The History of American Gladiators: From Horse Manure to Steroids to Phenomenon

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Join us as we take a journey back in time to uncover the history of American Gladiators, the iconic TV series that captivated audiences in the 1990s. From humble beginnings amongst horse manure to Gladiator Arena to the pop culture phenomenon it became, this video will explore American Gladiators legacy and rise to fame through steroid controversy.
The merchandise! The action figures! The NES video game!
Relive the excitement as we revisit this classic game show where athletic contestants competed in physically challenging competitions and celebrities made appearances.
We'll also touch on the UK version, "Gladiators," which also left a lasting impact on the world of action sports. Discover some of the most memorable American Gladiators such as Nitro, Blaze, and Thunder, and learn about their impact on the sport and on pop culture as a whole. This retrospective look at American Gladiators is a celebration of its timeless legacy and its place in the annals of TV history.
Join us as we celebrate the rise and legacy of this iconic show.
SOURCES:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America...)
www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016...
americangladiators.fandom.com...
slate.com/culture/2019/09/ame...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Conti
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America...)
www.mentalfloss.com/article/6...
www.orlandosentinel.com/news/...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America...)
www.figurerealm.com/actionfig...
www.virtualtoychest.com/a/amer...
gameshows.fandom.com/wiki/Ame...
www.menshealth.com/health/a19...
slate.com/news-and-politics/2...
American Gladiators KZbin Channel: / @americangladiators
Help the channel continue to grow by checking out our Patreon: / toygalaxy
Follow Dan on Instagram:
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►►► Use code GALAXY50 to get 50% off your first Factor box at bit.ly/3jgULic ◄◄◄

[@AgentNevets]

Just want to say, Factor is great. My favorite meal kit I’ve ever had…and I’ve tried SO many. I’ve ordered from them many, many times over the last couple years.

[@chadhanson4825]

@@AgentNevets pl

[@metabaron6664]

Did you guys do WMAC masters yet?

[@jonnym4670]

Let me just stop you right there getting hit in the nuts with a tennis ball is universally funny not just an American thing

[@wstine79]

As a kid, I always felt sad when American Gladiatorscame on because that signaled the end of Saturday Morning Cartoons.

[@jack25956]

Same

[@casualnerdjason6678]

ALSO it was the only thing on when I stayed home for sick days.

[@itsagundam79]

For me it was always after American Gladiators. There wouldn't be anything good on tv until Monday afternoon. I loved AG as much as the cartoon block. Never liked wrestling like WWF, WCW or WWE, but this show was amazeballs.

[@ChapterMasterDad]

Memory recalled haha wow

[@andyrunton]

As bad as it was, it wasn’t nearly as disappointing as the arrival of the animated Soul Train locomotive. It crushed me.

[@flyguy7825]

I love American Gladiators! that show was perfect for the '80s and early '90s. It helped define that era even watching reruns. It's still awesome to see.

[@nationofvillians1620]

I love it when the contestants get slammed hard and then come back and get more, now that's a Gladiator.

[@selina.c]

Look at British gladiators you will be shocked the USA show was small which was shocking to us in England

[@DanNitroClark1]

Thank you!

[@peterwilliamskelhorn6675]

​@@DanNitroClark1i remember nitro from the international series. Both series was filmed in Birmingham.

[@tompadfoot3065]

I loved American Gladiators as a kid. One of the most fun times I've had playing D&D in recent memory was running my party through an AG-style one shot, where they had to go through a series of challenges lifted more or less straight from the show.

[@WhatsAMeadow4]

Oh this is a really good idea! 👀 That sounds like so much fun

[@tompadfoot3065]

@@WhatsAMeadow4 omg it so was! I did Joust, Assault, Breakthrough & Conquer, The Wall, and The Eliminator. Players running the events could use a combination of checks, attacks, etc to get through each event.I gave the party casters special spell lists to use that could aid the martial players with stuff like Grease, Web, Enhance Ability, etc and they could roll Arcana to cast from the sidelines without being detected. Kinda like how in Golden Sun you could help rig the Coliseum events with Psynergy. It was an absolute riot

[@CEOdawg]

That sounds awesome!! How often do you DM?

