American Gladiators

Watch American Gladiators

  • TV-PG
  • 1989
  • 7 Seasons
  • 6.6  (3,193)

American Gladiators was a popular television show that originally aired from 1989 to 1997 on FOX. It featured athletic competitors facing off against a team of intimidating "gladiators" in various physical challenges. The show was hosted by former NFL player and sportscaster Joe Theismann and co-hosted by actress and fitness expert, Maria Sansone.

The show was made up of several different events, each requiring a unique set of skills and abilities. Some of the most popular events included the Joust, where contestants had to knock their opponent off a raised platform using pugil sticks, and the Wall, where contestants had to climb a towering wall while being pelted with tennis balls by the gladiators.

Other events included Assault, where contestants had to navigate an obstacle course while being shot at by a gladiator wielding a cannon, Powerball, a game where contestants had to score points by getting past gladiators and depositing balls into a goal, and Hang Tough, where contestants had to hang from rings suspended high above the arena floor while trying to avoid being pulled down by a gladiator.

The gladiators themselves were often just as popular as the contestants. These skilled athletes were larger than life personalities who were dressed in dramatic and sometimes outlandish costumes that emphasized their impressive physiques. Some of the most notable gladiators included Nitro (David Nelson), Hawk (Lee Reherman), Zap (Raye Hollitt), Turbo (Michael Horton), Lace (Marisa Pare), and Sabre (Shirley Eson-Korito). They would taunt and challenge the contestants, often using their impressive strength and athleticism to intimidate them.

The show was known for its high energy atmosphere, dramatic music, and over-the-top production values. It often featured celebrity appearances and musical performances by popular artists. The audience was encouraged to cheer on their favorite contestants and boo the gladiators. The show was a huge hit with viewers and became a cultural phenomenon in the late 80s and early 90s.

American Gladiators was eventually canceled in 1997 due to declining ratings, but it left a lasting impression on pop culture. The show has since been revived several times in different formats, including a brief run on NBC in 2008 and a live show that toured the United States in 2019.

In summary, American Gladiators was a groundbreaking show that combined athleticism, drama, and over-the-top production values to create a unique viewing experience. Its legacy is still felt today and it remains a beloved part of 90s pop culture.

American Gladiators
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Seasons
Battle Of The Best II
14. Battle Of The Best II
January 1, 1970
In this challenging game show, four contestants were pitted each week against the four athletically trained gladiators, two female and two male. Their strength, agility and endurance were tested in various, constantly changing contests against the powerful gladiators, with the highest scorers advancing to the exciting elimination tournament.
Twins Vs. Alumni Challenge
13. Twins Vs. Alumni Challenge
January 1, 1970
In this challenging game show, four contestants were pitted each week against the four athletically trained gladiators, two female and two male. Their strength, agility and endurance were tested in various, constantly changing contests against the powerful gladiators, with the highest scorers advancing to the exciting elimination tournament.
Celebrity Vs. Pro Football Challenge
12. Celebrity Vs. Pro Football Challenge
January 1, 1970
In this challenging game show, four contestants were pitted each week against the four athletically trained gladiators, two female and two male. Their strength, agility and endurance were tested in various, constantly changing contests against the powerful gladiators, with the highest scorers advancing to the exciting elimination tournament.
Playboy Challenge
11. Playboy Challenge
January 1, 1970
In this challenging game show, four contestants were pitted each week against the four athletically trained gladiators, two female and two male. Their strength, agility and endurance were tested in various, constantly changing contests against the powerful gladiators, with the highest scorers advancing to the exciting elimination tournament.
Baywatch Vs. Lifeguards Special
10. Baywatch Vs. Lifeguards Special
January 1, 1970
In this challenging game show, four contestants were pitted each week against the four athletically trained gladiators, two female and two male. Their strength, agility and endurance were tested in various, constantly changing contests against the powerful gladiators, with the highest scorers advancing to the exciting elimination tournament.
U.S. Grand Championship
9. U.S. Grand Championship
January 1, 1970
In this challenging game show, four contestants were pitted each week against the four athletically trained gladiators, two female and two male. Their strength, agility and endurance were tested in various, constantly changing contests against the powerful gladiators, with the highest scorers advancing to the exciting elimination tournament.
U.S. Semi-final One
7. U.S. Semi-final One
January 1, 1970
In this challenging game show, four contestants were pitted each week against the four athletically trained gladiators, two female and two male. Their strength, agility and endurance were tested in various, constantly changing contests against the powerful gladiators, with the highest scorers advancing to the exciting elimination tournament.
U.S. Preliminaries
1. U.S. Preliminaries
January 1, 1970
In this challenging game show, four contestants were pitted each week against the four athletically trained gladiators, two female and two male. Their strength, agility and endurance were tested in various, constantly changing contests against the powerful gladiators, with the highest scorers advancing to the exciting elimination tournament.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    January 1, 1989
  • IMDB Rating
    6.6  (3,193)