It’s been an atypically cancellation-happy year for The CW, likely due to the network’s rumored upcoming sale (perhaps to the Nexstar affiliate group) and thus its uncertain future. Actress and comedian Cristela Alonzo ( Cristela) hosted this new iteration, while OG Legends alum Dee Bradley Baker returned as the voice of Olmec.
You can watch them with a Paramount plus subscription or on Daily Motion for free.A nostalgia-filled reboot of Nickelodeon’s 1993-95 game show, The CW’s Legends of the Hidden Temple pitted four teams of two adults against one another in physical and mental challenges, until the last duo standing got a chance to run through Olmec’s temple and potentially win $25,000 in the final round. I recommend giving this show a pass and sticking with the original series. Viewers who are interested in a reboot of a popular 90s gameshow should watch Nickelodeon's "Double Dare." That show maintains a relatively similar game structure to the original and even features a brief appearance by the original host. Despite being marketed as a love letter to the fans of the original show, the questionable gameplay changes and dated script are more likely to alienate them. In addition to the overly-simplified game structure, there are additions of modern slang and pop-culture references, giving the show a soon-to-be dated impression.Īlthough "Legends of the Hidden Temple" provided a few promising signs, the negatives far outweigh the positives. Although this reboot is marketed as a new gameshow for adults, certain elements of the show seem more applicable to a children's show. There is also a less significant detail that is worth mentioning. Worst of all, the temple run is often interrupted halfway through by a commercial break. Additionally, the show will often interrupt the challenges with segments of individual commentary from the hostess or contestants, thus disrupting the audience's immersion in the events. The music selections are often sluggish and generic especially when compared to those of the original.
This combined with the smaller layout of the temple makes the temple guards more of a nuisance than a legitimate obstacle to success.īy far the most jarring aspect of the show is the editing.
Now, there are two rounds worth two full pendants and the occasional tie breaker. The original show had contestants compete for two half pendants and one full pendant in three rounds. This leaves contestants with only one route through the temple thus reducing the suspense. The original temple had twelve rooms whereas the new one only has ten without the secret passages and shortcuts.
However, this is where my praise ends.Īlthough the overall quality of the titular temple was top-notch, the quantity has decreased greatly.
Finally, the titular temple itself included a new selection rooms with creative themes as well as a few beloved classics including the infamous Shrine of The Silver Monkey. The legends are now depicted in an animated comic strip format rather than through historical, artistic depictions. The steps of knowledge segment was vastly improved in this version. The crew managed to bring Dee Bradley Baker back to reprise his role as Olmec. Unfortunately, it turned out to be yet another disappointing reboot.Īdmittedly, the show demonstrated a great deal of potential in parts. When I heard that a new version was coming to the CW, I was eager to see all of the new legends and myths that could be implemented.
It gave young audiences an opportunity to learn about various stories (fictional or not) and the history behind the time they originated in. Legend of the Hidden Temple was one of my favorite game shows when I was in elementary school.