[@tompadfoot3065]

@@CEOdawg haha I'm definitely a forever DM, been that way since high school so like 20+ years. We haven't gotten the chance to play in a long time bc life stuff, but I'm hoping to volunteer DM for some kids games at my local library this summer. I've also run homebrew one shots for a couple bachelor's parties, those are always a blast.

[@CEOdawg]

@@tompadfoot3065 Nice!! I used to play D&D with my cousin and his friends in my 20s. Now, I can barely find a game. Keep rockin, my friend!!

[@cdeuceriley4044]

You forgot to mention the unbeatable contestant Wesley “2 scoops” Berry, he used to give the Gladiators fits, lol. Loved that show

[@serenagilliland8503]

And don't forget Rico Constantino who eventually went on to the WWE

[@kingphillieman]

That's the contestant I think of when I think of gladiators...

[@JohnJohnson-fr5cx]

Dude 2 Scoops is the only contestant I remember from like almost 30 years ago…..fuk I’m old. I was just watching an episode on their channel and it was a 2 Scoops one!

[@truthhurts3524]

@@JohnJohnson-fr5cx same here!😂

[@davidq.5488]

YEAH!!! I remember "2 Scoops". Forgot all about him. Cool! TY for the flashback! 😃

[@stevenhinchley3588]

The British Version was a Saturday night prime time show. Absolutely loved it

[@kildogery]

One of the rare times where the UK version outdid the US version in scale and spectacle.

[@paulhugo1623]

Oh "Jet" ... where art thou now?

[@S-T-E-V-E]

I always thought the UK version came first because the US version was called American Gladiator! I was a kid, don't judge me! 😂

[@S-T-E-V-E]

Apparently they're filming a new series of Gladiator in the UK this year. 🤨

[@KiyokaMakibi]

@@S-T-E-V-E They 100% are

[@PokerJoker6]

16-year-old me absolutely loved this show. This and Rollergames. Pure late-80's/early-90's guilty pleasures.

[@freddyvidz]

It was a great time

[@suryavajra]

That was a minigeneration all its own….

[@djnealb2]

Thank you! I was trying to remember the name of the show that was like American Gladiators, but on roller blades, as I was watching this.

[@Chibason]

I was 10 years old in '89 when the show premiered. I instantly loved it. It was one of the few shows that my family all sat down and watched together. Nitro and Gemini were both so tough and scary

[@kanstyle]

the American Gladiators spoof near the end of Hot Shots! Part Deux always puts me in tears. That show was brilliant. Peak 80s/90s. Basically the Running Man without anyone dying.

[@ThomasStrings]

"Contestants were showing up to win. and some of them were very big. And very good." I freaking loved this show, we watched it all the time with the fam, growing up. Thanks for this, Dan!

[@Riutanharju]

In Finland the show was called Gladiaattorit (Gladiators) and it was produced by Renny Harlin (with Markus Selin). One of the most famous gladiators was Tony Halme whose gladiator name here was Viikinki (Viking) and who wrestled in WWF as his stage name "Ludvig Borga".

[@scriptandscalpel]

Renny Harlin came to speak at my film school! He was a kind man who talked about overcoming the struggles

[@richardgadberry8398]

Viikinki. Isn't that the song with the lyric "Exit only tatuoitu peräpeiliini"?

[@Riutanharju]

@@richardgadberry8398 Yes, and it means in English: "Exit only is tattooed on my butt".

[@jaredthehawk3870]

Halme was a well-known racist, homophobe, wife beater, and neo fascist. He was not well liked in the WWF.

[@Ratralsis]

I liked the part where the Gladiator fell into the sarlacc pit

[@RockNerdRadio]

Man, Ryan Seacrest has come a long way. I always learn something new in your episodes. Awesome stuff!

[@Shin_Lona]

I was going to say he really fell off... Hard to top the prestige of American Gladiators.

