American Gladiators: Release Date, Episode Guide, and Who Are The Contestants?

Image via Prime Video

Originally a cultural phenomenon in the late 80s and 90s, the show American Gladiators featured everyday contestants facing off against elite “Gladiators” in physically demanding challenges. The iconic competition series is now returning with a hint of nostalgia and modern athleticism in one explosive package. 

With a fresh concept in the reboot series, fans can expect updated combat formats, new contestants, and a contemporary twist while retaining the flavor of the original show. Here’s everything you need to know about the release date, episodes, cast, and more.

When Is American Gladiators Releasing and Episode Guide

Still from American Gladiators | Credits: Prime Video

The reboot of American Gladiators premiered on April 17, 2026, on Prime Video with the first three episodes. Episodes 4-6 will be dropping on Friday, April 24, and the final four episodes on Friday, May 1, featuring new contenders facing 16 new Gladiators.

Global release times will vary depending on viewers’ regions, which can be seen below.

The anticipation surrounding the reboot has been building steadily, especially since this show marks the revival of the series after almost 2 decades. Numerous fans across the United States of America grew up watching the original series, which eventually became one of the most-watched sports entertainment shows on television.

How Many Episodes Are There In American Gladiators?

American Gladiators reboot is set to have 10 episodes, out of which the first three will be released on premiere day, with others following a weekly format. Every week, viewers will see the contestants go head-to-head with the experienced gladiators until one of them emerges victorious.

Each episode is expected to follow a tournament-style structure, where contestants compete in multiple events before advancing to elimination rounds. The finale will crown a male and female champion, maintaining the tradition of the original series, with the prize money fixed at $100,000 for each winner.

Who Is Starring In American Gladiators?

Official poster of American Gladiators | Credits: Prime Video

Adding to the excitement of the show, Mike (The Miz) Mizanin, who is a well-known wrestler and television celebrity, will host the series, with Rocsi Diaz reporting from the events and Chris Rose helping audiences with an intricate play-by-play.

The reboot will introduce a new generation of Gladiators, elite athletes from diverse backgrounds, including bodybuilding, CrossFit, professional sports, and military training. These Gladiators will serve as the formidable opponents that contestants must defeat. The names of the gladiators have been revealed as below –

• Abigail Lay – “Blaze”
• Ayinde Warren – “Neon”
• Dani Means – “Voltage”
• Dani Speegle – “Crush”
• Drew Aggouras – “Ace”
• Emily Nelson – “Striker”
• Eric Bugenhagen – “The Bull” (formerly WWE’s Rick Boogs)
• Fessy Shafaat – “Mayhem” (formerly Big Brother/Ninja Warrior)
• Jason Peele – “Eagle”
• Jessica Roden – “Supernova” (formerly “J-Rod” in indies/AEW)
• Jessie Godderz – “Steel” (formerly Big Brother/TNA)
• Joseph Hall – “Lightning”
• Kailey Latimer – “Hurricane” (formerly AEW’s Kamille)
• Lu Faustin – “Empire”
• Michael Wardlow – “Fang” (formerly AEW’s Wardlow)
• Sydney Hunter – “Huntress”

8 men and 8 women have been selected from across the country to partake in this legendary sports entertainment show. These individuals are typically chosen for their physical fitness, compelling personal stories, and competitive spirit. (via GladiatorsTV)

• Ayinde Warren, from Silver Springs, Maryland, is an athlete who also works as a coach and fitness model, combining performance with training expertise.
• Drew Aggouras, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a dedicated fitness and life coach who focuses on helping clients improve both physically and mentally.
• Eric Bugenhagen, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a former WWE wrestler known as Rick Boogs who transitioned from collegiate wrestling into a career as a YouTuber and fitness personality.
• Fessy Shafaat, hailing from Orlando, Florida, is a former Division I football player who has also gained recognition as a two-time finalist on reality shows like The Challenge, along with appearances on Big Brother and American Ninja Warrior.
• Jason Peele, from Southern Pines, North Carolina, has a sporting background, although specific details about his career remain undisclosed.
• Jessie Godderz, based in Weed, California, is a 12-time professional wrestling champion and fitness personality, widely known as Mr. PEC-Tacular and recognized for his appearances on multiple reality TV shows.
• Joseph Hall, from Sacramento, California, is a former American football player who later pursued bodybuilding as part of his athletic career.
• Michael Wardlow, from Middlefield, Ohio, is a former three-time AEW TNT Champion known as Wardlow, with additional experience in boxing and jujitsu.
• Abigail Lay, from Springfield, Michigan, works professionally as a fitness trainer, helping individuals achieve their health and strength goals.
• Dani Means, based in Los Angeles, California, is an IFBB Pro bodybuilder, world champion powerlifter, and professional rugby sevens player with a diverse athletic background.
• Dani Speegle, from Houston, Texas, is a seven-time CrossFit Games athlete who also won season 2 of The Titan Games, showcasing elite competitive fitness.
• Emily Nelson, hailing from Mesa, Arizona, is a 6’3” personal trainer and former NCAA athlete with a strong foundation in competitive sports.
• Jessica Roden, from Mount Vernon, Ohio, is a professional wrestler known as “J-Rod The Ultimate Athlete,” combining strength and showmanship in her career.
• Kailey Latimer, based in Durham, North Carolina, is a professional wrestler known as Kamille who also has experience in softball, football, and bodybuilding.
• Lu Faustin, from Brooklyn, New York, is an IFBB Figure Pro bodybuilder known for her competitive physique and discipline.
• Sydney Hunter, from Sacramento, California, is a former track athlete who has transitioned into becoming an elite-level powerlifter.

Is There A Trailer?

A trailer for the reboot of American Gladiators dropped 2 weeks ago, on March 31, 2026, sharing a glimpse into the revamped format. From the classic arena where the events will take place to the new theme song by Jelly Roll, the trailer touches upon various aspects of the series. The contestants and their talents are teased, whereas a few events have been showcased, including The Ring, Atlasphere, and Hang Tough.

Fans can expect new, high-tech challenges designed to push contestants to their limits. The energy and the spirit of competition are on an all-time high, as the show progresses to a new level altogether. 

Where Can You Stream American Gladiators?

Male contestants in American Gladiators | Credit: Prime Video

The series will stream exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Amazon Prime Video has been reportedly investing heavily in sports entertainment and reality programming (via Deadline). The streamer has also released more action-oriented content in the recent past, among the likes of Reacher, CIA, The Boys, and The Terminal.

Streaming the show allows for a global release, giving international audiences access to the action simultaneously. 

Are you ready to immerse yourselves in the high-stakes challenges of American Gladiator? Share your thoughts in the comments!