Hulkamania is apparently coming to NBC.

ADVERTISEMENT
Hogan Knows Best patriarch and wrestling star Terrence "Hulk Hogan" Bollea has signed on to helm NBC's reinvented version of American Gladiators, Television Week reported Tuesday.  The 54-year-old was at NBC's Burbank, CA offices last week to discuss and accept the hosting position, according to Television Week, which added his deal is still being finalized.

"[NBC sees Hogan as] the perfect fit," sources told Television Week.

Similar to the original American Gladiators franchise, which aired on syndication in the U.S. from 1989 to 1996, NBC's reinvention of the show will feature amateur male and female contenders pitted against gladiator professionals.

Classic American Gladiators challenges including The Joust, The Wall, Hang Tough, and of course, the Eliminator, will all be upgraded and featured in the reinvented version of the show, along with a mixture of new competitions designed to test physical strength and endurance.

NBC plans to begin broadcasting new primetime episodes of American Gladiators sometime during midseason.

American Gladiators' return represents the first co-production between MGM Television and Reveille, which was founded in 2002 by current NBC Entertainment co-chairman Ben Silverman.  Sources told Television Week that Reveille managing director Howard Owens and his team were "instrumental" in Hogan signing on for the project.

Hogan Knows Best first premiered on VH1 in July 2005 and follows the daily life of Hogan and his wife Linda, as well as their two teenage children Brooke and Nick.

Most recently, the Hogan family has garnered media attention due to an August 26 car crash in Clearwater, FL in which police allege Nick was speeding in a Toyota Supra when he lost control and hit a raised median, spinning the vehicle and causing its rear end to strike a palm tree.  Hulk has since denied his son was racing prior to the crash.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio
Christopher Rocchio is an entertainment reporter for Reality TV World and has covered the reality TV genre for several years.