[@pocketheart1450]

I know it might be kind of a weird show for this channel, but I really think you should cover Reading Rainbow. I had a really, really dark childhood filled with abuse, and Reading Rainbow was one of the few good memories that I really have. It got me into reading, and let me escape into books, and I don't think I would be a published author today if not for that show having such a positive impact on my life. Reading books was such a huge source of solace and sanctuary for me, I don't even know if I'd be alive now without that show.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

That would be a good show to cover.

[@MiniPainterGamerDadD20]

I didn't have near a traumatic childhood but Reading Rainbow was super influential in getting me to enjoy reading. I hope your life is much better now by the way...

[@chenierderrick]

That was an awesome show and it would be a great video to do. I also had a crazy childhood. I was in and out of the hospital for the first 13 years of my life with glaucoma. Stuff like that definitely kept me going as well.

[@diggadirt393]

...but we don't have to take your word for it...

[@mika009]

Butterfly in the sky...

[@bngjessie666]

I was a big fan of AG as a kid and loved watching the reruns on USA during summer vacations. Surprised you didn’t mention Family Matters doing a crossover episode with AG pitting Steve vs Carl over an apology.

[@DanNitroClark1]

Thanks!

[@KomradeKrusher]

A well deserved workers' salute for 13:34 It's funny to see how different perceptions differ around the globe. I remember when American Gladiators came on TV in my country, the presentation was firmly tongue-in-cheek, if not outright comedic. Same thing happened with the first wrestling shows,now that I think of it.

[@WrestlingWithGaming]

When I went to the Dudley Boyz pro wrestling school in Orlando, FL, I was quite surprised to find that Dann Carr himself was their strength and conditioning coach. He created a bunch of crazy drills for us to run through. It was basically like living through a reboot of American Gladiators every day. He is quite the character and a really funny guy with some crazy stories. The most memorable story was the one where he caught Chlamydia THREE times in one month. I'll spare everyone the details.

[@bfmishico]

*slow claps*

[@choo_choo_]

Come back bro! I miss your documentaries! Though I totally get the pain dealing with hand/wrist pain. That's been a killer for me too. Days you wanna just work on stuff, but your hands refuse to let you. All the best man!

[@paulheap1982]

@@bfmishico fast claps. 🤣

[@scriptandscalpel]

I knew someone who got two in two months, but three in one? Damn.

[@repomanzilla]

What happened with you making documentaries?

[@AZOSSHISTORIAN]

One of the funniest lines from Animaniacs was when Slappy Squirrel said to Skippy "This is going to be more fun than Seniors Night at American Gladiators!"

[@maxordman4100]

I never saw the original series but I have seen some of the spinoffs. The later Gladiator shows were pretty wild. Especially the one with Ryan Seacrest as the host. He definitely had a wild sense of humor. The show certainly had its memorable moments but Ninja Warrior is a superior show in my eyes. Very interesting story here. Great job as usual Dan!

[@jinpei05]

Headquarters Arcade Bar in Chicago shows American Gladiators reruns on their TVs. It's pretty awesome.

[@Shin_Lona]

This is the first good thing I've heard about Chicago in 20 years. 😆

[@Pantechnicon]

Great background information. I always thought the concept of American Gladiators was derived mostly from the concepts and imagery of the film The Running Man. I had no idea it went all the way back to 1982.

[@davidmatoushek9111]

I was just watching some American Glaidators on KZbin when I saw that you were doing a video today. This is quite good. Also, ESPN is doing a 30 for 30 documentary on the show as well. I can't wait to see both back-to-back.

[@MaximumWarp2099]

Man, thank you for this. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for American Gladiators. I remember watching the very first low budget episode and couldn’t get enough of it for several years.

[@radwolf76]

So that first season of American Gladiators, the one with little budget and an even smaller audience, when it premiered, every single episode gave me the worst sense of deja vu. I could accurately predict the sequence of the various competitions, and who would win, about 3 minutes ahead of time. As the season went on, I realized that I was not so much predicting it, as remembering having seen whole episodes during nighttime dreams. How and why this happened I have no explanation for, and it has not ever happened since.

