Viewers praise BBC show Gladiators as 'best reboot yet'

6 million people tuned in to the first episode!

Author: Alex RossPublished 15th Jan 2024

Fans of 90s gameshow Gladiators were thrilled last weekend when the show finally retuned to our screes after news of a reboot! The series, hosted by father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh, involved both old and new games with a fresh set of super human Gladiators.

It's now been revealed the opening episode on Saturday 13th January pulled in a huge six million viewers, with fans quick to express their delight at its return.

One wrote: 'Gotta say #Gladiators Reboot on #BBC1 was absolutely Brilliant, Really enjoyed it...Can't wait for next week'. (sic)

Another added: 'Catching up with the new #GladiatorsUK and it’s such a massive nostalgia trip. Like I’m back in the 90s all over again. Looking forward to the rest of the series'. (sic)

A third commented: '#Gladiatorsuk ... loved it @BBCOne', with another adding: 'Just watched new series of #GladiatorsUK Well done BBC for just sticking to a great formula it was bloody brilliant'. (sic)

Another excited fan then said: 'Loved gladiators. Took me back to the 90s #GladiatorsUK'. (sic)

Check out the Gladiators first look photos below:

Gladiators


Gladiators


Gladiators


Gladiators


Gladiators


Gladiators


Gladiators


Gladiators


Gladiators


Gladiators


Gladiators


Gladiators


Gladiators


Gladiators


Gladiators


Gladiators


The rebooted show features classis games such as Duel, The Wall, Powerball, Gauntlet, Hang Tough and the infamous Eliminator, whilst three brand new games have been added.

This year's contestants will also take part in The Ring, Collision, and The Edge, with two of them featuring in the opening episode.

Speaking about the show's return, Dan Baldwin, managing director of Hungry Bear Media, said: “It’s the perfect time for Gladiators to return.

“What other show combines electric excitement, superheroes, giant sponge fingers, elite athletes, and a pinch of pantomime? Watch out for the new breed of superhuman, supersized, superstars bursting on to your screens on BBC One and iPlayer.”

Gladiators continues every Saturday night on BBC One.

Now read:

First look at the BBC's rebooted series of Gladiators

All of the popular TV shows looking for applicants right now

All of the TV shows we can’t wait to return

How to listen to Hits Radio:

Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online, ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio' and download the Rayo app.