I don’t know how many of you folks out there are old enough to remember ABC’s “Superstars”, but the network is planning on dusting off the old “Wide World of Sports” program for a six-episode run in 2009. Via Variety….

ABC has given a six-episode order to a new celeb take on the sports-themed franchise “Superstars.”

“ABC was the most aggressive, and they were big on getting the authenticity of the original ‘Superstars’ format,” said Juma prexy Bob Horowitz. “And the fact that they have the NBA Finals in June makes it a phenomenal springboard for promoting the series.”

In bringing out the franchise last summer, Horowitz had cited the success of ABC’s “Wipeout,” as well as the popularity of celebrity reality competitions like the Alphabet’s “Dancing With the Stars.”

In “Superstars,” eight celebs will be paired with eight male and female pro athletes to compete in various events, including swimming, biking, running and kayaking. Teams will be eliminated each week, until one athlete/celebrity pair is crowned the champs.

While there is no word on who is involved this go around, back in the day the show was called by both Jim McKay and Keith Jackson, and featured such athletes as: Herschel Walker, Willie Gault, Dave Johnson (decathlete), Jason Sehorn and Joe Frazier. Frazier even almost drowned during an episode, so anything is possible this year!

ABC fields ‘Superstars’ (Variety)
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