Bittersweet news for BattleBots fans. It seems ABC has cancelled BattleBots after two seasons, but all 16 episodes of the TV show are coming to the Science Channel.
In 2015, ABC revived the competition show, which pits homemade robots against each other. The show previously aired on Comedy Central but was cancelled after five seasons in 2002.
Now, it looks like BattleBots has been axed once again. Recently, ABC removed the show from its list of current reality programming—a sure sign the show has been cancelled. However, fans lookin’ for a fix will be able to see both seasons of the revived series on Science Channel beginning July 12th at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
Read more info below:
(New York) – Let the robot shrapnel fly. Science Channel has licensed the off-network cable rights to air 16 episodes of ABC’s epic robot-fighting series BattleBots. BattleBots features the biggest, baddest, strongest, and fastest next-generation robots as they duke it out to become champions of an intense, fast-paced single elimination tournament. BattleBots premieres Wednesday, July 12 at 10pm ET/PT on Science Channel.
Each robot rumble match consists of two robots competing in a single three-minute bout in which the goal is to destroy or disable their opponent. If there is no knockout during the three-minute battle, the panel of judges will declare a victor to move on in the tournament.
Each episode of BattleBots highlights the design and build of each robot, bot builder backstories, and their pursuit of the BattleBot championship. With only one weight class, homemade robots of many varieties with a huge variety of deadly weapons go head-to-head, all captured by state-of-the-art onboard technology and cameras to enhance viewing and provide combat analytics.
BattleBots is hosted by ESPN’S Samantha Ponder. She is joined for the play-by-play by Chris Rose of MLB Network and NFL Network, color-commentary is provided by ex-MMA fighter Kenny Florian, Alison Haislip (G4’s Attack of the Show) is the sideline reporter and Faruq Tauheed is ring announcer. Judging the battles are former BattleBots competitor and special effects artist Fon Davis, the face of “Nerdist” Jessica Chobot and a special guest judge for each round of the competition.
BattleBots is 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. Executive producers are Lloyd Braun, Chris Cowan, Edward P. Roski (Trey), Greg Munson and Aaron Catling.”
What do you think? Are you a fan of BattleBots? Are you sad ABC has cancelled the show?
My husband and I are great fans of BattleBots and hate to see it go. I hope some other channel with pick it up.
My husband and I are great fans of BattleBots and hate to see it go. I hope some other channel with pick it up.
Agree with Paladin it would’ve sucked having to miss BattleBots because of airing on ABC and yes we are truly boycotting ABC so we’re glad if and when there’s a third season it will air on the Science channel.
Not terribly interested in watching reruns of two seasons BUT SINCERELY HOPING FOR SEASON 3 SOON!!!
This is a copy of an email I got from BattlrBots on Wednesday and it certainly sounds to me that they are planning a new season. “BattleBots Seasons 1 & 2 to Re-Air on The Science Channel This Wednesday! BotFans! We’re excited to announce that The Science Channel is bringing everyone a summer treat! Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, July 12 @ 10 | 9 central, The Science Channel will begin re-airing seasons 1 and 2 of BattleBots! Relive the metal munching mayhem of all 17 episodes of the 2015-2016 Championships: The bots, the builders, the flames, the sparks—and all the robot… Read more »
Glad Science Channel picked it up. Just watched the first show and had a great time talking about it with my 5 year old grandson. We had been watching all of the previous shows and he knows most all of the competitors and their bot’s names. It’s called bonding between generations and I love it!
Too bad. I liked the show. The silver lining is that now it’ll be easier to fully boycott ABC for its rabid partisan agenda.
It was my son’s and I favorite show. I got excited when I saw the advertisement on the science chanel, but was disappointed when it was just reruns.
I find it hard to believe that ABC couldn’t find the advertisers to support a season 3 of Battlebots??? There’s ZERO competition now that Mythbusters is gone. Short-sighted IMO. Taking ABC channels off of my watch-list…
BattleBots was great fun to watch. Critics panned it as lawn mower fighting but it was evolving and I’m sure given a little time the robots would become more complex and exciting. Besides, if the show got kids intrigued in math and engineering instead of the Kardashians it was worth keeping it around!
A lawnmower would die a horrible death at the hands of any of these BattleBots.
Horrible news…hopefully Science Channel is able to get a season three. My daughter and I have been checking for weeks for BattleBot news…not the news we were hoping for!
Can’t believe that!!! Thought it was doing so well. My kids are gonna be so disappointed and sad. Bad decision not to bring it back
Unbelievable!!! I love this show and you cancel! I don’t get science channel and I don’t want to watch already shown episodes. A great family show and it’s down the tubes. I bet if it was a show about rape, killings, and etc. you would renew the season.
Our family loved watching the show! My kids would be inspired to create their own bots after. We were all excited to hear about another season. Sad to see it cancelled. Not enough family shows on TV anymore.
Science Channel should pick BattleBots up for a third season because I enjoyed it.