[@AricTWS]

The addition of Steve Ditko and then that series of clips with Franks was lighting in a bottle. Excellent work

[@TRVG]

Missing a few bits of history: G2 Was the US interpretation of the UKs sister kid show 'Train to Win' featuring the same rules and elements where kids answered questions and went head to head with each other all while being coached by their gladiator team mates. Episodes are available on KZbin. UK Gladiators is being relaunched as a prime time show again, this time for BBC in partnership with MGM and Hungry Bear media, featuring the same HUGE scale events, UK sized arena, theme tune and logo and a full 4k relaunch of the show. This if successful will be the template that MGM will be taking to the US for the following year if ratings prove well. Filming starts in May, for release in autumn, with a couple of returning gladiators kids potentislly taking on their parents mantles (Wolf, Scorpio) and other ex gladiators all on board to promote this show and the continuation of the legacy.

[@jonus04]

The opening monologues are always so good. It's something I get excited for in each video. 18:48 Still love this gag. ;)

[@feasible]

For most of my life is was my favourite tv show. I was obsessed with it growing up and even as I got older would try to catch episodes I'd seen dozens of times in syndication. One thing I don't think you gave enough credence to was the actual quality of the contestants, there were some legitimately great athletes that competed. Probably the most famous is Wesley "Two Scoops" Barry, but my personal favourite is Clifton Miller. For what it's worth the youtube channel is actually really good, I'd been wanting somewhere tom compile the episodes and not only do they have full episodes, they also do live premieres so you can chat while watching a specific episode, or sometimes they'll air a whole season marathon which is fun.

[@kami_in_the_skye]

Wow, I'm not all that nostalgic, but this... This really brought back some fond memories. I was so incredibly into American Gladiators when I was a kid. None of the physical challenge/obstacle course-type shows that have come along in the... Jeebus, 27 years(?!) since the original run ended ever hit quite like it (though Nickelodeon GUTS was close).

[@TheRealMrKGB]

Every contestant that went up against Malibu breathed a sigh of relief because it was a guaranteed W

[@RobJaskula]

Yup, Malibu was a total jobber

[@DanNitroClark1]

True story!

[@GalactiVids]

For a second I was real worried you were going to destroy my childhood by saying the shows were fully scripted. I was generally not into sports or even wrestling; but something about American Gladiators 100% got me hooked. It was must see tv in my house and I recall most of my friends were really into it as well.

[@kevwwong]

As a kid I remember getting WWF on CHCH, then WWF on WUTV, followed by American Gladiators on Saturdays. Good times.

[@nexus6100]

Yeah I had the same reaction as soon as he said that. My heart dropped into my stomach a little bit

[@rajamicitrenti1374]

Me too, especially since Rico Costantino (who had success in the 1990-1991 season of American Gladiators) later went on to be in the WWF for 6 years.

[@Clay3613]

The first and second season got a DVD release with commentary from the Gladiators. They had real beef with some of the contestants.

[@akoww1000]

It wasn't really scripted but the producers picked who would win and the Gladiators would let that person win some of the games.

[@Jakk3113]

I loved watching this after Saturday morning cartoons.

[@evergreenrider]

LOVED the original American Gladiators. Introduced my teenage daughter to gladiators, and she likes it. It just works

[@scottcampbell9515]

Irony: Moms rallying against cartoons because they were "glorified toy commercials" going to buy their children American Gladiators toys.

[@seanodeli7031]

My local market aired it after wrestling so of course I watched it

[@scottcampbell9515]

I was going to suggest the meme clip you used at the end, and then you did it already. Well done.

[@JLvatron]

I recall the episode of Family Matters, when Steve Urkel and Carl went against each other on American Gladiators. They crossed the end at the same time, and the photo finish showed the finish line ribbon contact with Carl's belly and Urkel's nose. "Did I do thaaaaaat?"

