The "American Gladiators" playoffs start tonight, with the first pairing off of qualified winners. Siene Silva faces off against Shanay Norvell at 8/7c this evening - both are personal trainers and they're probably the physically strongest competitors among the women. Next week Venus Ramos and Monica Carlson will go head to head - Carlson is the most athletically gifted and Ramos may be the most committed competitor - but tonight it's all about muscle.

NBC has altered the format a bit, increasing the length of the program to 90 minutes. On the upside it will probably allow for more characterization of gladiators and competitors, but on the downside the show now conflicts with "The Sarah Connor Chronicles".

Don't forget to tune in tonight on your local NBC station.

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