Fans of the popular “Battle of the Network Stars” show that ran in the 1970s and 80s are getting a dose of nostalgia with a reboot of the series that premiered on June 29th, 2017. While the new show is based on its original, it will have a new look and will definitely feature different stars. For those of you who caught the first episode and are not familiar with the fact that this is a resurrection series, here are five things that you didn’t know about the show.
Howard Cosell was the host of the original show
Most sports fans are familiar with the name Howard Cosell. He was the logical choice to host the series. The famed sports commentator was the main host who occasionally shared the spotlight and invited other popular sports celebrities to co-host. In the long running series, Cosell stepped down in the 1985 edition of the show because of disagreements with the ABC network. When the issues were resolved, he returned to wrap up the final season of the show in 1988.
The star selection process is strictly defined
Stars who participate in the show are chosen according to strict guidelines. There is nothing random about the selection. Teams of five celebrities who are popular stars of a certain network are chosen accordingly. Each of the three original television networks are represented by five stars from each. This is how the name was originally selected. ABC, NBC and CBS are the networks which are represented.
The show is nostalgic for older viewers
People who remember the good old days will be thrilled to know that there will be a total of eighteen stars who participated in the competition on the original show back in the ’70s and ’80s. We’ll not only get to see current stars, but this blast from the past will feature stars from the golden oldies “Diff’rent Strokes” with Todd Bridges; “The Facts of Life” with Kim Fields and Lisa Whelchel; and Jimmie Walker from “Good Times.
Familiar faces from discontinued shows appear
Viewers whose favorite television series will be happy to know that the premiere featured actors from shows that were immensely popular, but have already had their final episodes. TV sitcoms and TV kids were pitted against each other in the premiere and if you missed it, you’ll want to catch the re-run because it will show you what stars from favorite past series look like now. Battling in the first episode were Dave Coulier of “Full House;” Bronson Pinchot of “Perfect Strangers;” Tracey Gold from “Growing Pains;” Kim Fields and Lisa Welchel from “The Facts of Life;” Tom Arnold from “Roseanne;” Joey Lawrence from “Blossom;” Nolan Gould from “Modern Family” and Corbin Bleu of “High School Musical.”
There is an exciting lineup of hosts scheduled for the show
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the sports celebrities who have been chosen to host the various episodes of “Battle of the Network Stars.” They include Jose Tessitore and Mike Greenberg from ESPN. We can’t forget to mention that the sideline reporters for the show are Cari Champion and Cassidy Hubbarth. You won’t want to miss an episode because team captains include Ronda Rousey and DeMarcus Ware. It was brilliant planning to get an MMA fighter and Olympian and Superbowl 50 winner to represent the positions of team leaders.
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