France is about to experience the adrenaline-pumping excitement of Gladiators with the launch of Gladiators France, a dynamic new series that promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Set in a spectacular arena, this show pits everyday heroes against elite athletes in a test of strength, agility, and sheer determination.
Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and ITV Studios France, Gladiators: Who Will Dare to Challenge Them? was filmed at Aren’Ice in Cergy, during August and September 2024. The series is hosted by well-known French presenters Hélène Mannarino, Jean-Pierre Foucault, and Denis Brogniart.
16 athletes have been announced as France’s first-ever Gladiators. Who Will Dare to Challenge Them?
This marks the first time a full-scale version of Gladiators has been produced and broadcast in France, following a previous attempt in 1993 by Jacques Antoine (creator of Fort Boyard and The Crystal Maze) which never made it past the pre-production stage.
The announcement of Gladiators France came on June 27th, 2024, during a TF1 press conference. The channel revealed that this adaptation was inspired by the massive success of the show’s return to the BBC in the UK earlier in the year. The Gladiators franchise, which achieved cult status in the 1990s and 2000s in both the United States and the United Kingdom, has continued to captivate global audiences.
For us, [Gladiators] is something extremely interesting that fits perfectly into TF1’s editorial line, which is to promote family values, bring together all audiences, entertain, and offer a great show.
Fabrice Bailly – Director of Programs and Acquisitions TF1 Group
In each episode, brave challengers from all walks of life—ranging in age from 21 to 47—will face off against the formidable Gladiators, elite athletes who embody peak physical prowess. Gladiators such as Goliath, Apollo, Flame, Tank, Viper, Diamond, Fury, Electra and Comet will test the limits of the challengers, who include nurses, firefighters, carpenters, and others. These everyday heroes are all striving to prove their courage and endurance in a series of intense challenges.
Eight challengers—four men and four women—will compete in every episode, testing their strength, speed, and resilience in physically demanding events such as Duel, Collision, Powerball, and the final event of each episode, the Eliminator.
The series will culminate in a grand finale, where the most successful competitors will be crowned champions and awarded the prestigious Golden Helmet—a symbol of the Gladiators’ respect and admiration—and a prize of €50,000. With its mix of thrilling sports action and inspiring human stories, Gladiators France is set to become a must-watch for families and sports fans alike, offering a unique blend of competition and entertainment that resonates with audiences across generations.
Want to know who the Gladiators are, the events they’ll face, and more about the show? Find out everything you need to know on our Gladiators France on our Gladiators France series page.
Gladiators: Who Will Dare to Challenge Them? will be broadcast on Friday, December 27 at 9:10 pm on TF1 and TF1+.
