The American Gladiators formula still works

Monday at work started out with a debate about the rebirth of American Gladiator’s. I was clearly outnumbered in thinking the new American Gladiators was entertaining. The arguments were the hosts were horrible, the players were scripted, and the Gladiators were annoying and gimmicky. OK, fine. But my retort is then, “did you not watch Gladiators the first time around?” There’s no difference.

The only difference between the Gladiators of old and the Gladiators of new is fire and water. Literally. Instead of falling onto fluffy stunt pads, they now fall into a pool of water. And to spice up the “Eliminator” they added some fire…on water…under which players must swim. Otherwise, all the games you remember from the first time around are there. They’ve added a few new ones and tweaked a few old ones, but all in all the games are exactly as you remember and like them - fast and corny.

 The Gladiators are all new. It seems there are fewer of them than originally, but I think it’s a good idea to have constant Gladiators instead of changing them up. Ultimately the crowd needs to get behind the Gladiators, not the Average Joe players. For those people that said Gladiators never had gimmicks need to hit up ESPN Classic and watch some old Gladiators. Just the fact that the Gladiators have alter egos is gimmick enough. And being a popular Gladiator is all about being memorable. If I had the choice of being a memorable Gladiator or a good Gladiator, I’d pick remembered. Sure, stats last forever, but people really talk about the people that make an impression in person. People remember passion, charisma, and gimmicks - it doesn’t matter how good you are at what you do. One new Gladiator is called Wolf and every response out of his mouth is a literal howl. Annoying? Probably. Memorable? Certainly.

Now the hosts…Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali…that is where I agree with the haters. I love Hulk Hogan, but Hogan is far from exciting in his new role as co-host. Hulk still has some charisma left in his 24″ pythons, but unless he’s in control of what’s going on he can’t deliver like we want him to. Ms. Ali is just out right unexciting. At least Hulk acts like he’s excited for the players and Gladiators. Frankly, I think the old formula of have ex-pro football players and commentators makes more sense and sounds better. I’m glad there is now less commentary during the events, but if the new Gladiators has to change the formula anywhere, it is definitely with the hosting.

And when it comes to the players being scripted…please…once again, did you not watch the old Gladiators? The show has always played up the story of the Average Joes. The Marine that fought our country…the firefighter that saves lives…the cop that saved a child…the guy overcoming health problems…they were all there in ‘94 and they’re all back in ‘08. So no, I don’t think their lives are scripted. But I do think the producers of the show carefully choose which people they pick as contestants. Much like any other game show, it only works well if the players themselves are exciting and interesting. Nobody likes watching boring, flatfooted, ugly people - it doesn’t matter if it’s Price is Right or American Gladiators. The only reason to cheer for the Average Joes is because of their story, otherwise we really don’t care about them.

So the new Gladiators is good Gladiators. It’s essentially the same thing and I think it’s what TV needs now. Something entertaining that is light hearted but full of action. I compare it to being accessible pro wrestling. Many people don’t like and can’t get into pro wrestling because it’s way over the top and scripted. OK…so we’ll give you American Gladiators that has all the glamour and muscles, but we’ll throw in normal people to prove it’s not scripted. It worked for five years before, I see no reason why it can’t work for another five.

…and as a side note, ratings for American Gladiators on Sunday night did WAY better than I expected. American Gladiators pulled in about 8 the entire two hours to show a not-too-distant third place. Desperate Housewives won the ratings at 9p (14+) but Gladiators beat the debut of the Sex and The City rip-off on ABC. I was expecting Gladiators to get a 5 or lower, but if the ratings have any bearing, it means more people were ready for Gladiators as much as I was…and it’s good sign that there will be a second season. We can only hope.