brand and Content Innovation Lauren Anderson stated, “Gladiators is an enduring, physical challenge format that continues to engage families around the world.” She continued, “We look forward to delighting our global Prime Video customers with both reimagined and nostalgic elements that celebrate the best of the original series.”
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MGM Alternative, Evolution Media, and Big Fish Entertainment General Manager Barry Poznick also weighed in. He stated, “Doing a cross-country casting search is exciting for us, and for the fans. Our goal is to find a real cross-section of America’s fittest and fiercest competitors. This is the ultimate in sports entertainment.”
There was additionally some renewed interest in the franchise thanks to the Netflix docuseries, Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators (see below). Disney-owned ESPN also aired the 30 For 30: The American Gladiators Documentary. So, it looks like the reboot is looking to capitalize on this new wave of nostalgia around the brand.
The new competition show is now in the casting phase. It will stream on Prime Video at a later date.
What do you think of the news? Are you excited about the upcoming reboot of American Gladiators? Were you a fan of the original iteration of the series? What about the 2008 reboot of the show? Let us know your thoughts about the show’s upcoming return on The Illuminerdi’s social media.
SOURCE: Deadline
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