One of the best shows of all time!!
You know when you discover something that you'd totally forgotten about? Well i just have, and it's reminded me just how amazing TV can be.
Do you remember the UK series of Gladiators?? If you don't or don't know what it is, i'll safely say that you've missed probably the greatest show of the 90's, and some of the greatest TV ever to be made.
Now, how did i come about remembering this? Earlier, i was watching some crappy CBBC show, where "warriors" (10 year old kids) tried to beat eachother off platforms with "beaters", to knock their opponent into the water 10 centimetres below them. It sucked, coz they didn't wack each other like they should have, they poked and brushed. It was crap but good to take the piss out of, so i happily did.
But suddenly, a memory flashed across me. Of two platforms raised about 10m up. Then there was a full built gladiator in spandex, beating the crap out of a weedy (in comparison) member of the public, with a big chunky pole the size of themselves. One word, awesome.
So, some of you are probably thinking of what the hell i'm on about, loving a defunct TV show so much. I just like it, and after reminding myself of some of the games they played, i think it was one of the best things ever to happen to TV. Anyone remember Hang Tough? Where a gladiator & contender swung across the arena holding onto suspended hoops, met in the middle, then got fully stuck in with some mid air combat in order to win. Or Pendulum, where the gladiator chased the contender around a huge Pendulum swinging in mid air?? They did the sort of stuff that Health & Safety love to oppress these days (those people need slapped by the way, because they can't handle a few risks). Life needs a few risks.
Anyways, back to Gladiators. Anyone remeber the referee John Anderson? Or Wolf, the crazy long haired guy who always got the yellow/red cards? This was no normal "games" show. What i also like about it was the way it was also steeped in controversy. Affairs all over the place, some gladiators banned for doing steroids, presenter John Fashanu getting involved in court cases, and gladiators picking fights all over the place. It was hardcore, although in the end a load of fun, which entertained live audicences in Birmingham National Arena of 7000. Saturday night TV was awesome, and at it's peak the UK show had 14 million viewers - 25% of the UK population!
It's a pity it ain't here anymore, so for now i'll have to make do with Family Guy, Reno 911, Late with Jools Holland, and 24. Oh, and all the gladiators now do stuff like run gyms & coach olympic teams. Apparently it is still on Challenge TV at 9am on weekends, so someone can SkyPlus it for me. In the meantime, if you want some 90's TV ecstacy, go to:
http://www.gladiatorszone.co.uk
In short, it inspires me. I love it!!
P.S - The theme tune kicks ass
Do you remember the UK series of Gladiators?? If you don't or don't know what it is, i'll safely say that you've missed probably the greatest show of the 90's, and some of the greatest TV ever to be made.
Now, how did i come about remembering this? Earlier, i was watching some crappy CBBC show, where "warriors" (10 year old kids) tried to beat eachother off platforms with "beaters", to knock their opponent into the water 10 centimetres below them. It sucked, coz they didn't wack each other like they should have, they poked and brushed. It was crap but good to take the piss out of, so i happily did.
But suddenly, a memory flashed across me. Of two platforms raised about 10m up. Then there was a full built gladiator in spandex, beating the crap out of a weedy (in comparison) member of the public, with a big chunky pole the size of themselves. One word, awesome.
So, some of you are probably thinking of what the hell i'm on about, loving a defunct TV show so much. I just like it, and after reminding myself of some of the games they played, i think it was one of the best things ever to happen to TV. Anyone remember Hang Tough? Where a gladiator & contender swung across the arena holding onto suspended hoops, met in the middle, then got fully stuck in with some mid air combat in order to win. Or Pendulum, where the gladiator chased the contender around a huge Pendulum swinging in mid air?? They did the sort of stuff that Health & Safety love to oppress these days (those people need slapped by the way, because they can't handle a few risks). Life needs a few risks.
Anyways, back to Gladiators. Anyone remeber the referee John Anderson? Or Wolf, the crazy long haired guy who always got the yellow/red cards? This was no normal "games" show. What i also like about it was the way it was also steeped in controversy. Affairs all over the place, some gladiators banned for doing steroids, presenter John Fashanu getting involved in court cases, and gladiators picking fights all over the place. It was hardcore, although in the end a load of fun, which entertained live audicences in Birmingham National Arena of 7000. Saturday night TV was awesome, and at it's peak the UK show had 14 million viewers - 25% of the UK population!
It's a pity it ain't here anymore, so for now i'll have to make do with Family Guy, Reno 911, Late with Jools Holland, and 24. Oh, and all the gladiators now do stuff like run gyms & coach olympic teams. Apparently it is still on Challenge TV at 9am on weekends, so someone can SkyPlus it for me. In the meantime, if you want some 90's TV ecstacy, go to:
http://www.gladiatorszone.co.uk
In short, it inspires me. I love it!!
P.S - The theme tune kicks ass
posted by TheNightMonkey at 16:07
10 Comments:
yes...awesome prgoramme...altho no match for hanz unt franz!
i remember it alright, it was great. only 7000? u dont mean 37,000? haha.
I guess you are looking at me there... sure I'll sky+ it. I'm amazed that you even forgot about that show! I have the 1996 yearbook which I got from a car boot sale.
haha I remember that show too, Wolf used to really scare me
it inspires you?! fair enough!
One of the Gladiators once came to Rosetta PS for like a get fit scheme thing. Well they were supposed to come two years in a row but one year they just didnt show while the next year we got the one who was mental and just kept on making jokes. I think i got my picture taken with him. That was cool
do u still hav the pic??
Almost certain Graham does somewhere, I lost it a long time ago.
Craig, Adam and I watched an episode this morning. h4h4
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