Gladiators

The show has been something of a surprise, and certainly manages to bring some of the old magic back to the screen. There are problems though, the presenting team simply doesn't work. The Morecambe & Wise act that Brad & Lad seem to be going for completely misses the mark, it simply doesn't fit this show. The other issue is that we have two pantomine villains: Legend and Viper. Out of the two, Legend is more convincing, and at least has an element of cheek to his act, and he does look half-convincing as a competitor, but what is the point of Viper? A couple of changes and the magic might be complete.

"Gladiators" is an enduring classic of sports game shows, no matter what country it is made in. In 2024, perhaps unexpectedly, not one but two franchises were revived: the British and the Australian. Both were pretty good. The British version has a solid line-up of gladiators (Legend is a funny successor to Wolf), and the female winner & runner-up are soooo beautiful and humble. The two major changes that are needed for the second season, which has already been confirmed, are: 1) a longer format. 11 are too few episodes, which leads to some losers of the Heats actually qualifying for the next rounds. The ideal number of episodes has always been 15. 2) the Gauntlet MUST be made more difficult (narrower? One more glad added?), because as it stands now almost every contender is getting maximum points and that's boring. But apart from those two complaints, I have no others. Even the hosts, who seemed a little iffy at first, have grown into their roles. 7.5 out of 10.

A fantastic reboot. Faithful to the original but also modern and engaging for a new audience.

As a massive fan of the original (the sky one not so much) I was dubious but was overwhelmed by how good it was.

Few things to tweak (lose Barney. Nice lad the the personality of a dishcloth, tweak the games and gladiators appearing on them. Got a bit repetitive towards the end, shorten the opening credits) but I throughly enjoyed this. It's like I was 10 all over again.

The low star reviews seem to be people complaining it's not like the original. Of course it isn't. Why would anyone do a like for like remake of a show the was axed 24 years before. Clearly they have not gone into it with a open mind. Enjoy it for what it is. Guilt free, fun, Saturday night family entertainment.

Roll on 2025 for season 2!

Initially I thought I'll just watch the first episode to see how bad it might be, as the 2008 reboot was cringy and did not have the same feel as the beloved 1990s show. However I was plesently surprised - they have somehow managed to capture the heart & feel of the 90s show, but with a modern twist.

Yes its all camp, panto fun...but thats what also makes it great relaxing family weekend TV. We dont all need complex crime dramas or bland quiz shows...here is somethign that is unabashedly fun. It doesnt market itself as an aloof serious show...it just want to let 'superhuman' athletes (the nearest we will get in real life) to go up against 'normal' everyday folk (although most of the contenders here spend a fair about of time in the gym/fitness).

You have your 'Hero' and 'Villian' members which all adds to the fun - but there is also a great sense of admiration and positive feedback to each other and the contestants.

I concur with some other comments that whilst Bradley Walsh et al are OK as presenters, I feel they fall a little short in connection with the series - no Owogas being shouted here...but there is a great -CONTENDERS READY from the new Ref!!!

Great way to spend 60mins of your life sat with the family shouting at the screen without having to travel to Sheffield and purchase a giant foam finger!!!

This was my favourite thing growing up i loved it, so i was really excited to hear about the new series but slightly worried it would be too modernised and take away the magic. I have to say, it couldn't have been any better. The gladiators, the games, music, the presenters were great.. just all of it was so spot on and reminiscent of the original series. I loved that they barely changed anything except add new games, it really kept the show what it was meant to be. I absolutely love this remake and can't wait to watch the rest of it. I'm just as excited to watch it again at 32 as i was at 7!!