American Gladiators (2026 TV series)
American entertainment gameshow
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
American Gladiators is an American TV competition series based on the original American Gladiators. It is aired on Prime Video[2] in over 240 countries and territories, and is being hosted by WWE SmackDown wrestler Mike 'The Miz' Mizanin.[3][4][5]
| American Gladiators | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Sports Game show |
| Created by |
|
| Directed by | Ramy Romany[1] |
| Presented by | Mike Mizanin Rocsi Diaz |
| Starring | Thomas Taylor Robin Delorenzo Mike Sydara The Gladiators |
| Narrated by | Chris Rose |
| Theme music composer | Jelly Roll |
| Opening theme | Rise Up (Short Version) |
| Ending theme | Rise Up |
| Country of origin | United States |
| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 20 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Production locations | Aren'Ice, Cergy, Val-d'Oise, France |
| Camera setup | Multi-camera |
| Running time | 42 minutes |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Prime Video |
| Release | April 17, 2026 |
| Related | |
| |
Filming for the first two seasons occurred during Summer 2025 at Aren'Ice in Cergy, France, the first time American Gladiators is filmed entirely outside of its national borders.[6] The first season of the series premiered on April 17, 2026.
Each episode features 4 everyday contestants (2 male Contenders and 2 female Contenders) battling for a $100,000 grand prize at the end of the season and the title of American Gladiator Champion.[1][7]
The 10-part first season aired across three weeks exclusively on Prime Video.[8][9]
Background
In April 2024, it was reported the creator of the original American Gladiators brand, John Ferraro, had signed Range Sports as a representative to develop new "TV, film, attractions, merchandise and live events" within the American Gladiators franchise.[10] This decision was accelerated by the success of the British reboot of Gladiators on BBC One, which reached nearly 10 million viewers in total during its first series and was quickly renewed for its second and third series.[2]
In June 2024, it was officially reported that the reboot, produced by MGM Television, had been ordered by Prime Video, and set to air in over 200 countries worldwide. In May 2025, it was announced that WWE "superstar" and presenter The Miz would host the reboot, which was filmed in summer 2025 near Paris, France, in front of a French audience of approximately 3,000.[6]
On June 12, 2025, it was reported that The Miz would be joined by Rocsi Diaz as sideline reporter and play-by-play commentator Chris Rose. Simultaneously, the full roster of 16 Gladiators was officially revealed.[11][12] The action on the arena will be overseen by the Head referee, Wisconsin-based professional boxing referee Thomas "Tom" Taylor.[13][9]
Format
Signs of a possible American reboot of the franchise were seen after the hit success of the BBC's reboot of their British adaptation, Gladiators,[14][15] which has already been commissioned for a fourth series by Spring 2026.[16]
The show's format follows the premise of the previous iterations of American Gladiators, wherein ordinary members of the public, or Contenders, battle against elite athletes, known as Gladiators, in a set of physically demanding events requiring strength, stamina and speed. Season 1 of the revival features 24 contenders going up against the 16 resident Gladiators of the show, in an elimination format consisting of preliminary heats, semi-finals and finals. The contenders first have to gain points in three events that transfer to an advantage for the final round, The Eliminator, at the end of each episode.
The contenders ultimately battle it out for the grand prize of $100,000, which only one male and one female contender earn at the end of the season.[7]
Cast and crew
Presenters
- Mike “The Miz” Mizanin is the host. Known from appearing weekly on the WWE's SmackDown brand under the ring name "The Miz".
- Rocsi Diaz serves as the sideline reporter, and the co-host, explaining the events rules and Gladiator statistics alongside The Miz.
The Gladiators
The cast of Gladiators include professional wrestlers, bodybuilders, CrossFit athletes, D1 athletes and globally recognized fitness trainers.[11]
On June 11, 2025, the first two male Gladiators of the lineup were revealed as former WWE wrestler Eric Bugenhagen, and former 2 time TNA world tag team champion, and star of Big Brother and House of Villains Jessie Godderz.[17] On June 12, the rest of the total 16-strong roster were first revealed by Prime Video and The Hollywood Reporter.[11] The rest of the Gladiators include Texas-born CrossFit Games champion Dani Speegle[18] and an IFBB Figure Pro Lu Faustin, who represents the state of New York as Empire.
