Variety Magazine is reporting that NBC is re-birthing the once popular TV show “AMERICAN GLADIATORS” as a mid season replacement.

A quote for the story states that “We’ve been circling around this property for a long time now,” said Craig Plestis, exec VP of alternative programming, development and specials at NBC Entertainment. “It’s truly what’s not in the TV landscape right now. While everyone’s zigging, I’m attracted to doing a zag.”

I gotta say that I was probably the target market for this show when it first ran (89-96) and I couldn’t sit through more then just a few minutes of this so I hardly think this “Bigger Faster Stronger” version will be much different for me at least.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WZldBLofgA]

……on a similar note but kinda different…..When did TV networks start planning the demise of new shows before they even aired? I am sure there were always mid-season replacements in network execs minds but now it seems like a new show has 2-3 episodes to find a following or they are canceled. I am sure others have written about this and since I am going by memory I may get some names wrong but if this philosophy was in place several years ago we would never have gotten the Seinfeld show (took 2 seasons to really catch on….I think..I just remember Jerry being on Howard Stern begging for viewers in the beginning). Another little sitcom called Cheers also took a while to find its groove.

Are networks too quick to pull the plug now?

I know this past year I was enjoying at least three shows that were axed by episode 3 or 4(Smith, Drive,and something else I can’t remember) and I was kinda bummed about it.

I know this is usually a decision about money but shows need to be allowed to grow and find an audience….and if it is money the networks are worried about they can just wait to release a “season one” DVD (TV on DVD is a HUGE new revenue stream) since most of these canceled shows end up on DVD anyway.

–saul