Battlebots Series Coming To ABC

ABC announced today that it has picked up BattleBots, a reimagined take on the killer robot combat sport from Whalerock Industries and the creators of the original BattleBots franchise, Ed Roski and Greg Munson.

In the series, remote-controlled, armed and armored homemade robots will battle against each other in a single elimination tournament style format, until there is one champion. The six-episode series is expected to air this summer.

MGM Television, which has a development deal with Whalerock Industries, will be distributing the program internationally. Executive Producers are Lloyd Braun, Chris Cowan, Ed Roski and Greg Munson. 

"The new series promises to wow viewers with next generation robots – bigger, faster and stronger than ever before," said ABC in a release. "The show will have a greater emphasis on the design and build elements of each robot, the bot builder backstories, their intense pursuit of the championship and the spectacle of the event. Separate weight classes will be eliminated so that robots of all sizes will battle against each other. State of the Art Onboard Technology and Cameras will provide audiences with enhanced viewing and combat analytics. There will be cash prizes for winners in the Championship Rounds."

The original BattleBots series was hosted by comedian Bil Dwyer and featured Bill Nye as a technical adviser. It aired on Comedy Central for five seasons, covering five BattleBots tournaments. The first season aired starting in August 2000, and the fifth season aired starting in August 2002. Hosts of BattleBots were Dwyer and Sean Salisbury (with Tim Green replacing Salisbury after the second season) and correspondents included a number of minor celebrities. The show's announcer was longtime boxing ring announcer Mark Beiro.