Hollywood Flashback: ‘Battle of the Network Stars’ Turned Celebs Into Gladiators

Competition among the original big three networks seems natural, but what happens when you bring that rivalry to life on a playing field with actors? Nearly 50 years ago, ABC did just that with Battle of the Network Stars.

The competition series debuted in November 1976 and featured stars from ABC, CBS and NBC facing off in such sporting events as swimming, kayaking, volleyball, golf and tennis. Howard Cosell, known for leading ABC’s Monday Night Football, hosted the celebrity battle, adding cachet to the proceedings. Among the competitors: Lynda Carter, Farrah Fawcett, Ron Howard, Penny Marshall, Loretta Swit, Jimmie Walker and Robert Conrad, plus actual athletes like Caitlyn Jenner and Reggie Jackson.

“We were out at Malibu, and the first day, I started driving home and was so fatigued I couldn’t get my leg off the gas onto the brake,” Adrienne Barbeau, star of CBS’ Maude, tells The Hollywood Reporter with a laugh.