[@darthpaul99]

This is one of my all time favorite shows ever, and the theme song is classic and I'll never forget it! I even watched the NBC revival with Hulk Hogan, and if there's another revival, I'll probably watch it too!

[@Mecha82]

We got out version of Gladiators here in Finland thanks to director Renny Harlin. It had Tony Halme (known as Ludwig Borga in WWF/WWE) as one of gladiators and he was known as Viking in that one. Also from American version Malibu was in that Dragon Strike boardgame's VHS.

[@whosaidthat84]

Yeah I remember that! He also had a cameo on Married with Children as a male stripper for Peggy and Marcy.

[@maxmiller5619]

I wasn't really a sports kid, but I loved American Gladiators. Just something about it. And like many children of that era, my cousins and I totally made our own assault arena with nerf guns.

[@RobJaskula]

Assault was so, so cool. There's never been anything like it since

[@bokodasu]

The best part of sleepovers was watching American Gladiators in the morning. I watched it on my own too, it was always great, but it was WAY more fun with friends.

[@anakinjmt]

One fun fact is the Gladiators champion from the first half of the 1990-1991 season, Rico, went on to have a career in WWE as a wrestler and manager. I remember watching reruns of American Gladiators and being shocked to see him competing!

[@gtorulesforever]

Great Episode! Makes me want an episode about WMAC Masters, I loved that show so much.

[@TheRaven078]

I'm glad someone besides me thought of this as well after watching this episode!

[@ThatGuyz82]

My mom was in NYC for work and the American Gladiators were there. She got to meet and get personalized autographs for me from Nitro, Gemini, and Tower.

[@blahlbinoa]

3:54 Does my yinzer heart proud hearing Dan say Jagoff, after listing half of the Pittsburgh actors. I loved American Gladiators! I watched it every chance I could get and would bounce around pretending I was doing the challenges as well! I always dreamed that I would go do it once I got older, but that was my childlike imagination thinking it was going to last forever as well, lol!

[@jinpei05]

I love how Dan inadvertently pushed for Wrestlers vs Robots from How I Met Your Mother at the end 🤣

[@NeilBlumengarten]

That was legen, wait for it, hope you're not lactose intolerant, DAIRY!

[@CantankerousDave]

I dunno, Celebrity Deathmatch once pitted Rage Against the Machine against… The Machine. It didn’t end well for Tom and Zack.

[@geardog24]

American Gladiators may be gone, but getting shot in the 🥜 with a tennis ball will never die.

[@ciscodeer9094]

The Gauntlet, the assault, Joust OMG this show use to come on KCAL ch 9 in California, as crazy as it seems at first my mom didn't like the show because she thought it was too violent, be later on she start to watch it. Thanks Dan now the theme song is stuck in my head.

[@hoodmistressreloaded]

I used to watch American Gladiators on KCAL 9 back in the day too, except I'd be torn between watching either the 2nd half of the show or Double Dare on Nickelodeon at 6:30pm. That was one of the hardest decisions as a 5/6-yr-old kid 😅

[@jnerdsblog]

I loved and was obsessed with this show as a kid. Their KZbin channel has full classic episodes!

[@theotakutopian7426]

Thanks for talking about American Gladiators. Hope you’ll also talk about WMAC Masters. Although that series only lasted two seasons before getting canceled, it featured some great martial arts skills and actual martial artists like Herb “Olympus” Perez and Hakim “The Machine” Alston.

[@walterhoward5512]

Before reading your comment I hadn't thought of that show since I was a child. lol

[@malkilroy]

@Walter Howard I just noticed your comment hours after I posted the same show request. I still miss the show and cannot find full episodes of the series. Hopefully Dan fulfills our requests.

[@shaanep]

The classic shot of Malibu getting blowed up on The Human Cannonball from season 1 never fails to make me wince (and laugh.) Also, I’ve never forgotten one of the best lines from Nitro…”You either love me, hate me, or love to hate me.” Talk about a badass!

[@DanNitroClark1]

So much fun. Looking back, I can't believe some of the things I said. Thanks for watching!

