From variety.com:
NBC is getting into the ring with “American Gladiators,” which has been revived by the Peacock for midseason.
The competition skein — which featured players with names like Nitro, Turbo and Laser in its campy, early 90s syndie incarnation — will be updated for the 21st century with new technology and twists. MGM TV, which was behind the original hit, is producing along with Reveille.Peacocks interest in the revival actually predates the arrival of NBC Entertainment/Universal Media Studios co-chairman Ben Silverman, who began developing the project while still in charge of Reveille. Net confirmed last month that “Gladiator” was a priority at the net Daily Variety, July 16.
“Weve been circling around this property for a long time now,” said Craig Plestis, exec VP of alternative programming, development and specials at NBC Entertainment. “Its truly whats not in the TV landscape right now. While everyones zigging, Im attracted to doing a zag.”
Net wouldnt confirm the episodic order, but at least six segs are believed to be in the works. NBC could opt to launch the show as a one-week strip — similar to how it bowed “Deal or No Deal” — or as a weekly skein.
This is the best news I’ve heard all month. I’m thoroughly enjoying American Gladiators reruns on ESPN Classic and look forward to some new Gladiator action on NBC soon. We can only hope that Nitro, Gemini, and Zap make a return… even if only as commentators. Maybe we’ll even see a taping or two here in Orlando again! ;)