| Alias | Name | Seasons | Age | Stats | State | Background |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blaze | Abigail Lay | 1– | 6'0", 185 lbs (1.83 m, 84 kg) | MO |
| |
| Crush | Dani Speegle | 1– | 32 | 5'6", 170 lbs (1.67 m, 77 kg) | TX |
|
| Empire | Lu Faustin | 1– | 5'8", 150 lbs (1.72 m, 68 kg) | NY |
| |
| Huntress | Sydney Hunter | 1– | 5'6", 140 lbs (1.67 m, 64 kg) | CA |
| |
| Hurricane | Kailey Latimer | 1– | 33 | 5'10", 160 lbs (1.78 m, 73 kg) | NC |
|
| Striker | Emily Nelson | 1– | 6'4 3⁄4", 192 lbs (1.94 m, 87 kg) | AZ |
| |
| Supernova | Jessica Roden | 1– | 33 | 5'11", 170 lbs (1.80 m, 77 kg) | OH |
|
| Voltage | Daniella Means | 1– | 5'5", 140 lbs (1.65 m, 64 kg) | CA |
| Alias | Name | Seasons | Age | Stats | State | Background |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ace | Drew Aggouras | 1– | 6'3", 210 lbs (1.90 m, 95 kg) | MA |
| |
| The Bull | Eric Bugenhagen | 1– | 38 | 6'3", 285 lbs (1.90 m, 129 kg) | WI | |
| Eagle | Jason Peele | 1– | 6'4", 250 lbs (1.93 m, 113 kg) | NC |
| |
| Fang | Michael Wardlow | 1– | 38 | 6'3", 265 lbs (1.91 m, 120 kg) | OH |
|
| Lightning | Joseph Hall | 1– | 6'5", 250 lbs (1.96 m, 113 kg) | CA |
| |
| Mayhem | Faysal Shafaat | 1– | 34 | 6'5", 240 lbs (1.96 m, 109 kg) | FL |
|
| Neon | Ayinde Warren | 1– | 6'2", 220 lbs (1.88 m, 100 kg) | MD |
| |
| Steel | Jessie Godderz | 1– | 40 | 5'10", 205 lbs (1.78 m, 93 kg) | CA |
|
The Referees
Wisconsin-born Thomas "Tom" Taylor serves as the Main referee, alongside referees Robin Delorenzo and Mike Sydara.
Commentator
Chris Rose, known as being a long-term announcer on NFL and many game shows like BattleBots is the commentator, announcing the action live from the arena.[12]
Events
The rebooted series of American Gladiators will see the return of many classical events such as "Atlasphere", "Gauntlet", "Hang Tough" and "Joust",[1][9] as well as addition of some brand-new events to the American format. Each episode is set to culminate with "The Eliminator" obstacle course ending with the iconic "Travelator".
Season 1 Main Events
Atlasphere
American Gladiators classic Atlasphere is returning, featuring contestants versus Gladiators in big metal "spheres", with the contestants' objective of scoring as many points as possible by rolling over several scoring pods across the arena floor.[9]
Atlasphere: Crash Course
A modified version of Atlasphere, coming from the British Gladiators reboot. Crash Course is a 2-lap race to the finish line with gladiators in the contestants' way. Winner gets 10 points and Runner-up gets 5, as long as the Runner-up crosses the finish line before time is up. Once a winner is declared, the runner-up must complete the course 10 seconds after their opponent wins or no points are rewarded.
Collision
In this brand new event taken from the BBC revival,[1] the Contender has just 60 seconds to try to cross a giant suspension bridge and put as many colored balls into two baskets on the platforms with each shot made worth two points with a maximum 10 points if the Contender can make 5 successful shots, while four Gladiators are trying to knock them off the bridge by swinging on their trapezes from two separate platforms on the sides of the bridge. [19]
The Gauntlet
Another classic, The Gauntlet, sees each contestant trying to get past a group of 4 Gladiators each in a Zone armed with foam weapons in a narrow, "gauntlet" shaped running track. Each zone the contender clears is worth 2 points and reaching the end point of the track awards an additional 2 points for a maximum score of 10 points.[9] In the Semi-Finals, as a "Level Up" special, a fifth gladiator is added to the competition, upon reaching the 'Impact Zone', the competitor must get the Gladiator to step out of the zone for an additional 3 points before time runs out.
