BBC Confirms ‘Gladiators’ Revival Is Going To Series
After news leaked a few weeks ago of a possible return, the BBC has confirmed they have ordered a revival of the physical challenge game show ‘Gladiators‘.
The much-loved Saturday night staple will be back with an 11-episode series, made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Television UK, and will welcome a brand new generation of superhumans who will compete against contestants in the ultimate test of speed and strength. The new series will include brand new games alongside classic challenges, culminating at the end of each episode with fan favourite The Eliminator.
“Gladiators is back and a whole new generation of viewers can now look forward to watching a Saturday night spectacle like no other,” said Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted at the BBC. “Will the contenders have the will and the skill to succeed against our mighty new Gladiators? You’ll have to tune in to find out!”
The potential new series had been in development for some time, and they even had some preliminary gladiators already selected for a trial run-through before a final green light was given to produce a full series. Filming will take place at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in 2023 and further information about the series including broadcast details will be announced in due course.
“It’s the perfect time for Gladiators to return,” adds Dan Baldwin, Managing Director Hungry Bear. “What other show combines electric excitement, superheroes, giant sponge fingers, elite athletes, and a pinch of pantomime? Watch out for the new breed of superhuman, supersized, superstars bursting onto your screens on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.”
The show originally ran for 8 Seasons from 1992-2000 presented by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu on ITV, and spawn multiple versions around the world. There was also a revival series which ran for 2 Seasons on Sky 1 from 2008-2009.
“MGM UK is incredibly excited to deliver a huge show with the scale, energy and drama that Saturday nights on BBC One are made for,” commented Dom Bird, SVP MGM International Unscripted Television. “It’s going to be an epic series, pushing our next-level Gladiators and contestants to the very limits of their physical abilities.”
‘Gladiators’ is a Hungry Bear and MGM Television UK production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and was commissioned by Kate Phillips in her capacity as Director of Entertainment. The Executive Producers are Dan Baldwin for Hungry Bear and Dom Bird for MGM Television. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC will be confirmed in due course.
‘Gladiators‘ will air on BBC One and iPlayer in the latter half of 2023. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when they get a UK premiere date.
