‘American Gladiators’ Amazon Reboot Sets Mike ‘The Miz’ Mizanin as Host

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The revamped version of “American Gladiators” on Amazon Prime Video will be fronted by Mike “The Miz” Mizanin as its host.

From 1989 to 1996, the show ‘American Gladiators’ aired in syndication, where amateur athletes would face off against professional ‘gladiators’ in physical challenges testing strength and agility. The revamped version promises an ‘all star cast of gladiators for today’s era,’ as described by Amazon, with updated challenges alongside classic ones such as ‘Gauntlet,’ ‘Hang Tough,’ and ‘The Eliminator.’ The global cast will feature bodybuilders, former top-tier athletes, CrossFit champions, and fitness instructors from around the world.

Mizanin, a well-known professional wrestler, initially gained recognition as a television personality back in 2001 when he became part of the cast on MTV’s “The Real World: Back to New York.” However, his fame primarily stems from his achievements within the WWE, where he was crowned the Triple Crown Champion twice and also clinched the Grand Slam Championship once. Additionally, he is recognized for his three-season reality series titled “Miz & Mrs.” on USA Network, as well as appearances in other unscripted shows like “Dancing With the Stars.

More recently, Amazon Prime Video debuted a free, ad-supported television channel featuring the classic “American Gladiators” series. This revival follows various international adaptations of the show, one of which was broadcast on BBC last year. Meanwhile, Live Nation has started selling tickets for a “Gladiators Live Tour.

“American Gladiators” will be executive produced by John Ferraro and Daniel Calin.

We’re thrilled to formally introduce WWE Superstar Mike ‘The Miz’ Mizanin into the American Gladiators community. He’s an ideal host for the fresh era of this legendary series,” commented Barry Poznick, manager of MGM Alternative, Evolution Media and Big Fish Entertainment. “The U.S. re-launch, along with our triumph in the U.K., our Live Nation Tour and the debut of our 24/7 Gladiators FAST channel – this isn’t merely a revival, it’s a cultural renewal. Fans, both old and new, will adore this transformation in entertainment.

Information about Mizanin being cast as a host emerged during Amazon’s 2025 upfront event in New York, an occasion where the company likewise revealed the go-ahead for multiple new documentary series.

The series in question, yet to be named, highlights influential female CEOs such as tennis icon Serena Williams, Latin music sensation Thalia, fashion designer Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger (former model), Loren Ridinger (CEO of Market America and Shop.com), supermodel and Cay Skin founder Winnie Harlow, wellness expert Hannah Bronfman (founder of Conteur Capital), and fashion and jewelry designer Isabela Rangel Grutman. This series is a collaboration between Blink49 Studios from Fifth Season and Amazon MGM Studios, with Tara Long and Nadine Rajabi from Blink49, Serena Williams, and Caroline Currier via Nine Two Six Productions serving as executive producers.

Furthermore, Amazon commissioned two sports documentaries: one is a six-episode series focusing on the New York Jets, while the other remains titleless, centering around Terrell Owens.

In the upcoming 2024-25 season, I’m excitedly tracking ‘My Favorite Team: NY Jets’, a series that delves into the lives of six New York Jets players, namely Quinnen Williams and Maranda Williams, as well as Alijah Vera-Tucker and Jessie Vera-Tucker. This enlightening show captures both their professional ventures and heartwarming family moments. Prime Video Sports and Skydance Sports, in collaboration with NFL Films, bring this series to life, with VaynerWatt producing. Notable executive producers include Jesse Sisgold, Jason T. Reed, Jon Weinbach from Skydance Sports; Ross Ketover, Ken Rodgers, Jessica Boddy, and Keith Cossrow from NFL Films; Eric Wattenberg, Gary Vaynerchuk, Matt Higgins, and Sam Brown from VaynerWatt; and Sheena M. Joyce and Don Argott from 9.14 Pictures. Joyce and Argott also direct the series, along with Ron Cornwall.

This Terrell Owens documentary, as stated in its official summary, chronicles “one of the greatest NFL wide receivers ever.” His unique combination of physical strength and dramatic style revolutionized the wide receiver role and football culture at large, reshaping the sport’s approach to individual expression and influencing future generations. However, his turbulent locker room dynamics, challenging media interactions, and occasionally excessive celebrations have earned Owens a reputation as one of the most divisive figures in the game. Similar to “The Home Team,” the Owens project is brought to you by Amazon Prime Video Sports and Skydance Sports. NFL Films are responsible for production, with executive producers such as Sisgold, Reed, Weinbach from Skydance; Ketover, Cossrow, Rodgers, and Boddy from NFL Films; Mike Hill; and director Alex Stapleton. Basil Iwanyk, Ben Bitonti, and Mike Ciardi serve as the producers.

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2025-05-13 02:35