It looks like Olmec, the giant talking Mayan head, will make its way to the small screen again. 

The CW has ordered a revival of Nickelodeon’s beloved '90s games show Legends of the Hidden Temple after over 20 years since the original show ran. The original series aired from 1993 to 1995 and was inspired by Nintendo’s “The Legend of Zelda” game and the Indiana Jones movie franchise. 

The latest version will feature adult competitors who will move outside the safety of a studio setting and into a “mysterious jungle” with grueling challenges and “much bigger prizes.”

In every episode, 5 teams will compete against one another to enter the forbidden Olmec’s Temple. There they must retrieve the lost treasure that must be returned to its proper place, all while steering clear of the disreputable Temple Guards.

But the newer version will also bring back many elements of the original game, including the “Moat Crossings, The Steps of Knowledge, and the Temple Run.” In addition, the team's names — “Purple Parrots, Blue Barracudas, Orange Iguanas, Red Jaguars, Silver Snakes, and Green Monkeys,” will also remain unchanged.

The series, which launched in April 2020, was initially supposed to air on the now-defunct streaming platform Quibi but never materialized. So the CW took the opportunity to revive it to diversify its programs and target audience further. 

Details about the show

The game show will debut on October 10 on The CW, and it will be hosted by Cristela Alonzo, famous for the 2014 ABC sitcom Cristela. With the series, Alonzo made history in television as the first Latina talent to create, produce, write, and star in her own American prime-time comedy. 

Since then, Alonzo has done many projects, including guest-hosting ABC’s popular talk show, The View. 

As someone who grew up with '90s pop culture, Alonzo is excited to be part of the revival. 

Having grown up on 90s pop culture and actually being a fan of the original Legends of the Hidden Temple, I am thrilled to be hosting the new updated version of the show. 

The writer, producer, actor, and comedian noted that the only challenging part of her new job is hosting while simultaneously trying to contain her enthusiasm. She will take the place of original host Kirk Fogg, who was loved by fans for guiding the show. 

As for the famous talking Mayan giant, the voice will be reprised by Dee Bradley Baker after over 20 years. Baker’s Olmec is the most recognizable symbol of the show. According to executive producer Scott Stone, when they approached Baker once again to voice Olmec, he was more than willing. 

Legends of the Hidden Temple is produced by Stone & Company Entertainment and Nickelodeon.