Gladiators Zone - American Gladiators - New Series

The American Gladiators will be updated for the 21st century with new technology and splashy twists including special effects, water skills and the latest technology, the classic games will be upgraded with even higher thrills, impact, energy and spectacle. MGM TV, which was behind the original hit, is producing along with Reveille. At least six episodes are believed to be in the works. NBC could opt to launch the show as a one-week strip. It is also reported that the new series will feature 12 brand new American Gladiators (6 men and 6 women). Contenders, both male and female, will also be extremely fit but as an added bonus, will also have the chance to train for the match, displaying their physicality, coordination and cunning to viewers in advance of the competition. The series will include classic events such as Joust, The Wall, Hang Tough and the Eliminator.

"'American Gladiators' is a successful MGM franchise that is ready for a whole new generation of TV viewers," said Jim Packer, co-president, MGM Worldwide Television. "The timing to bring the franchise back is perfect and NBC is the ideal home. We are also excited about partnering with Reveille, which marks the first time we have teamed together on a co-production."

Craig Plestis, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Development and Specials, NBC Entertainment, said he was particularly interested in the original UK 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 will have the scale, scope, different characters and family drama that the UK version had."

"This memorable series was once a worldwide phenomenon, and given its built-in appeal, we feel it's time to re-introduce it to a new generation and take it to a heightened level of excitement for fans of all ages," said Craig Plestis. "The 'Gladiator' brand is unlike anything on television today, and is event programming at its biggest and best. We're not going to completely reinvent the wheel here. But we're making it better, faster and stronger."

NBC Entertainment co-chairman Ben Silverman had previously teased the show's potential return at July's Television Critics Association summer press tour. Reveille's Mark Koops and Howard Owens will serve as executive producers for American Gladiators, along with David Hurwitz and the show's creator Johnny Ferraro.