I think Gladiators works because everyone secretly misses unapologetically fun TV

[u/Horror-Pick4732]

No complicated plot twists, fake social experiments or constant negativity. Just massive athletic people launching contestants into orbit while families watch together shouting at the TV. Feels weirdly refreshing compared to loads of modern entertainment.

[u/Grenache]

Well that's how things work eh? We had cheesy and corny and fun for a decade or so and then everything was bleak and miserable and now people are making comedy films again.

[u/gorore9150 → u/Grenache]

…everything was bleak and miserable…

A lot of stuff on the BBC still is bleak and miserable. Eastenders for example, theres always someone shouting at someone else or someone menacingly whispering to someone and all sorts of other depressing storylines.

Same with the endless police and detective dramas that are all the same but for the locations. Except for Ludwig as that was brilliant and a shot in the arm for the genre…so is Death Valley to an extent.

The BBC needs more light hearted and fun shows like Gladiators

[u/Grenache → u/gorore9150]

Yeah we're at the beginning of the transition... Give it ten years and you'll be begging for the bleakest shit on earth.

[u/gorore9150 → u/Grenache]

Yeah I hope we are!

[u/chaircardigan → u/gorore9150]

On Ludwig, 99% of the time, you can spot whodunnit by looking at the diverse group of suspects and seeing which one is the straight white guy. Or if the suspects are all white apart from one of them, then they all did it and the black guy is there for comic effect.

[u/Impossible-Farm-1902 → u/gorore9150]

The new EastEnders set cost £87m. Just let that number sink in..how many actual programmes could have been made with that money.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-46521700?app-referrer=deep-link

[u/gorore9150 → u/Impossible-Farm-1902]

Ouch. £87m to depress the nation.

I wonder how much Mrs Browns Boys costs too…we could add it to the grand total. Oh and Strictly too! I’m damn sick of everywhere on the BBC banging on about it!

[u/TeddyGarbaldi]

Oh for sure, I get to the point where all TV is dark drama, all the news is dark and horrible, so easy watching fun shows like Gladiators, Taskmaster etc are great escapism

[u/Pickonefromtwo]

I fully agree, it's just good daft fun, and something that you can watch with any member of your family. It also both means a lot as you get invested in particular contestents or gladiators but also doesn't mean anything at all as they're all just having fun whether they win or lose. It's non-consequential, must see TV!

[u/AfterCook780]

It reminds me of Masterchef a bit (recent dramas excluded) it is people challenging themselves and doing things they love. There also isn't really a prize other than you can say you are the winner which I think attracts a certain type of person.

[u/ThickTadpole3742]

It's no secret for me

[u/Psweeting]

Bring back Robot Wars!!

[u/Spirit_Bitterballen → u/Psweeting]

Honestly, I so deeply wish on a very regular basis they would.

Especially now I have kids of the perfect age to really appreciate it.

[u/Substantial_Escape_9 → u/Psweeting]

they tried to before but for the life of them couldn't work out how to do it right and as a fan I wouldn't trust the bbc with a third crack at the show

[u/SharkBabySeal]

I miss the 90’s.

[u/ImitationCheesequake]

I’m in the states and I find myself trying to watch UK tv more because there is more fun and interesting options for programming not steeped in conflict, a lot of the game shows are miles above all the artificial conflict of US shows and “reality” tv, I tried to watch the US Gladiators when it came out and couldn’t stand it.

[u/ltayll85 → u/ImitationCheesequake]

I (British) weirdly feel the same in Spain, every iteration of a great British show over here is full of drama or more often than not is "celebrity version" only. My wife is very into sewing, the sewing bee is excellent, but the Spanish equivalent is awful. My daughter loves gladiators, it's great to watch it with her, thinking I was a similar age when I watched it.

[u/skeletonclock]

BRING BACK GUNGE

[u/2020_MadeMeDoIt → u/skeletonclock]

Yeah gunge tanks and dropping contestants into pools of water. That's what used to make game shows fun and bring a level of drama and excitement. It was silly, but fun and harmless.

Now it feels like everyone on TV is trying to use it as a way to become famous. "Look how wacky I am" or "I'm so full of drama! Everyone look at me!" or "I have really controversial opinions. But I'm just an average Joe and say it how it is. Look at me!"