Hang Tough
This classic sees the contestant and the Gladiator start from opposite platforms, swinging using gymnastics rings. The aim for the contestant is to get to the Gladiator's platform to claim full points, while this is trying to remove the contestant off the rings. 10 points if the contender gets to the opposite podium, and zero if they get caught by the Gladiator. 5 points for staying in the scoring zone.[1]
Joust
A true American Gladiators classic in which the Contender must try knock the Gladiator down from the podium using a pugil stick in a head-to-head combat with the Gladiator, who is attempting to do the same thing to the Contender. 10 points are awarded if the Contender removes the Gladiator or if the Gladiator crosses over and steps on the Contender's platform, 5 points are awarded if the Contender can last the entire 60 seconds without dropping and no points if the Gladiator removes the Contender. [1]
Powerball
The iconic game mix of Basketball and American Football, in which the contestants playing at the same time must score as many points as possibly by placing coloured balls into several pods spread across the arena floor. Three of the Gladiators are trying to tackle them down to avoid scoring.[1]
The Edge
In this brand new event taken from the UK BBC revival, taking its place high up on the arena ceiling, the contender and Gladiator play a game of cat-and-mouse on a giant suspended grid-shaped platform. The aim for the contender is to cross the platforms as many times as possible, while the Gladiator tries to rugby-style tackle this off into a chilling 40 feet drop. Each crossing from the contender earns them 2 points.[9]
The Ring
An all-new game originated from the British reboot on BBC.[1] In a game of cat-and-mouse and wrestling, the contenders have to make it to a central button at the arena floor. Guarding the target are a pair of Gladiators with aim of stopping them on the way. The contender will pick up 2 points every time they touch the button.[19]
The Wall
In the classical, rock climbing-styled event, the contenders are being pursued by the Gladiators up a high, vertical wall. To score 10 points, the contenders must reach the top of the wall without being pulled off.[1] In the Semi-Finals, contenders only get a 5-second or 6-second (episode nine) head start and the Wall is bigger to scale.
Whiplash
Classic game of Tug of War where the contender and the Gladiator are attached with a "dogbone", and the contender must remove the Gladiator from a circular play area. 10 for dispatching the gladiator off the play area.[9]
This event has so far only been played in one heat during Season 1.
The Eliminator
The final legendary game at the end of each episode, an obstacle course determining the advancing/winning contestants. A race through demanding obstacle course of balance beams and cargo nets, ending with "The Travelator", known from the UK version.[9]
Episodes
Season 1 (2026)
| No. | Title | Original Air Date (Prime Video) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Heat 1" | April 17, 2026[1] | |
|
A new generation of Contenders step into the Gladiator Arena to take on 16 fierce new Gladiators in Whiplash, Powerball, Joust, and The Eliminator. | |||
| 2 | "Heat 2" | April 17, 2026 | |
|
New contenders clash with the Gladiators in Collision, The Ring, Hang Tough, and The Eliminator. | |||
| 3 | "Heat 3" | April 17, 2026 | |
|
Four new contenders take on The Wall, The Gauntlet, The Edge, and The Eliminator in a night packed with surprises. | |||
| 4 | "Heat 4" | April 24, 2026 | |
|
Power meets precision in The Gauntlet, The Edge, The Wall, and The Eliminator - where tactics and toughness collide. | |||
| 5 | "Heat 5" | April 24, 2026 | |
|
Four new contenders face unstoppable Gladiators in Atlasphere, Hang Tough, Collision, and The Eliminator. | |||
| 6 | "Heat 6" | April 24, 2026 | |
|
The final prelims bring Joust, Powerball, Atlasphere, and The Eliminator - with wildcards and surprises ahead. | |||
| 7 | "Semi-Final 1" | May 1, 2026 | |
|
The semifinals begin with a Leveled-Up version of The Wall, The Edge, and a Joust match that screams "Welcome to the Semis!" The road to the finale starts here. | |||
