With many choices out there, the last thing we need is another weekly wrestling show. What we do need, however, is a show about the defunct 1980’s promotion the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW). Hence, Netflix announced the 10-episode comedy. Bigger news came down this week as former Community beauty Allison Brie has signed on to play the lead role.
GLOW burst onto the scene as a syndicated wrestling program that ran for five seasons from 1986-1990. It featured such legendary characters as Americana, Hollywood, Babe the Farmer’s Daughter, and super villain Mount Fiji. GLOW emanated from the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. Due to the promotion’s desire to attract young viewers, the television shows aired Saturday mornings.
The show began with a rap song and all of the girls had their own personalized verse:
GLOW still exists as a brand although they do not have an active schedule. Over the years they employed entertainers from models to actresses to stunt women. Throughout the years many have tried to model a promotion after GLOW but none have reached or maintained the same level of success. In 2011, a documentary entitled GLOW: The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling was released. Brett Whitcomb directed the project.
The Netflix series follows Brie as Ruth, an out-of-work actress trying to find her niche. When she stumbles upon an upstart ladies wrestling promotion, her career prospects take a turn for the better. Seems like the Netflix assault on the original series scene continues. GLOW presents as one of many new series Netflix has announced over the past couple of months. Most noteworthy, you can read about the announced Netflix Jack Ryan show with John Krasinski here.
For Brie, this is not her first go around with Netflix. Rather, her voice currently contributes to the animated comedy show Bojack Horsemen for the streaming service. Her previous credits include the recently released movie How to Be Single. She is probably best known for her work in the critically acclaimed AMC drama Mad Men.
Netflix has yet to announce a release date.
