Reviving an old post on an old thread. I’m watching the tv network CHARGE! And they are playing old episodes of American Gladiators that was filmed in the early 90s at Unjversal Studios in Hollywood.
Season 1 is absolutely hilarious because it’s very low budget. As of the second season they probably signed a longer production deal because the arena got larger, the game equipment got larger and taller, and the show looked half way presentable, Season 1 is so small and dark it almost looks like they used a Mideval Times restaurant to shoot in. If football great Joe Theisman is on the show it’s season one.
When the show got sold overseas Great Britain produced their version under the name “Gladiators” which was even bigger than the American version ever was. They had a much larger playing area, and their gladiators were happier and more positive towards the contenders- like they wanted them to do their best if not actually win their matches.
I don’t think this show did much for protection for the contenders uniforms- not very flattering or sexy, unlike the T&A costumes worn by both the men and women Gladiators. Lots of clingy costumes
There was a knockoff show that aired around the same time called BATTLE DOME that was much more sexy vs athletic. I remember one episode in particular when the over the top Warrior named CUDA played king of the hill to keep a male contestant from climbing to the top of a rotating platform to ring a scoring bell, and he basically grappled the dude by the waistband of his shorts baring a strapped ass to the crowd and the tv audience.