| 8 | "Semi-Final 2" | May 1, 2026 | |
|
The second semifinal raises the stakes with Gauntlet Level Up, Hang Tough, The Ring, and The Eliminator. | |||
| 9 | "Semi-Final 3" | May 1, 2026 | |
|
Second chances meet semifinal stakes in Atlasphere Crash Course, The Wall, The Edge, and The Eliminator. | |||
| 10 | "The Finals" | May 1, 2026 | |
|
The finalists face off in The Ring, Joust, Hang Tough, and The Eliminator - for $100,000 and the title of Champion. | |||
Results
Heat 1
- Female Gladiators: Blaze, Crush, Empire, Huntress & Hurricane
- Male Gladiators: Eagle, Fang, Mayhem, Neon & Steel
| Events | Contenders | Gladiators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Francheska Martinez | Ayonna Procter | ||
| Whiplash | 10 | 0 | Blaze / Hurricane |
| Powerball | 2 | 4 | Empire, Crush & Huntress |
| Joust | 10[a] | 0 | Hurricane / Blaze |
| Final Score | 22 | 4 | |
| Headstart | 9.0s | ||
| Result | Loss | Win | |
| Events | Contenders | Gladiators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exodus Rodgers | Tavares Chambliss | ||
| Whiplash | 0 | 10 | Eagle / Steel |
| Powerball | 4 | 2 | Eagle, Neon & Mayhem |
| Joust | 0 | 0 | Fang[b] / Neon |
| Final Score | 4 | 12 | |
| Headstart | 4.0s | ||
| Result | Loss | Win | |
- Notes
Heat 2
- Female Gladiators: Blaze, Crush, Empire, Huntress, Hurricane & Voltage
- Male Gladiators: Ace, The Bull, Eagle, Mayhem, Neon & Steel
| Events | Contenders | Gladiators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra Dawn Anglim | Janelle Schaefer | ||
| Collision | 8 | 8 | Huntress, Blaze, Empire & Voltage |
| The Ring | 4 | 0 | Blaze & Hurricane |
| Hang Tough | 10 | 0 | Crush / Blaze |
| Final Score | 22 | 8 | |
| Headstart | 7.0s | ||
| Result | Loss | Win | |
| Events | Contenders | Gladiators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steffan Jones | Evan Barr | ||
| Collision | 4 | 8 | Neon, The Bull, Ace & Steel |
| The Ring | 0 | 4 | Eagle & Ace |
| Hang Tough | 0 | 0 | Eagle / Mayhem |
| Final Score | 4 | 12 | |
| Headstart | 4.0s | ||
| Result | Loss | Win | |
Heat 3
- Female Gladiators: Crush, Empire, Huntress, Hurricane & Voltage
- Male Gladiators: Ace, The Bull, Mayhem, Neon & Steel
| Events | Contenders | Gladiators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bailey Meraviglia | Karizma Lockhart | ||
| The Wall | 0 | 10 | Crush & Voltage |
| The Gauntlet | 10 | 10 | Voltage, Empire, Hurricane & Huntress |
| The Edge | 0 | 10 | Hurricane / Huntress |
| Final Score | 10 | 30 | |
| Headstart | 10.0s | ||
| Result | Win | Loss | |
- Notes
- Jaquez suffered a pectoral injury during The Edge and was deemed medically unfit to continue in the competition.
- After the elimination of Jaquez was confirmed, Michael was told he would not run the Eliminator on the night, and a twist was revealed. At the end of the preliminary heats, Michael will face against the eliminated male contender with fastest Eliminator time with his 5 second head start.
Heat 4
- Female Gladiators: Blaze, Crush, Empire, Huntress, Hurricane & Voltage
- Male Gladiators: Ace, The Bull, Eagle, Mayhem, Neon & Steel
| Events | Contenders | Gladiators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michelle Keith | Fallon Fratone | ||
| The Gauntlet | 10 | 10 | Hurricane, Voltage, Empire & Crush |
| The Edge | 2 | 6 | Hurricane / Huntress |
| The Wall | 0 | 0 | Crush & Blaze |
| Final Score | 12 | 16 | |
| Headstart | 2.0s | ||
| Result | Win | Loss[a] | |
| Events | Contenders | Gladiators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Galper | Bobby Levine | ||
| The Gauntlet | 10 | 6 | Ace, Neon, Mayhem & The Bull |
| The Edge | 2 | 2 | Neon / Steel |
| The Wall | 10 | 0 | Steel & Eagle |
| Final Score | 22 | 8 | |
| Headstart | 7.0s | ||
| Result | Win | Loss[b] | |
- Notes
- Despite finishing the Eliminator first, Fallon was disqualified after using the sides of the Travelator to pull herself up.
- Since Bobby had the fastest time in the Eliminator for the losing male players, he was given a wildcard opportunity to face Michael Miraglia for the third spot in the Semi-Finals.
