When Is Gladiators On – BBC Schedule 2026 & Why It’s Not On Tonight

The BBC reboot of Gladiators has become a fixture of Saturday night television, but its seasonal broadcast pattern often leaves viewers asking a simple question: when is it on? Between series, the show disappears from the weekly schedule, causing confusion about whether it has been cancelled or is simply resting. This guide explains the current broadcast status, the confirmed start date for the next series, and why the show is not on tonight.

Gladiators airs in blocks rather than as a continuous weekly programme. Series 2 concluded in 2025, and no reruns have been scheduled to fill the gap. This natural off-season period is the primary reason viewers find no upcoming episodes listed on the BBC One schedule. The show is not cancelled; it is simply between series.

The next opportunity to watch new episodes will be in January 2026, when the third series premieres. Until then, audiences can follow the Gladiators Live Tour or catch up on previous episodes via BBC iPlayer.

What Time Is Gladiators On? (Schedule & Availability)

For viewers searching for the immediate schedule, the current answer is straightforward: there are no upcoming broadcasts of Gladiators on BBC One or BBC iPlayer. The programme page on the BBC website currently states that there are no upcoming broadcasts of this programme. This is a direct reflection of the gap between series.

Gladiators at a Glance

Key Insights on the Schedule

• Current series (Series 2) ended; no reruns scheduled, causing ‘not on tonight’ confusion.
• Series 3 is confirmed for January 2026, but the exact weekly schedule beyond the premiere is yet to be detailed.
• The Gladiators Live Tour provides the only Gladiators content during the off-season.
• BBC has not published an official explanation for the broadcast gap, which is typical for seasonal shows.
• The programme is not a nightly series; it is a Saturday primetime show, meaning it only broadcasts on Saturdays.
• Missed episodes from Series 1 and 2 remain available on BBC iPlayer, though availability can change.
• No celebrity specials or one-off episodes have been announced for the interim period.

Gladiators: Key Facts

When Does Gladiators Start in 2026? (Series 3 & Future Seasons)

The most concrete date on the horizon for fans is the premiere of Series 3. According to multiple sources, including gladiatorstv.com and entertainment news outlets, the new series will launch on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. This confirms that the show will return to its traditional Saturday evening slot.

Series 3 Premiere Details

The third series was recorded at the Utilita Arena Sheffield during the summer of 2025. The presenting duo of Bradley Walsh and his son Barney Walsh will return to host the competition. Mark Clattenburg also returns as the referee, supported by Sonia Mkoloma and Lee Phillips in the judging team. A celebrity special has also been announced, featuring Joe Wicks, Sam Thompson, Vogue Williams, and Nicola Adams.

Series 4 Status: Not Yet Announced

There is no official word from the BBC regarding a fourth series. Renewal decisions for shows like Gladiators typically come after a new season has aired and ratings are assessed. Viewers should not expect an announcement about Series 4 until Series 3 has concluded or is well into its run.

Gladiators Live Tour 2025–2026

During the off-season, the Gladiators Live Tour is the primary way to experience the show in person. The tour has dates scheduled in multiple UK cities, including Aberdeen, Glasgow, and London, running through 2025 and into 2026. Tickets and specific dates are available via the official Gladiators Facebook page.

Why Is Gladiators Not on Tonight?

This is the most common search query related to the show during its off-season. The answer is rooted in the programme’s production model. Gladiators is not a daily or weekly year-round show; it is a seasonal entertainment series that airs in a specific broadcast block. When a series ends, the broadcast slot is filled with other programming.

Series 2 Ended – No Reruns Scheduled

The most direct reason for the current gap is that Series 2 concluded in 2025, and the BBC has not scheduled repeat episodes to fill the void. This is typical for high-budget competition shows that rely on weekly appointment viewing rather than constant reruns.

Check BBC Schedule for Holiday Programming

During the period between Christmas and the start of a new year, BBC One’s schedule often changes to accommodate festive specials and other seasonal programming. This can further delay the return of a regular series like Gladiators. Viewers can check the TV Listings Tonight UK – Freeview BBC ITV Guide to see what is airing in the show’s usual slot.

Who Is in the Gladiators Cast?

The cast for the BBC reboot has remained relatively stable across its series, with a core group of hosts and Gladiators returning for each new season. Series 3 features a familiar lineup.

Presenters

Bradley Walsh and Barney Walsh return to present the competition. This father-son duo has been the face of the reboot since its launch in 2024.

Gladiators Roster for Series 3

The following Gladiators are set to return for the third series: Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Hammer, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel, and Viper. This roster of 18 competitors forms the core of the show’s athletic challenge.

Contestants: How to Apply

Applications for future series of Gladiators typically open after a new season has been announced. Potential contestants should monitor the official BBC Gladiators social media channels and the programme page for application windows.

Gladiators Broadcast Timeline

1. January 2024 – Series 1 premieres on BBC One.
2. 2025 (approx.) – Series 2 airs on BBC One.
3. Mid-2025 – Series 2 concludes; the live tour begins.
4. October 2025 – Gladiators Live Tour continues in the UK.
5. January 17, 2026 – Series 3 premieres at 5:45 PM on BBC One and iPlayer.
6. TBD – Series 4 announcement or further seasons.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About the Schedule

Analysis & Context: Why Gladiators Is a Scheduling Puzzle

The reboot of Gladiators has been a ratings success for the BBC, but like many seasonal reality shows, it airs in distinct blocks rather than year-round. With Series 2 ending and Series 3 not starting until January 2026, a prolonged broadcast gap exists. The BBC typically fills these slots with other programming, leading viewers to search for answers about the show’s status. The live tour helps maintain brand presence during this period. No official BBC statement specifically addresses the gap, which is standard practice for scheduled series between seasons.

Where to Find Official Information and Updates

For the most reliable and up-to-date information, the best sources are the official BBC channels. The BBC Gladiators programme page is the definitive source for broadcast schedules and iPlayer links. For behind-the-scenes content and tour announcements, the official Instagram account, @bbcgladiators, is a valuable resource. Detailed fan sites like gladiatorstv.com also provide well-researched guides, such as their breakdown of the Series 3 premiere date.

“Gladiators Series 3 premieres on Saturday 17th January at 5:45pm on BBC One and iPlayer.”

– gladiatorstv.com

“There are no upcoming broadcasts of this programme.”

– BBC programme page

What to Expect Next: A Quick Guide to the Coming Months

For viewers looking ahead, the immediate future of Gladiators is clear. The live tour offers the only current opportunity to see the Gladiators in action until the television series returns. The next major date to mark on the calendar is January 17, 2026, when Series 3 begins. In the meantime, fans can watch past episodes on BBC iPlayer. This is also a good moment to check the When Is Squid Game Season 3 Coming Out – June 27 Premiere Confirmed article for other major series premiere dates.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Gladiators Schedule