Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Physical challenge reboot is still iconic and spectacular.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
American Gladiators (2026)
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
The 2026 reboot of AMERICAN GLADIATORS continues the tradition of pitting ordinary citizens against elite athletes for a title, bragging rights, and $100K. Hosted by WWE's Mike "The Miz" Mizanin and presenter Rocsi Diaz, each installment features two male and two female ‘contenders' individually competing in up to four high-intensity challenges against a high performance athlete, or ‘gladiator', of the same sex. During each battle, contenders attempt to earn points that will give her/him an advantage going into "The Eliminator," an obstacle course in which the contenders compete against each other for a chance to move forward in the game and a step closer to winning it. Throughout every match commentator Chris Rose offers his thoughts about what's happening.
Is It Any Good?
This latest reboot of the iconic series offers all the competitive energy, athleticism, and spectacle the franchise is known for, but with a brand new theme song. The athletic contenders in American Gladiators attempt to fight off contemporary superhero-like gladiators with names like "Huntress" and "Voltage" in matches titled Whiplash and Hang Tough, while cheering audiences wave U.S. flags, posters, and go all out mad. They aren't expected to beat the gladiators, who love to show off their muscles and brute strength. But each contender shares very personal reasons for trying and is respected for doing so. It's produced to look a lot shinier than the franchise's working class, Rust Belt beginnings with the help of flashing lights, larger-than-life sets, and other TV production details. Nonetheless, this version of American Gladiators mixes lots of positive vibes with over-the-top fun for those who enjoy rough-and-tumble entertainment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the reasons the American Gladiators franchise appeals to audiences.
Did you know that American Gladiators is inspired by ancient Roman fights, but originates from real-life physical competitions between Pennsylvania blue-collar workers in the 1980s? How did it evolve into the TV spectacle it is today?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 17, 2026
- Cast : Mike Mizanin , Rosci Diaz , Chris Rose
- Network : Amazon Prime
- Genre : Game Shows
- Topics : Sports , Superheroes
- TV rating :
- Last updated : April 28, 2026
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