Every '90s family remembers the electric adrenaline coursing through their veins when Gladiators came on TV every Saturday night.
It's been almost 30 years since Aussie reality TV was marked by an iconic addition: a fitness challenge game show to rival all game shows.
Each week, brave Contenders faced off against some of the strongest, fastest, tenacious, and skilled resident competitors – the Gladiators – in gruelling challenges. This created an exceptional, action-packed event that kept millions of Aussies on the edge of their seats every single episode.
Now, after 28 years since its original debut, the wait is over, and Gladiators is back – this time on 10 and 10 Play – for a glorious revival on January 15.
To celebrate, we've compiled absolutely everything you need to know about the triumphant reboot. Here's exactly what you can expect...
Gladiators will be hosted by familiar favourites.
To welcome back its legions of fans, as well as a new generation of watchers, Gladiators has tasked the best of our Aussie legends to offer their sporting expertise and charm to the show.
Liz Ellis, deemed the princess of Netball for being royalty on the court, is a sportswoman Australia has come to know and love fondly. She'll be hosting the series alongside another familiar favourite, Beau Ryan.
Many will remember him for his speed and agility on the field, paving a successful career in the NRL... but for so many of us, he became the Aussie larrikin we adored on The Footy Show.
Luckily for us, his comedy chops will be on full display in the new season of Gladiators.
Returning with its tried-and-true format.
In the all-new season, we can expect to meet 13 fresh-faced Gladiators (superhumans) who will wrestle, rumble, and battle Aussie competitors, testing them on their strength, speed, stamina, agility, and sheer power.
The Gladiators include Arrow, an athlete and gymnast coach; Chaos, a powerlifter; Cobra, an extreme adventure sports athlete; Comet, a basketball player and two-time Ninja warrior; and Cyclone, a fitness coach.
The series will also welcome Dragon, a mixed martial artist and UFC Contender; Elektra, a weightlifter and Olympian; Halo, an MMA fighter; Maximus, a bodybuilder; Phoenix, an athlete and NRL star; Raven, a former Australian hockey player; Spartan, a CrossFit Games athlete; and Viking, an Australian ironman.
Their names are nearly as impressive as their skills.
In a typical episode, two men and two women compete against the Gladiators in four different events. Each pair then faces a grueling obstacle course, and any points they have won previously contribute to a head start time against their opponents.
The champion from each episode goes ahead to compete in the finale of the series.
In series past, each gladiator had a cult following with audiences because they were just that fierce, that strong – they were just that good.
That means, every competitor is in for a mighty challenge if they want to take out a win, and have to channel every ounce of strength and stamina they can.
Although, these Contenders are ALSO incredible athletes with a few tricks up their own sleeves.
From teenagers and teachers, to youth workers and posties, the Gladiators will get a run for their money with the sheer talent coming to blow the arena away every episode.
We'll get to see some of our favourite Gladiators come back again.
Viewers will get a blast from the past with Mark McGaw, also known as the mighty Hammer, as he returns to referee.
Many would remember him as an ultra-athlete who proved himself to be a Rugby League star with a winning instinct.
And considering just how highly competitive each gladiator and Contender is, he's in for a difficult job.
Gladiators is a family-friendly show.
Every '90s kid remembers watching Gladiators and the brave Contenders swinging from ropes, racing to the finish line inside metal spherical cages, and balancing on beams with pugil sticks – all while listening to the cheers of a live audience.
The best part is that Gladiators is set to be a thrilling spectacle for the entire family yet again. This means absolutely no one will be able to tear their eyes away.
Lucky us!
Episodes are dropping from January.
This new generation of Gladiators is set to air 7:30pm, January 15 on 10 and 10 Play. Tune in for the nostalgia and adrenaline – this is one you won't want to miss.
Gladiators will premiere January 15, only on 10 and 10 Play.
Feature Image: Channel 10.