Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali may have been among reality TV’s worst hosts ever during their stint as American Gladiators co-hosts, but their working relationship saved Hulk Hogan’s life. In his new book My Life Outside the Ring, which comes out next week, Hogan “admits he hit rock bottom after his divorce from ex-wife Linda,… continue reading
American Gladiators
NBC cancels Last Comic Standing, Nashville Star, Momma’s Boys, Celebrity Circus, American Gladiators, Baby Borrowers, more
After announcing its new summer series, NBC has cancelled a bunch of its reality series, including two standby summer reality shows, Last Comic Standing and network newcomer Nashville Star. It has also cancelled its order two more Thom Beers-produced series after America’s Toughest Jobs produced crappy ratings. That’s according to The Futon Critic, which says… continue reading
Second season debut of Gladiators earns low ratings
When it returned to television in January, American Gladiators was watched by 12 million viewers. But its second season debut drew less than half that number of viewers, despite having a new set, new challenges, and new gladiators. Monday’s episode was watched by 4.9 million viewers, earning “its lowest original rating and finishing a distant… continue reading
American Gladiators returns tonight with Rocket and Jet
NBC’s newly resurrected version of American Gladiators returns for a second season tonight, just three months after the first season concluded. A two-hour episode airs at 8 p.m. ET. Last season’s winners Evan Dollard and Monica Carlson claim their prizes and become new gladiators Rocket and Jet (really). There’s also Phoenix, a new female gladiator,… continue reading
Appearance as important as athleticism for Gladiators contenders; gays recruited; producers admit scripting hosts
American Gladiators, which returns May 12, recently cast for more contenders, and casting directors admit that one’s personality is given equal weight to their appearance and personal history. In addition, the show is actively recruiting gay contenders. “Your looks, your story, a TV-friendly personality — that’s as important as athletic ability. We look for somebody… continue reading
Evan, Monica win American Gladiators and become new gladiators
Evan Dollard and Monica Carlson won American Gladiators, each receiving $100,000, an SUV, and a position as a gladiator for the upcoming second season of the show. Evan, who has superhuman speed on so many events, but particularly the wall, started the Eliminator with a 9.5 second head start, and Alex Rai never had a… continue reading
American Gladiators for kids, Gladiators 2000, will be syndicated this fall
Gladiators 2000, a version of American Gladiators that features kids, will return this fall, apparently airing in syndication its original form. The spin-off “is a half-hour series, which was shot in the 90’s as a companion to the original ‘American Gladiators.’ In the series, teens compete in games that challenge their physical abilities as well… continue reading
NBC renews American Gladiators; stars were tested for steroid use
NBC has renewed American Gladiators after airing just two first-season episodes, although its renewal announcement seems to use the renewal as an excuse to just brag about its success. There’s no information about when the show will return, how many episodes have been ordered, or whether or not other former Temptation Island contestants will be… continue reading
American Gladiators, How to Look Good Naked draw big numbers for their debuts
American Gladiators scored well for NBC during its two-episode debut on Sunday night, drawing 12 million viewers. That’s “the highest 18-49 rating for any new-show premiere on any network this season, and NBC’s top 18-49 rating for a new-show debut since ‘Heroes,’” according to the network. Variety reports that the series “grew from its first… continue reading
American Gladiators needs more over-the-top behavior but fewer scripted moments
American Gladiators debuted its first two episodes last night, and managed to deliver on what the previews offered–sort of. Whoever directed and edited the preview for the show deserves an Emmy, because it was a lot more intense than parts of the actual show. My guess is that the ratings will be pretty strong for… continue reading
American Gladiators returns tonight on NBC
American Gladiators, a show that aired seven seasons in the late 1980s and early 1990s, returns tonight to NBC. The new series debuts tonight at 9 p.m. ET, but will air Mondays at 8 starting tomorrow night. Reality show stars Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali step in to host as a new group of 12… continue reading