NBC is resurrecting “American Gladiators” for some weird reason

August 23, 2007 | Filed Under Television News

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nbc is nutz

In this installment (Part V) of Decline of the Stoned Peacock we are wondering what the hell NBC is thinking resurrecting American Gladiators for the midseason. From Variety:

The competition skein — which featured players with names like Nitro, Turbo and Laser in its campy, early ’90s syndie incarnation — will be updated for the 21st century with new technology and twists. MGM TV, which was behind the original hit, is producing along with Reveille.

Peacock’s interest in the revival actually predates the arrival of NBC Entertainment/Universal Media Studios co-chairman Ben Silverman, who began developing the project while still in charge of Reveille. Net confirmed last month that “Gladiator” was a priority at the net (Daily Variety, July 16).

“We’ve been circling around this property for a long time now,” said Craig Plestis, exec VP of alternative programming, development and specials at NBC Entertainment. “It’s truly what’s not in the TV landscape right now. While everyone’s zigging, I’m attracted to doing a zag.”

“We’re not going to completely reinvent the wheel here,” he said. “But we’re making it better, faster and stronger.”

Show will follow eight gladiators — four men and four women — as they take on contestants both male and female. This time, in a new wrinkle, the players will be given the opportunity to train for their match — and viewers will be given a glimpse of their personalities prior to the actual competish.

Are you wondering “What the fuck are those clowns at NBC thinking THIS time?!?!” Well, here’s your answer: They’re lacking creative talent. Check this quote from MGM Worldwide TV co-president Jim Packer:

MGM Worldwide TV co-prexy Jim Packer said reviving “Gladiators” was part of a strategy to mine the company’s library and revive franchises for a new generation of TV viewers. Repeats of the original show are currently posting decent ratings on ESPN Classic, he noted.

First of all, when you’re broadcast network NBC and you’re comparing yourself with fucking ESPN Classic, you’ve got major problems. And without mincing words Packer pretty much says “We’ve got nothing new but Heroes and some other lame shit so we need to mine the back catalog for anything that might draw some ratings.”

Good fucking luck, NBC. This Silverman guy is either going to end up a total genius or out on his ass verrrrrrry fast.

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