'The American Gladiators' Reboot Opens on Hulu

The iconic 90s competition series returns with a new generation of larger-than-life athletes and challenges.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:09am

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A dynamic abstract illustration featuring bold, angular shapes in red, white, and black, capturing the intense physicality and competitive spirit of the 'American Gladiators' reboot.The iconic 'American Gladiators' competition series returns with a modern, high-energy reboot on Hulu.Boston Today

The classic 1990s competition series 'American Gladiators' is making a comeback, premiering its reboot exclusively on the Hulu streaming platform. The new version will feature a fresh crop of muscular, charismatic contestants battling it out in the iconic Gladiator-themed obstacle courses and events that captivated audiences decades ago.

Why it matters

The return of 'American Gladiators' taps into the current nostalgia trend for 90s pop culture, while also offering a new take on the high-octane, larger-than-life athletic competition format that has proven popular with viewers. As streaming platforms continue to seek out familiar intellectual property to draw in subscribers, this reboot represents Hulu's latest bid to attract both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.

The details

The 'American Gladiators' reboot will feature a mix of new competitors and some returning Gladiator characters from the original series. The show will maintain the classic format of amateur athletes facing off against the show's professional 'Gladiator' athletes in a variety of extreme physical challenges and events. Production has promised updated, high-tech versions of fan-favorite competitions like 'The Wall', 'Joust', and 'The Eliminator'.

  • The 'American Gladiators' reboot premieres on Hulu on April 17, 2026.
  • The original 'American Gladiators' series aired from 1989 to 1996 on NBC.

The players

Hulu

The streaming platform that will exclusively host the new 'American Gladiators' series.

American Gladiators

The iconic 1990s competition television series that featured amateur athletes competing against larger-than-life professional 'Gladiator' athletes in extreme physical challenges.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing back 'American Gladiators' for a new generation is an exciting opportunity to reimagine this classic, action-packed format for streaming audiences.”

— Craig Erwich, President of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment

What’s next

Hulu has not yet announced if the 'American Gladiators' reboot will be an ongoing series or a limited event. Fans will have to tune in to see if the new version captures the same energy and excitement as the original.

The takeaway

The return of 'American Gladiators' on Hulu represents the latest example of a beloved 90s property being revived for a new era of streaming viewers. By tapping into nostalgia while also modernizing the format, the reboot aims to introduce the high-octane competition to both longtime fans and a fresh audience.