If I could produce the next Battlebots Show

Battlebots was one of my all-time favorite shows, which was cancelled years ago. The robotic combat community has speculated for years why the show didn't ultimately succeed, and why it never made a comback.

If it did make a comback (it's not) this is what I'd do:

Have the entrants establish a Builder's Association. The group's job would be to represent the best interests of the builders regarding contracts, rules, and other controversial aspects of the sport.

Film every fight like it would be seen, because it would be. For a TV show, every fight would be available on the web following the TV airing, plus unaired 'bonus' fights. By the end of the series, the entire tournament would available on-line. Additionally, all the fights (even those not making it to the web) would be released as a DVD.

If possible (Viacom wouldn't go for this), encourage fans to post clips of fights on community sites like youtube. Also, on the official website, encourage builders to blog comments and answer questions regarding the fights after airing.

The Battlebox would remain a central character in the show. Saws, Hammers, and Spikes make even the less exciting robots exciting. Additionally, there would be space between the arena and the walls with a low wall, allowing robots to be KO'd by being thrown from the ring (ala Robot Wars)

Each fight would be preceeded by a short interview with the builders, discussing the machines, the matchup, and strategy. After each fight there would be a short interview with both the winner and the loser.

Each show would feature between 4-6 battles per 30 minutes. Between battles, updates from the pits would provide 'behind the scenes' action, similar to drag racing coverage.

On Air Staff -
* A pair of announcers giving play-by-play and color commentary during the battles.
* A single "box-side" interviewer, handling the pre and post fight interviews.
* A single roving interviewer handling the pits.

Battlebots, the show, spent way too much time profiling the builders, who often were portrayed as silly or crazy (whether or not this was accurate is besides the point!) The show also relied on course or adult humor for laughs, which was inappropriate for a show that appealed to children.

On the other side, less professional robot presentations relied entirely on the combat, which to even the most dedicated fan, can be tedious. Interviews and backstory between fights go a long way to providing context to the action, and providing a richer and complex presentation.

More to come (like it or not!)

-Adam!!!