Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators

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

Trailers

37m
1. Pilot Madness
Six athletes with camera-ready smiles and cartoonish nicknames make their debut. Critics dismiss the rowdy show as "crash TV" — but fans take notice.
47m
2. Let the Games Begin
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.
46m
3. A Global Phenomenon
Gladiators merchandising explodes — but while the show becomes a ratings phenomenon, the stars themselves have little funds to show for it.
46m
4. Sex, Drugs & Merchandise
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.
36m
5. The Final Legacy
The show's revamp is a revolving door of Gladiators and gimmicks, but when ratings drop, old favorites return.

Available to download

Documentary Series, Sports

Adrenaline Rush, Nostalgic, Extreme Sport, Pop Culture, Irreverent, Showbiz, Documentary Series, Limited Series

German, English - Audio Description, English [Original], Spanish (Latin America), Polish

English, Spanish (Latin America), French, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional)