MGM Takes "American Gladiators" Online on Tour and Into Animation Studio  1/14/08

MGM Takes 'American Gladiators' Online, on Tour, and Into Animation Studio To Launch New Broadband Site, Cross-City Tour and Puts Cartoon Series Based on Reinvigorated Hit Franchise Into Development

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) will launch a full promotional campaign for the studio's runaway primetime reality hit show "American Gladiators" highlighted by several new multimedia initiatives. MGM is turning "American Gladiators" into a multimedia extravaganza by launching the following:

-- On January 28, the studio will launch a broadband website that will pay homage to the original series, americangladiators.com. The site will feature clips of the original series which have all been re-digitalized. Clips will reintroduce original Gladiators and give fans an update on where they are today. Featured segments will also include "best hits," and stunts performed on the vintage show.

-- On the heels of the website launch MGM, Reveille and Flor-Jon, Films Inc. will unveil a special American Gladiators U.S. cross-city tour.

-- With the show's strong ratings, MGM along with Johnny Ferraro, owner of Flor-Jon, Films Inc. have put into development a cartoon series based on the "American Gladiators" franchise.

"'American Gladiators' is another example of how MGM franchises can be revitalized for today's audiences," said Jim Packer, co-president, MGM Television. "The studio's strategy of reinvigorating popular franchises from our extraordinary library is definitely working and our new americangladiators.com broadband site will expand the franchise to the digital world."

"The new series and multimedia promotional campaign truly fulfills my dream and vision for 'American Gladiators,'" said Johnny Ferraro, Executive Producer and original series creator. "I look forward to the broadband site launch, cross-city tour, and new cartoon series. It's truly exciting to see the Gladiators franchise grow and continue to succeed on all levels."

"These new multimedia initiatives for 'American Gladiators' will generate even more enthusiasm and excitement for what has already become a hit with television audiences across the country," said Howard T. Owens, Managing Director, Reveille, and an Executive Producer of "American Gladiators." "We are looking forward to working with MGM and Johnny Ferraro to continue to build momentum for this iconic television franchise."

"American Gladiators" has been picked up by the NBC Television Network for a second season. NBC originally ordered nine episodes of the series, which is produced by MGM Television (the original producers of the show along with Flor Jon Films) and Reveille (NBC's "The Office" and "The Biggest Loser," "Nashville Star," "Ugly Betty"). Reveille's Mark Koops, Howard T. Owens as well as David Hurwitz (Fear Factor) are the show's Executive Producers alongside Johnny Ferraro.

In addition to acting as a co-producer on the series, MGM is also the worldwide distributor of "American Gladiators."

Hosted by Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali, "American Gladiators" is produced by MGM Television and Reveille. Referee is former American League umpire Al Kaplon and play-by-play is handled by Van Earl Wright. The Gladiators are comprised of Gina Carano (Crush), Jamie Kovac (Fury), Robin Coleman (Hellga), Justice Smith (Justice), Romeo Williams (Mayhem), Alex Castro (Militia), Valerie Waugaman (Siren), Tanji Johnson (Stealth), Michael O'Hearn (Titan), Tanoai Reed (Toa), Beth Horn (Venom) and Don "Hollywood" Yates (Wolf).

"American Gladiators" was the highest new program premiere of the new season with Adults 18 to 49 viewers. The show premiered on Sunday, January 6, in a two-hour special airing from 9-11 p.m. which averaged a 5.9 rating/14 share among Adults 18-49 to earn a second place in its first hour behind a new episode of "Desperate Housewives" and finished first from 10 p.m.-11 p.m.

The show attracted an impressive 12 million viewers and was NBC's highest adult 18-49 rating in the time period without sports since The Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 16, 2005. And in total viewers, "American Gladiators" was NBC's most-watched non-sports program in the time period since The Emmy Awards on Aug. 27, 2006, finishing first in the Sunday block in both adults 18-49 and adults 18-34.

In its regular Monday night slot, "American Gladiators" dominated in adults 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54 and all key adult-male demos.

"American Gladiators" also topped the debut of ABC's "Dance Wars" in nearly all key demographics, including women 18-34 and women 18-49, in the hour. "American Gladiators" surged by a full rating point, or 23 percent, in adults 18-49 from half-hour to half-hour (to a 5.3/12 from a 4.3/11) and increased its total viewership by 1.8 million persons or 18 percent (to 11.8 million from 10.0 million). In its final half-hour from 8:30-9 p.m., "American Gladiators" topped the debut of "Dance Wars" in total viewers, adults, men and women 18-34, adults, men and women 18-49 and adults and men 25-54.

Familiar to baby boomers, the modern update "American Gladiators" combines popular elements from the classic physical competition series with a big-arena attitude in a celebration of everyday, true American heroes.

Everyday amateur athletes -- weekend warriors who take pride in their physical fitness while also making a difference in their communities, go up against the show's gladiators -- charismatic and eclectic combatants comprised of action stars and stunt professionals -- in the ultimate David & Goliath battle of physical strength, agility and endurance. In the updated version, Reveille and MGM Television incorporate special effects, water skills and new technology to make the games even more compelling.

"American Gladiators" first originated from Erie, PA. The series aired as a weekly syndicated show in the U.S., from 1989 through 1996. The show also spurred equally successful international versions in the United Kingdom, Latin America, Australia, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, South Africa, and Japan.

SOURCE Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

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