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Limited Series – Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators

Play trailer Poster for Limited Series – Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators Jun 2023 Documentary Entertainment Sports Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 4 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
A look at the success of the stunt-filled 1990s TV series, "American Gladiators," and why it almost ended before it began.
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Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators — Limited Series

Critics Reviews

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Daniel Fienberg The Hollywood Reporter 06/28/2023
A superficially fun chronicle of a superficially fun hit. Go to Full Review
Melissa Camacho Common Sense Media 07/12/2023
2/5
The superficial and irreverent docuseries offers details about how the TV show American Gladiators (1989-1996) and its later incarnations became a U.S. pop culture sensation that made its cast into real-life, albeit temporary, superheroes. Go to Full Review
James Croot The Post NZ 06/28/2023
Fast-paced and filled with a deep bench of colourful characters. Go to Full Review
Ricky Valero Ready Steady Cut 06/27/2023
4/5
In terms of docuseries, Muscles & Mayhem is about as good as it gets. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Jim W May 20 Not very intersting only managed to get halfway throught 1st episode See more Nadi 11/07/2024 I watched it as a kid and was very pleased to see all the characters again. It was a shocking but very interesting story. I loved it. See more Viet C 12/04/2023 It was a very interesting subject for a short series documentary, and it did deliver with some entertaining and relatable characters. See more Dan R 08/05/2023 Netflix always delivers with their documentaries, and they've done it again with 'Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators'. SYNOPSIS: '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.' In terms of the documentaries Netflix delivers this is right up there with best. Again, it's a subject matter I wasn't aware of here in the UK as our own version of Gladiators was a huge monster of a show. It transpires at the end of this limited series, and is confirmed by the US TV execs, that the British show was a much bigger show than 'American Gladiators'. Based on my own memories the production was really a lot better here in the UK. This is a story full of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and like the TV show itself, is carried absolutely by the characters of those involved, and especially the Gladiators themselves. They lived a rock n' roll lifestyle, for good and bad, but they were also exploited by the TV execs who really don't care for the show overall. From humble and low budget beginnings, this show hit the highest heights in the early to mid 1990s. However, the show's life was only 7 years; it burnt hard and fast but collapsed at the end of its run. The documentary is fast paced and filled with a brilliant and entertaining bunch of colourful characters. What a time they had! An exceptional documentary, now give me a series based on the UK version of the show. 8/10 See more Dave C @kicks92 07/16/2023 I was a huge fan of this show. After I watched the last episode of this series I was flooded with various emotions. I will have to admit I was enthralled with Zap back in the day and it does my heart good to see her doing well today. Learning all the back story brought me closer to them and I could feel the family type bond they had between them. The last episode brought tears to my eyes as it had a very touching moment. I am surprised non of them really went on to have a big movie career. Especially Nitro who still is a handsome guy and has a star look about him more so now than when he was younger. Lazer, too, for that matter. I love this group and those who made the show possible and I wish them the happiest of lives. See more dave d 07/12/2023 This trip down memory lane felt as good as the original show. It is about what you would expect from many angles. The gang of gladiators are almost all here which makes this special. It is five episodes, but it feels like it wraps super fast. Tons of talking heads are able to give what appears to be a pretty honest take on what happened with the show that petered out almost as quickly as it's meteoric rise! See more Read all reviews
Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators — Limited Series

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jun 28, 2023 Pilot Madness Six athletes with camera-ready smiles and cartoonish nicknames make their debut on a rowdy TV show dismissed by critics. Details Episode 2 Aired Jun 28, 2023 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. Details Episode 3 Aired Jun 28, 2023 A Global Phenomenon Merchandising explodes, and the show becomes a ratings phenomenon, but the stars themselves have little funds to show for it. Details Episode 4 Aired Jun 28, 2023 Sex, Drugs & Merchandise The Gladiators go on tour as the third season wraps; frustrated by fatigue, injuries and low pay, core members meet with producers and get a shock. Details Episode 5 Aired Jun 28, 2023 The Final Legacy "American Gladiators" is canceled after seven seasons, but its legacy endures. Details
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Season Info

Executive Producer
Tony Vainuku, Jared Hess, Ross M. Dinerstein, Peter Sussman, Kyle McCutcheon, Chris Koras
Network
Netflix
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Documentary, Entertainment, Sports
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jun 28, 2023
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