'Battle of the Network Stars' Reboot in the Works at ABC

[mvcg66b3r]

ABC is preparing to add “Battle of the Network Stars” to its roster of primetime game-show revivals.

The network is developing a rebooted version of the ’70s and ’80s television classic, which pitted teams of TV stars against one another in athletic competitions. ABC has begun a casting search for what would be a new event series airing this summer. According to a casting announcement obtained by Variety, the series will shoot in May.

The revival hails from ABC and IMG, which owns the program and will produce with Glassman Media. It will feature stars from across multiple television genres competing to raise money for charity.

The original “Battle of the Network Stars” aired on ABC from 1976 to 1985 and featured teams representing ABC, CBS, and NBC competing in events such as kayaking, golf, three-on-three football, and tug of war. The show was hosted for most of its run by Howard Cosell. Among the co-hosts and competitors featured over the years were Ron Howard, Penny Marshall, Bruce Jenner, O.J. Simpson, Rob Reiner, LeVar Burton, Billy Crystal, David Letterman, Tony Randall, Robin Williams, Dick Van Dyke, Lynn Redgrave, Tom Selleck, William Shatner, and Michael J. Fox.

The show was revived twice — in 1988 on ABC, and in 2003 on NBC. The latter featured only Peacock stars.

https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/battle-of-the-network-stars-abc-1202000808/

 

[FreddyE1977]

You don't look old enough to remember the original.

 

[seatownmedia]

You don't look old enough to remember the original.

Remind me to block my DVR from recording anything close to this title!

 

[KeithE4]

The show was hosted for most of its run by Howard Cosell. Among the co-hosts and competitors featured over the years were Ron Howard, Penny Marshall, Bruce Jenner, O.J. Simpson, Rob Reiner, LeVar Burton, Billy Crystal, David Letterman, Tony Randall, Robin Williams, Dick Van Dyke, Lynn Redgrave, Tom Selleck, William Shatner, and Michael J. Fox."

Other than Williams, Randall, and Cosell, the others are still with us (OK, The Juice is still in The Joint, and Michael J. Fox is out, due to his health). Maybe ABC should bring them back as "Battle of the Network Geezers."

And with Hah-Wad gone, who would be the obnoxious, overbearing host? Dick Vitale?

 

[Corky Marlowe]

If I had to guess the host right now...Michael Strahan. If they brought any old contestants back, maybe Robert Conrad could threaten to beat Gabe Kaplan's ass again. Also, I don't know how Dick Van Dyke would do in any of the events, but at age 91, he still has some dance moves!