Battle of the Network Stars

This was an absolutely amazing concept. Imagine getting different TV stars from the various networks and having the network stars team up against the other networks. The competition was funny, exciting, and challenging. The stars were just that, "Television Stars" in their own right.

It was great watching the tug-of-war, relay races, and obstacle course (to name a few of the events). It was a chance to see the stars outside of their characters that they played on TV. It was also great publicity for the stars, shows, and networks alike. It made the stars appear more approachable and normal, yet it also gave you more of an appreciation for their willingness to get "down and dirty".

In an era of one reality show after another, not to mention the endless paparazzi frenzy, "Battle of the Network Stars" was indeed the original "Reality Show". It would be great to bring back this show. Hey, if anyone out there is interested, I will even consider producing it.

Yes you're right it was a very entertaining show with a lot of eye candy on display (I can recall an SNL spoof calling it Battle of the T & A's). A version today would pale by comparison for two reasons. With all the bot-ox and implants on display, it would look like an endorsement for plastic surgery. The other reason is the most important, Howard Cosell is Dead. He had his detractors but no one could give more hyperbole to something that was sheer titillating entertainment than he could. He could make "Keeping with the The Kasdashians" must see TV. I would prefer watching the old shows minus the episode with Van Dyke and Van Ark as co-hosts. The series was a great piece of nostalgia.

Battle of the network stars is one of those tv shows that stands as probably one of the best team competitions of all time. The show pins the television stars of the 70's and 80's from all three major networks ABC, NBC, and CBS in head to head competition for prize money. The competition is broken down into a combination of athletic events along with an obstacle course and many other fun and exciting events. The show is hosted by the legendary commentator Howard Cosell along with other celebrity commentators that join him, such Bruce Jenner, Morgan Fairchild, and others throughout the shows run. This show was fun to watch when celebrities back then could let their hair down and be themselves and have a great time competing. Robert Conrad has to be one of the best standouts of the entire shows run for his athleticism and competitive nature, especially against Gabe Kaplan and his team. The show provided some of the best moments in team competition especially the tug of war finals. Some of the other standout competitors was Scott Baio, Tony Danza, Patrick Duffy, John Beck, Tracy Scroggins, Mr. T, Sherry Belafonte, Kristie Mcnickel, Tele Savalis, and many others which made the show entertaining to watch. It's too bad the entire ten year run of the show has not been released for streaming, yet maybe someday. This show is definitely a throwback to a much better era which was a privilege to grow up in and for me will never be forgotten. BATTLE OF THE NETWORK STARS IS A TIMELESS PART OF TELEVISION HISTORY. There are some episodes on the internet, so take some time and watch it, you will be glad you did.

Watching these stars battle every show was a treat.. ABC/ESPN should remaster these shows and release them on Blu-ray or DVD.. The full episodes, not the ESPN Classic shortened versions. This was by far one of the best shows on television for years. The new version, doesn't come close to the dramatics of the show back in the 70"s & 80's..

i have very fond memories of watching battle of the network stars.

i was saddened to see that series not return. it was something that everyone enjoyed watching favorite TV stars of the era. a modern day version would be mtv basketball jam. back then this was REALITY SHOW at it's best. seeing stars play simon says doing funny things was hysterical. back then having two male stars face each other in that game as if to kiss was risqué.

unlike today where there is no limit unfortunately. another favorite was seeing our stars do relay races, tug-of-war, etc...in that era networks took care of their stars by putting them out in front. this series boosted all networks and starts. today the reality shows don't do that.