[@El_hombre_malo]

One of the best things I seen as a kid was the season finale one year where they brought back the winner from last year. The two guys had a amazing finish on the last event it was a photo finish. I loved this show as a kid.

[@Trekapedia]

Great video Ty again! You guys definitely do your research and I’d love to see videos about Superman, The Animated Series, Smallville and the ABC Afterschool and Weekend Specials if possible. Lots of stuff for you guys to dive into and great memories for me. Also, would you guys consider doing a video about Buffy The Vampire Slayer and it’s beginnings on tv and what it took for them to get the show up and running? Ty folks again and keep the awesome stuff coming please!

[@SWIFTO_SCYTHE]

I LOVED American Gladiators. ASSAULT was like the coolest game of Nerf. I also liked Joust and Powerball and the Eliminator.

[@JohnKelly2]

I feel like the show gave rise to the Nerf guns we know and love today.

[@arctrooper999]

I'm glad you showed Johnathan Frakes in that Fact or Fiction show. My wife recently started watching it, and really, it's like Frakes says, "So did a ghost really hitchhike a ride in the car with those girls?" I'm like "Fiction!". He's like, 'Fact. In somebody's 19XX book, eyewitness accounts says it happened." Fiction!!

[@THIRTYSIXBLACK]

I had a friend in middle school who had me over for a cookout one weekend. His Uncle was in town...Gemini! What a cool moment as a young boy. We had a cookout and got taken to see Alien 3 with Gemini! It was a fun weekend. Super nice guy.

[@mklptrk]

You crazy for this one Dan! What a nice Thursday surprise.

[@wstine79]

Dan Larson is the Blaze of Secret Galaxy.

[@ThomasMHead]

The running gag of cutting to Boba Fett slamming into the sail barge's side always gets me! Come to think of it: the Jonathan Frakes telling you things running gag is good, too!

[@fchavez73]

I don't know if it was mentioned, but at their peak, they also did national show tours. Our coliseum had them here when I was 13 or 14 I believe and got tickets after hearing they were coming to our town. I got Diamond's autograph on a program book and was the highlight my teenage boy years.

[@jayjayrocket]

I just saw the British reboot live last week. They've done a great job of rebooting it. perfect blend of nostalgia and updated

[@raistbroga]

Great to hear the real history, since I always assumed the show in the UK was directly inspired by the Running Man.

[@NeedlessJ93]

They're running men, last season's winners. - No last season's losers. Ah, Fireball.

[@MistaMaddog247]

I was more into watching WWF Superstars but knew how popular AG was. Even one of the Gladiators, Zap, did a local commercial for a clock shop that was in this video. Now that Dan is covering sports entertainment shows, how bout Rollergames next?

[@TheCodeCrown]

I grew up with the UK version of the show. This has been a brilliant watch to see the origins of it all.

[@Shawn-le1wq]

Malibu was also featured in the VHS tape for the Dragonstrike table top game, intended as an introduction for people new to D&D style gaming. That video was something else. 🤣

[@de5096]

Thanks for another great review!

[@adam-l74]

Omg I loved this show, especially the mid seasons after they took a more “Olympic” aesthetic.

[@andrejg4136]

Personally I liked it when the had the contenders in red and blue, though I know that would get boring to look at after awhile. I still didn't like having the ladies in yellow and peach (orange?), It was just a strange aesthetic for what was for the most part legit competition.

[@maguffle]

I absolutely LOVED this show as a kid. I used to dream of being a contestant when I was little. The original run ended just before I turned 18 so I was too young to try out. By the time it came back (Hosted by Hulk Hogan and Layla Ali) I had some significant injuries and was out of shape. 😔 Btw, am I the only person who had a crush on a gladiator? Because I used to love Ice!

[@grimcatnip]

I remember when this series first aired. I was there. And I watched it as kid. I grew up with this series. Never missed an episode. I even played the NES game when it came out.

[@stendec-dd3he]

Hell yeah, for its time, it was a must see. Excellent homage, Dan. Once again, you and Greg knocked it out of the park!