Heat 5
- Female Gladiators: Blaze, Crush, Empire, Huntress, Hurricane & Voltage
- Male Gladiators: Ace, The Bull, Eagle, Fang, Mayhem & Steel
| Events | Contenders | Gladiators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rebecca Clements | Jordan Szecw | ||
| Atlasphere | 4 | 2 | Huntress / Crush |
| Hang Tough | 0 | 5 | Crush / Hurricane |
| Collision | 0 | 6 | Huntress, Blaze, Empire & Voltage |
| Final Score | 4 | 13 | |
| Headstart | 4.5s | ||
| Result | Loss[a] | Win | |
| Events | Contenders | Gladiators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Liu | Andy Stern | ||
| Atlasphere | 2 | 2 | Fang / The Bull |
| Hang Tough | 0 | 0 | Ace / Mayhem |
| Collision | 6[b] | 0 | The Bull, Steel, Eagle & Ace |
| Final Score | 8 | 2 | |
| Headstart | 3.0s | ||
| Result | Win | Loss | |
- Notes
Heat 6
- Female Gladiators: Crush, Empire, Huntress, Hurricane & Voltage
- Male Gladiators: The Bull, Mayhem, Neon & Steel
| Events | Contenders | |
|---|---|---|
| Terri Bell | Rebecca Clement | |
| Headstart | 0.5s | |
| Result | Loss | Win |
| Events | Contenders | |
|---|---|---|
| Bobby Levine | Michael Miraglia | |
| Headstart | 5.0s | |
| Result | Loss | Win |
- Notes
- Terri did not run the Eliminator to settle her heat, and instead went into a winner-take-all Wild Card race.
- Ilana was seriously injured during the Atlasphere game and deemed unfit for competition.
- Since the Bull touched his opponents podium before Blake landed from the podium to the ground, the results were a tie.
- Ben received a leg injury during the game and could not continue. Kyle Bernier was then chosen on the spot to replace him as the new alternate contestant.
Semi-final 1
- Female Gladiators: Blaze, Crush, Empire, Hurricane & Supernova
- Male Gladiators: Ace, The Bull, Eagle, Fang & Mayhem
| Events | Contenders | Gladiators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Barr | Tavares Chambliss | ||
| The Edge | 8 | 4 | Ace / Eagle |
| The Wall | 0 | 0 | Fang / The Bull |
| Joust | 0 | 0 | Eagle / Mayhem |
| Final Score | 8 | 4 | |
| Headstart | 2.0s | ||
| Result | Win | Loss | |
- Notes
Semi-final 2
- Female Gladiators: Blaze, Crush, Empire, Huntress, Hurricane, Supernova & Voltage
- Male Gladiators: Ace, The Bull, Eagle, Fang, Lightning, Mayhem & Neon
| Events | Contenders | Gladiators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bailey Meraviglia | Michelle Keith | ||
| The Gauntlet: Level Up | 10 | 10 | Crush, Voltage, Empire & Huntress + Hurricane |
| Hang Tough | 0 | 0 | Crush / Voltage |
| The Ring | 8 | 10 | Blaze / Supernova |
| Final Score | 18 | 20 | |
| Headstart | 1.0s | ||
| Result | Win | Loss | |
- Notes
Semi-final 3
- Female Gladiators: Crush, Empire, Huntress, Hurricane & Striker
- Male Gladiators: Ace, Fang, Lightning, Mayhem, Neon & Steel
| Events | Contenders | Gladiators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Liu | Kyle Bernier | ||
| Atlasphere: Crash Course | 5 | 10 | Lightning / Fang |
| The Wall | 0 | 0 | Ace / Mayhem |
| The Edge | 2 | 4 | Steel / Neon |
| Final Score | 7 | 14 | |
| Headstart | 3.5s | ||
| Result | Loss | Win | |
- Notes
Final
- Female Gladiators: Blaze, Crush, Hurricane, Striker & Voltage
- Male Gladiators: The Bull, Eagle, Fang, Lightning, Mayhem, Neon & Steel
- Notes
- Voltage fell to the mats during Hang Tough.
- Since both competitors were tied in points, no one gets a head start.
- Kyle was disqualified for touching his opponents podium.
- Despite finishing the Eliminator first, Kyle was disqualified for stepping on the center pad while running up the Travelator.