The Superstars is a reality TV show that premiered on ABC in 2009. The show features eight celebrity athletes paired with eight professional athletes as they compete in various sporting events across different episodes. The winning team at the end of each episode earns immunity for the next round of events.
The celebrity contestants include David Charvet, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Dan Cortese, Paige Hemmis, Kristi Leskinen, Terrell Owens, Julio Iglesias Jr., and Lisa Leslie. Each paired up with a professional athlete, including Warren Sapp, Jeff Kent, Bode Miller, Brandi Chastain, Ali Landry, Estella Warren, Robert Horry, and Joanna Krupa.
The show is hosted by Jenn Brown and was filmed at the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. The series features a variety of sporting events, including swimming, running, kayaking, archery, and biking. There are also obstacle-course challenges and a climb up a 30-foot tall wall that proved to be one of the most challenging events of the series.
The series is based off the original show by the same name that aired in the 1970s and 1980s. It was brought back for a modern audience with a new format and more complex challenges. Throughout the series, the contestants are coached and trained by the professional athletes in their pairings. The relationships between the celebrity and professional athletes are often tested, especially as they got deeper into the competition, and the pressure to win increases.
As the competition progresses, the contestants are eliminated one by one. Each episode culminates in an intense athletic competition where the last-place team is up for elimination. The remaining contestants vote on which team should be sent home, and the celebrity and professional athlete who loses the competition is eliminated from the show.
The show also features behind-the-scenes footage of the athletes and celebrities training, as well as their interactions and personalities off the field. The personal lives of the contestants are also explored, adding another layer to the show beyond the competitive nature of the events.
The Superstars was well-received by viewers and critics alike. It was praised for its modern take on the classic show, offering a fresh and exciting perspective on athletic competitions. Its unique blend of celebrity and professional athletes highlights the challenges and hard work that go into training for top-tier athletic competitions.
Overall, The Superstars is a thrilling and engaging show that combines physical challenges, competitive athletics, and unique characters. With its mix of celebrity and professional athletes, the show offers a unique perspective on what it takes to be a top athlete and win in competitive sports.