[@orinanime]

I was 3 or 4 when this show premiered but I was definitely watching with enthusiasm by age 5. I remember my whole family really enjoying this show. Interesting you mentioned Ninja Warrior later in the video, because my mother and I were addicted to that show as well (the original Japanese version, not the eventual American version). Also Takeshi's Castle/MXC.

[@Belgand]

It's interesting how the American version of Ninja Warrior totally failed to capture the charm and entertainment value of the original. The women-only spin-off, Kunoichi, kept it, so it clearly wasn't just a problem with spin-offs. I think the American producers just didn't properly understand what made it fun and tried to make it too aggro and filled with macho, dude-bro energy.

[@orinanime]

@@Belgand absolutely agreed.

[@random__joe]

MXC 😂

[@murmanpoet]

thanks for another cool video. You should do one on Battle Dome. it was an American Gladiators type show that aired in the late 90s had a crossover with WCW Nitro

[@bunkerzero]

(i was waiting for the Boba Fett meme and Galaxy didn't disappoint!) that theme song is iconic, caught a couple of times with friends and family. funny story! when I was a kid, my brother, our cousins, and I put together a mini obstacle course around our house using a mattress, couch cushions, and pillows! it was great!

[@scottsmith3499]

Please do an episode on The Monkees, as I distinctly remember how they reappeared on TV in 1986, while clearly being a product of the 60's. As a kid I was kind of befuddled where that show came from but the memory is still stuck in my brain like a piece of popcorn I can't get out from between my teeth.

[@SirLoganMoore]

God i loved this show. I watched it on Channel 62 here in Kansas City (as seen on one of the promo clips in this video). It was just a lot of fun. I remember all my friends at school liked it, and led to us buying tennis balls to throw at each other.

[@Belgand]

That was my station as well. He-Man earlier in the decade and then Disney Afternoon once that got going and they started the "62 Kids Crew" branding. They were a powerhouse during the era of prime syndication.

[@SirLoganMoore]

@@Belgand 100% they were. Them and 41, back when it was FOX. it was hard to decide some times to decide what to watch after school.

[@whosaidthat84]

I'll always love the American Gladiators part in Hot Shots: Part Duex 😂

[@MellowGaming]

used to watch the Gladiators when it started here in the UK every week. Like, unmissable TV. They started showing the US version a little later at about 1AM and it was kinda cool when they did the US vs UK series cos some of us had seen the American guys in action already. It was huge here. Kinda regret never pestering my parents enough to take us to a show. There's people of a certain age here (my age) that have their first big crush on the Gladiator Jet. She even gets name dropped in UK shows quite often. Wolf was the big star of the show but she was the one we tuned in for... like a bunch of perverts.

[@Cobralalalala]

I loved this show as a kid! It was sort of like wrestling, which was my first love, but also did it's own thing and was something family members who didn't like the "fake" wrestling would watch with me. I even had some of the figures, though I never got the playsets, so they just became wrestlers. I watched it some on ESPN classics as an adult a number of years ago, and enjoyed it all over again.

[@marktaft]

If you're a fan, you know the name Wesley "Two Scoops" Berry. What a great show that encapsulates an era,

[@CapLives]

Ah, American Gladiators. I remember watching reruns on ESPN Classics when I was a real young. I watched the Hogan version for a bit but it didn't grab my attention that much.

[@SuperNicktendo]

It was on the USA network so if ya had cable you made sure to watch this. My friend and I would set up our own gauntlet with koosh balls so we didn't break anything in the house. Would be nice to see a modern video game based on the original cast. VR would be fun!

[@cedarvalleygaming]

I loved watching this show at my dad's house as a kid and I completely forgot there was an action figure line.

[@WillKeaton]

I remember watching this on Saturday nights as a kid. I also remember a similar show, _Blade Warriors,_ which had a similar premise, but everyone was wearing roller blades. It was on either right before or right after _American Gladiators_ but I think it only ran for one season.

