BattleBots Heads to Science Channel

Science Channel has licensed the off-network cable rights for 16 episodes of ABC’s reboot of the robot-fighting series BattleBots, which will air this summer.

BattleBots will premiere on Science Channel on July 12 at 10 p.m. The series features the biggest, strongest and fastest next-generation robots as they duke it out to become champions of a single elimination tournament. Each match sees two robots compete in a single three-minute bout in which the goal is to destroy or disable the opponent. If there is no knockout during the three-minute battle, the judges will declare a victor.

Each episode of BattleBots highlights the design and build of the robots, as well as the builders’ backstories. BattleBots is hosted by ESPN’s Samantha Ponder, who is joined for the play-by-play by Chris Rose of MLB Network and NFL Network. Color-commentary is provided by ex-MMA fighter Kenny Florian. Alison Haislip (G4’s Attack of the Show) is the sideline reporter, while Faruq Tauheed is ring announcer. Judging the battles are former BattleBots competitor and special effects artist Fon Davis, Nerdist’s Jessica Chobot and a special guest judge for each round of the competition.