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

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.

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