Fall TV: NBC's Bringing Back American Gladiators Midseason

If you were alive and watched TV between 1989 and 1997, you have probably seen or at least heard of 'American Gladiators". For those of you that do not remember, on this show amateur athletes get the chance to compete against the show's regular gladiators. which are pro athletes, action stars, and stunt professionals. The 'gladiators' compete against each other in various types of endurance and strength competitions such as The Joust, the Wall, the Eliminator and Hang Tough. My favorite is when they tried to knock each other off a raised platform with sticks that looked like giant Q-tips (Joust).

A while ago, I read that NBC was thinking of bringing "American Gladiators" back, but in August NBC announced it will be revived for the fall's midseason. The idea of reviving "American Gladiators" has been on the minds NBC executives for some time, because repeats of the original show are getting decent ratings on ESPN Classic after all this time. This tells them there are still people that will watch it, NBC is also hoping to get a new generation of TV viewers.

There are supposedly at least six episodes already in the works. However, there is still not set time slot. They could start it out like they "Deal or No Deal" in a one week strip, to see how it does in the ratings. There is even a rumor that it could follow Sunday Night Football; however, it will more than likely takeover "The Last Comic Standing" time slot. As of now, no host has been chosen for the show.

The revived version will be updated with new technology, new challenges and be more like its UK counterpart. The UK version of "Gladiators" focuses more the characters and the behind-the-scenes stories of the amateur athletes. In NBC's new US version, cameras will follow eight contestants (four men and four women) as they compete against the other contestants, both male and female. Now, that could be interesting. Letting women compete with against the men, I do not think they did that before. Another new twist is the contestants are given the opportunity to train before the match. The only thing that could ruin the show is if they focus too much on contestants and back stories, if we wanted to watch a soap we would. That is what made me not like the WWF anymore. I like soaps, but when it is big and muscular men being dramatic, it is just silly.

It is begin produced by MGM TV (produce the original "American Gladiators" in 89'-97') and Reveille. Reveille is behind my least favorite show, "Fear Factor" and others like "the Office" and "The Biggest Loser". Right now NBC is holding auditions for contestants and gladiators beginning on Sept. 8 in Los Angeles. Open castings will be at the following locations:

LOS ANGELES, CA - Saturday, September 8

9:00am - 5:00pm

Gold's Gym

360 Hampton Drive

Venice, CA 90291

BROOKLYN, NY - Saturday, September 15

10:00am - 3:00pm

PAERDEGAT ATHLETIC CLUB

Sports Field

1510 Paerdegat Ave. N

Brooklyn, NY 11236

CHICAGO, IL - Sunday, September 16

9:00am - 5:00pm

Windy City Fieldhouse

2367 W. Logan Blvd.

Chicago, IL 60647

MIAMI, FL - Saturday, September 22

10:00am - 3:00pm

The Ice Palace Film Studios

STAGE 1

1400 North Miami Ave

Miami, Florida 33136

DALLAS, TX - Saturday, September 22

10:00am - 6:00pm

ARLINGTON COURTS

2500 E. Mayfield Rd.

Arlington, TX 76014

Addresses for open casting calls can be confirmed at NBC's website, where you can download an application and find out how to audition without going to one of the open casting calls, if you are unable to attend one. To be a contestant you must be at least 18 years old. If you are going to an open casting call, be sure dress in workout attire and appropriate footwear because you will be doing physical ability tests. Check out NBC's casting section for details. www.nbc.com/casting

Link to article on variety.com, http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117970702.html?categoryid=14&cs=1