International Gladiators 2 was filmed in the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham during 1995 and was broadcast on ITV in 1996, the second series of Gladiators using the International moniker. Six countries were represented: the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Russia, and South Africa; this was two more than were represented in the first International series. UK, USA and Australia all had their own domestic series and sent recent champion contenders and selected gladiators. The other three countries did not have their own shows at the time although this was not indicated at the time of filming. Finland did not send representatives, either contenders or Gladiators, as they had in the first series.

There were also thirty-six Gladiators, twelve more than the original series.

American Gladiators host Mike Adamle returned as host. Gladiators presenter John Fashanu did not return for the second series and was replaced by his co-host, Ulrika Jonsson. Australian Gladiators presenter Kimberley Joseph joined the broadcast team as well. Gladiators referee John Anderson and American Gladiators referee Larry Thompson also returned, and were joined by Aussie assistant referee John Forsyth.