If you’ve been watching NBC or any of its related sister stations, you have no doubt seen the previews for Season 2 of America Gladiators. If you didn’t catch it’s rebirth last season let’s get caught up.
Set to air on May 12th, this updated and repolished version of the original show which aired from 1989 -1996, picks up right where it left off. I recently had the opportunity to be part of the audience while they taped an entire episode. Which for those of you not aware of TV editing, actually takes about 5 days. Aside from being a huge hit, the original show created spin-offs, spoofs, and inspired countless folks to come get their brains beaten out by larger than life individuals. Not to worry, protective padding was included. So what has changed in twelve years? To put it simply, nothing and everything.
(Warning, possible spoilers ahead)
The two hosts of the show Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali, can actually back up their intimidating persona’s. Hulk as you know, has been a hugely successful wrestler and Sports entertainment icon for the least 30 years. While Lela not only tore up the dance floor on Dancing with the Stars, but also holds numerous boxing championships herself. Not to mention, her dad is “The Greatest.”
The challenges in the arena are not for the faint of heart, or for that matter those who don’t possess at least some athletic ability. Scaling giant walls, flying through the air on cables, and trying to tackle a punishing obstacle course, all while Gladiators try to rip off your head is the name of the game. The winners are poised to take home $100,000 and a brand new Toyota Sequoia, not to mention a chance to advance to the Semi finals and possibly become an American Gladiator.
One thing that is noticeably different from the first show is the amount of events that take place of water. Events such as The Wall, Earthquake, Joust, and Hang Tough all have you going for a swim if you fail to conquer them or your opposing foe. Besides, if a 250lb Gladiator falls on you, its much safer for it to happen in a giant pool than in a foam pit, right? 
Speaking of towering individuals, the Gladiators are as menacing as they come. Most have a background in wrestling, martial arts, bodybuilding and sports fitness. Possessing rock hard bodies and killer looks, both the male and female gladiators will have you watching in awe; and with names like Wolf, Crush, Justice and Venom, as Hulk would say, “You Better Be Ready Brother.”
The breaking point for most contenders comes down to The Eliminator. This last event while being Gladiator free, is definitely no walk in the park. Swim underneath hell-like fire, climb a military sized cargo net, rope climb down difficult angles, handbike your way over an elevated pit, scale a massive pyramid… Get the point? This finale often proves to be so tough that some competitors are unable to finish. Making it all the more rewarding if you can.
While I’d like to start some fantastic behind the scenes gossip, sadly there’s not much to report. Aside from the occasional opening monologue slip ups from Hogan, which were often more funny than annoying; this shows seems to run pretty smoothly. Everyone on set was friendly and appeared to be working well together. Most importantly none of the gladiators seem to be juicing in between takes. I do have one interesting tidbit. I won’t say which episode, but be on the lookout for a certain contenders shoulder to pop out of place on the Eliminator.
It’s hard to say if this series will run as long as its predecessors. Hopefully at least three seasons, so we might get the chance to see somebody “accidentally” decapitated. Ok. seriously you shouldn’t wish that an anyone, but you have to admit NBC’s ratings would skyrocket. And in the TV game, that’s never a bad thing.
Subscribe to our RSS Feed And checkout our coffee competition to win a $30 gift voucher to your favourite coffee shop : click here
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
0 responses so far ↓
Subscribe to our RSS Feed and leave a comment to enter the commentator of the week competition and win a $20 Amazon.com gift voucher.
Leave a Comment