Much as I’d love to see some modern version of Kyle Rote Jr. running rings around say, Chuck Lidell, chances are the updated version of “The Superstars” will feature more scenes like the Kevin Keegan klip above. From Variety (link swiped from Awful Announcing).
Casting has begun on the alternative series “The Superstars”, which ABC plans to run this summer. Juma Entertainment (“The Singing Bee”) and Blue Equity’s Blue Entertainment Sports TV (Best), which owns the franchise, dusted off the title and shopped it around last fall”ABC was the most aggressive, and they were big on getting the authenticity of the original ‘Superstars’ format,” said Juma prexy Bob Horowitz. “And the fact that they have the NBA Finals in June makes it a phenomenal springboard for promoting the series.”
In bringing out the franchise last summer, Horowitz had cited the success of ABC’s “Wipeout,” as well as the popularity of celebrity reality competitions like the Alphabet’s “Dancing With the Stars.”
In “Superstars,” eight celebs will be paired with eight male and female pro athletes to compete in various events, including swimming, biking, running and kayaking. Teams will be eliminated each week, until one athlete/celebrity pair is crowned the champs.
When are we going to see a return to the Battle of the Network Stars that incorporates players from basic and premium cable shows? I want to see James Gandolfini up against Wolf Blitzer. I think we can handle Rachael Ray from Food Network on the obstacle course with Elizabeth Moss from Mad Men. James Lipton against Turner Classic Movies’ Robert Osborne.