Hulk Hogan Scheduled to Host ‘American Gladiators’

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Reality, Sports, NBC

As I reported several weeks ago, NBC will be introducing an updated version of American Gladiators.  At the time, I said the classic series reminded me of Iron Chef+Battle of the Network Stars+WWE.  Well, apparently wrestling wasn’t such an original analogy; word has it a former wrestler will now be hosting it.

According to TV Week, Hulk Hogan has been tapped for the emcee duties.  The WWF WWE celebrity and Hogan Knows Best star is reportedly committed to the project and is currently finalizing the deal.  As for the Gladiators who will terrorize the naive competitors, those roles are still being cast.

Be looking for the reality competition sometime mid-season.

Read More | TV Week

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The Return of ‘American Gladiators’

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Action, Prime Time, Reality, Sports, Cable, NBC, Renewals

The sick voyeur in me has always loved seeing Average Joes fight for their lives—which probably explains why Schwarzenegger’s The Running Man still remains a guilty pleasure for me to this day.  This fascination also fueled my enthusiasm for the horribly addictive show from the 90’s known as American Gladiators.

The series pitted male and female contestants against the Gladiators who reigned over their arena.  The poor souls would do their best to score points by navigating various obstacle courses.  They would also try and avoid being taken down along the way.  I would compare the show to Iron Chef+Battle of the Network Stars+WWE.

Gladiators, which ended its run in 1996, is now being resurrected by NBC as a mid-season addition.  Unfortunately, the show will be subject to an ‘updating’....which could mean just about anything.  (Having tried to watch Battle of the Network Reality Stars, I’m hesitant about anything that’s tweaked).

Here’s to hoping that some of my favorite challenges like The Assault and Breakthrough & Conquer will return.  If not, I may have to turn to the re-runs currently airing on ESPN Classic.

What were your favorite challenges?  How about your favorite Gladiators?  Let us know!

Click here for an update to this story.

Read More | Variety

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