Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators

36min

Documentary

In the '90s, TV's stunt-filled "American Gladiators" thrilled fans. This docuseries explores the show's success — and how it almost ended before it began.

Production Companies

Campfire Studios

Game Seven Media

Nitro Up Media

Tricycle Media

Episodes

Cast

Pilot Madness

1. Pilot Madness

36min

28th Jun 2023

Six athletes with camera-ready smiles and cartoonish nicknames make their debut. Critics dismiss the rowdy show as "crash TV" — but fans take notice.

Let the Games Begin

2. Let the Games Begin

46min

28th Jun 2023

As injuries pile up and a risky stunt ends a star's career, producers add more Gladiators. A key player's meltdown is met with rumors of steroid use.

A Global Phenomenon

3. A Global Phenomenon

45min

28th Jun 2023

Gladiators merchandising explodes — but while the show becomes a ratings phenomenon, the stars themselves have little funds to show for it.

Sex, Drugs & Merchandise

4. Sex, Drugs & Merchandise

45min

28th Jun 2023

Their third season wraps and the Gladiators go on tour. Frustrated by fatigue, injuries and low pay, core members meet with producers — and get a shock.

The Final Legacy

5. The Final Legacy

36min

28th Jun 2023

Gladiators merchandising explodes — but while the show becomes a ratings phenomenon, the stars themselves have little funds to show for it.

First air date

28th Jun 2023

Last air date

28th Jun 2023

Status

Ended

Type

Miniseries

Original language

en

Networks