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May 26, 2012

BattleBots heading back to TV

by Brad Trechak, posted Mar 16th 2008 9:05AM

Sample BattlebotNerds and engineering students rejoice. Battlebots is returning to television and this time it's on ESPN.

The show originally ran for five years on Comedy Central and included hosts such as Donna D'Errico and Carmen Electra. Bill Nye served as "technical adviser". ESPN promises that this time the show would be less about the female-model hosts and general silliness and more about the science and the robots destroying each other.




I can see the appeal for ESPN. First, the show has to be fairly cheap to produce (like, reality television cheap). Second, it is a competitive sport and probably would appeal in that regard to ESPN's audience.

I'm not sure if the show will succeed, but I don't buy the whole "lack of celebrity host" angle that ESPN is selling. I'm sure we'll see some retired sports celebrity hosting the show soon enough. Maybe they'll even use a former pro-wrestler such as Mick Foley, who once hosted a similar show called Robot Wars. We'll see.

[via Engadget]

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Steve

Ok, it's been a year. How about a follow-up? Is the idea scrapped or coming?

March 07 2009 at 11:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kevjohn

There will be lot of regular viewers tuning out when this comes on, but hey, do you think they all stick around on Sundays when football's on and all ESPN's got is figure skating?? Replace that, and 'competitive cheering', and cup stacking, and a few other questionable selections with robots ripping each other to pieces and it's hard to see a downside.

March 17 2008 at 3:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to kevjohn's comment
sitruc

Production costs.


I understand what you're saying, but wanted to make sure it was clear that I don't think this will be a significant bump in ratings.

March 18 2008 at 12:15 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Cander

Now if we could just get Junkyard Wars back and un sexed up like they did with the last season. Underwear model in a junkyard? Wtf?!?!

March 17 2008 at 9:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chris

This is great for ESPN because it brings in a whole segment of the male population that NEVER watches that channel.

I know it will be a first for me.

March 16 2008 at 5:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Chris's comment
sitruc

I doubt that is a significant segment epecially when considering many normal viewers will turn away from BattleBots.

March 17 2008 at 1:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sean

This and the XFL will brighten my life. Maybe the ABA too.

March 16 2008 at 5:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sitruc

I actually enjoyed the show sometimes, but the thought of this being on ESPN makes me hate them even more.

March 16 2008 at 2:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
MCW

Sounds good to me. Hopefully they can get Grant Imahara to do an episode or two :)

I never watched it when it was originally on, so TV Squad, you're going to have to remind me when it returns plzkthx.

March 16 2008 at 2:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Eligio Rosa

Awesome! Battlebots return and without Carmen Electra.

Now we need Slamball to return.

March 16 2008 at 10:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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