[@DjFIL007]

Loved this show as a kid of the 80's. Ended up owning "The Wall" playset and the Tiger Electronics handheld game, and the DOS game too. The DOS game was ok for what it was, but lots of button mashing (especailly for the eliminator course). Good memories.

[@mathieuduval7544]

if theres a show that needs to come back.... its this one!!! i watched alot of ep. last year and i love it but i was sad to find out that Siren took her own life...😪

[@CantankerousDave]

If there’s one thing that can bring Americans together, it’s sharing a good laugh over seeing someone shot in the crotch with a tennis ball. Not even sarcasm.

[@mathieuduval7544]

@@CantankerousDave I agree but as a Canadian i have to say.... bring EVERYONE together, this show was and still can be international!!

[@Airhammer]

I was an avid viewer of the show back in the 90s. It typically aired late on Saturday nights. The first of the two international seasons was my favorite and still is to this day. I have the dvd set mentioned and wish they'd release the other six seasons along with the international. The UK series was amazing as well. AG 2000 was an interesting show. Of course back then many shows had kid variations like Wheel 2000 and Jep! I was thrilled when the 2008 revival was announced, but the show just didn't have the same appeal as the original. It was too flashy, the Gladiators were too gimmicky, they added water hazards, and pyro. Hulk Hogan seemed like an odd choice for a host. They actually got the actor who played the referee in Dodgeball to reprise his role as the ref on the show. Then there's the absolutely massive Eliminator that just sucked the fun out of the event. At least the original dropped concept of the winners becoming Gladiators was a thing. If another series is made it would be best to go back to basics and follow what made the original special.

[@MicBain]

Australian Gladiators was filmed in my city and was free to go and watch live. My friend and I used to go and watch it all the time (I think we were in 9th grade). It was pretty fun! Delta was hot haha

[@ShinySephiroth1]

Wow! Andy Serkis!? This channel always surprises me with anecdotes of who is invovled in these legendary shows.

[@darktoylord]

Loved watching this as a kid but much like the WWF, I never felt compelled to pick up the toys

[@itsjustjoyful]

Hi, Dan! I recently came back to your channel for nostalgia and I ended up subscriping to you again! I do have some video requests! Could you do Tiny Toons Adventures, Animaniacs, Macross, Evangelion, or Freakazoid? Love your channel 💜

[@andrewgrant2990]

I got to see the live show in Baltimore (@ the Arena?) after winning tickets from B104. It was an awesome fun show & somewhere I have a poster with several autographs on it. I came across the show on 1 of the free channels & was still captivated by it! Great show Dan- thank you for doing it!

[@Crimson_Dragon01]

I'm a 90's kid and I enjoyed watching the 2008 version with my dad. I wish it had lasted longer!

[@SickLiq]

I'm here for gladiators against 13 year olds. That got me good.

[@aerynmusick4548]

I definitely beat the tar out of my little brother in a toy store with one of those pugilsticks.

[@MakotoKamui]

But if we put Wipeout and Battlebots together, the water will probably short out the bots, sadly... seeing some of those bots spinning as they bounce over the giant red balls would be hilarious, though!

[@animefan25]

1. American Gladiators even had a crossover with the sitcom Family Matters. 2. A stuntman from Power Rangers competed on American Gladiators.

[@snukastyle]

We used to watch the reruns on USA during Summer vacation way back when. Back when the cast was small in those first seasons, I found out they had at least one back-up Gladiator. I think it was Malibu who was hurt after a fall from Human Cannonball, and they had to bring in this one-show guy named Bronco, whose tenure was about half a minute when he was knocked off his platform. Never to be seen again.

[@marcusfridh8489]

I remember one season there was the international gladiators with gladiators and contestants from us, uk, Russia and Germany. And after that sweden also got their own gladiators.

[@verbalcreative4687]

Loved American Gladiators. Don't know if this is on "the list" but this also brought back memories of "Rollergames". Kind of a WWF meets Roller Derby.

[@RobsonRoverRepair]

Editing on this one was brilliant