NBC gives thumbs up to more "Gladiators"

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - NBC has picked up a second season of the breakout reality hit "American Gladiators," which debuted January 6 as the network's top new series since "Heroes" in 2006.

There is no decision yet on the number of episodes for the second season or when it will premiere. NBC's original order was nine episodes. The renewal of the update of the 1990s syndicated series had been expected.

Meanwhile, the show's co-producer, MGM, which owns the rights to the franchise, will on January 28 launch a broadband Web site (www.AmericanGladiators.com) paying homage to the original series. It is also eyeing a national tour and a cartoon series.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter