Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators (2023)

7.1 (33 votes)

1 Season

June 28, 2023

English

Documentary

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.

Creator

Kyle McCutcheon, Danny Lee Clark, Peter Sussman

Network

Netflix

Episodes

Pilot Madness

Jun 28, 2023

36 min

6.0

Six athletes with camera-ready smiles and cartoonish nicknames make their debut. Critics dismiss the rowdy show as "crash TV" — but fans take notice.

Let the Games Begin

Jun 28, 2023

46 min

6.0

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.

A Global Phenomenon

Jun 28, 2023

45 min

6.0

Gladiators merchandising explodes — but while the show becomes a ratings phenomenon, the stars themselves have little funds to show for it.

Sex, Drugs & Merchandise

Jun 28, 2023

45 min

6.0

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.