Fans of exhibits like Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Magnum P.I., iCarly, and numerous others cringe after they hear the phrase “reboot” spoken about their beloved TV sequence. No one needs to see their favourite character fully re-imagined by present creators who don’t perceive what made the unique TV present their favourite within the first place. However, this hesitation hasn’t stopped writers from re-envisioning many traditional sequence. But what if these creators get it proper and handle to exceed viewers expectations?
Through the years of tv, audiences have seen loads of rebooted TV exhibits which have exceeded all expectations and others which have merely flopped. Everyone needs to overlook those that didn’t dwell as much as the unique legacy, however some followers would argue that there are a handful of reboots that blow the unique out of the water. Some diehards don’t wish to admit that their new responsible pleasure is the reboot as a substitute of the unique.
Update Sept 5, 2023: This article has been up to date by Amira Abdel-Fadil to incorporate much more nice tv reboots and to additional define the distinction between a reboot and a revival.
There is a notable distinction between a reboot and a revival. Series like iCarly, The Conners, and Doctor Who, whereas generally mislabeled as reboots, are continuations of the unique sequence, or perhaps a present like The Office is linked to its unique counterpart by means of cameos. A reboot implies a clear begin, with the unique continuity being tossed apart. Here are the highest rebooted exhibits, ranked.
10 Magnum P.I.
NBCUniversalCBS Studios
Magnum P.I. premiered on CBS again in 1980 by means of 1988. The reboot premiered 38 years afterward CBS in 2018. The unique sequence starred Tom Selleck, who performs Thomas Magnum, a former Navy SEAL turned non-public investigator. With some persuasion, he enlists the assistance of his associates T.C. (Roger Mosley), Rick (Larry Manetti), and Higgins (Jonathan Hillerman) in several jobs on the island of Oahu.
The reboot follows this precise plot line with a couple of modifications. In the brand new sequence, Higgins is a lady who’s performed by Perdita Weeks. Thomas (Jay Hernandez) and his associates Rick (Zachary Knighton) and T.C. (Stephen Hill) are all Navy SEALs within the reboot. The chemistry between Weeks and Hernandez actually set the bar for the revamped Magnum P.I., which followers swear makes it higher than the unique. Earlier this yr, CBS canceled the reboot, however NBC picked it up for 2 extra seasons, a testomony to its high quality.
9 Hawaii Five-0
CBS
Hawaii Five-0 is a cop drama a few process pressure in Hawaii that’s run by Commander Steve McGarrett, performed by Jack Lord. The unique sequence premiered again in 1968 and ran till 1980, shortly changing into one of many longest-running cop exhibits of its time. The procedural present captivated audiences each week and coined the catchphrase “Book ’em Danno” because the tagline for the present.
Related: The 20 Most Anticipated Sequel and Reboot Movies Coming in 2023 and 2024
The 2010 reboot additionally follows Steve McGarrett, performed by Alex O’Loughlin, who’s a former Navy SEAL commander. McGarrett, alongside along with his associate, Detective Danny Williams (Scott Caan), set off to search out the person who killed his father. Fans of the reboot love the concord between Williams and McGarret, which has develop into the contributing issue of why it is higher than the unique.
8 Lost in Space
Lost in Space was a well-liked sequence from 1965 to 1968 on CBS. The sequence is a unfastened retelling of the Swiss Family Robinson, with a household named the Robinsons misplaced in house looking for their method residence. After a failed try and reboot the franchise as a characteristic movie in 1998, Netflix determined to take a swing at relaunching the favored sequence.
The new Lost in Space premiered on Netflix in 2018 and ran for 3 seasons till 2021. The sequence was a extra grounded tackle the fabric. It was darker and shifted most of the traditional dynamics, together with a gender swap, Dr. Smith, performed by the at all times unimaginable Parker Posey, and the well-known robotic being an alien android with an overlapping sequence thriller. Lost in Space was the true trendy replace that the model wanted.
7 Queer Eye
Queer Eye is a captivating present about 5 queer males who give their skilled recommendation to company on the present on a big selection of components akin to Fashion (Fashion Sunglasses Here) , home-decor, and weight loss plan. They’re there to assist every one attain their objectives. The manufacturing oozes kindness, self-respect and self-worth as we watch totally different people join and encourage each other.
It was primarily based on the sooner model which was broadcasted in 2003. What the reboot does otherwise is that it encompasses a extra various solid and quite a lot of distinctive places. It additionally has exhibits extra emotional depth and vulnerability in its company than the unique and promotes acceptance.
6 House of Cards
One of probably the most extremely rated sequence on IMDb, House of Cards, tells the story of a person and his spouse who will do every little thing to climb the political ladder. Set in Washington D.C., after being denied the secretary-state place he was supposed to acquire, Frank Underwood and Claire are a harmful combo who search revenge and procure energy by means of their very own darkish schemes.
It was primarily based on the British BBC mini TV sequence 1990 however expands on it to deliver you right into a world filled with thoughts video games and psychological intrigue. The present additionally offers in depth data of US politics by means of themes akin to manipulation, betrayal, and energy. It has been praised for its cleverly written plot, excellent performances, and rating.
5 Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Berlanti Productions
Sabrina the Teenage Witch was a beloved sitcom that premiered again in 1996 on ABC. The present adopted Sabrina Spellman (Melissa Joan Hart), who lived together with her two 600-year-old aunts Hilda (Caroline Rhea) and Zelda (Beth Broderick), whereas making an attempt to determine the way to be a witch and attend highschool on the similar time.
In 2018, Sabrina returned to our screens in a darker tone than its predecessor in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Vox the Netflix unique “messy” and a “beautiful thrill trip” as Sabrina (Kiernan Shipka) not solely attends Baxter High however the Academy of the Dark Arts. Audiences cherished the playfulness of the unique. However, followers cannot cease watching the reboot as Sabrina navigates the witch world on this darker retelling.
4 The Flash
The CW
The Flash follows Barry Allen, whose life is totally altered when he will get struck by a particle accelerator. Barry, together with different residents in Central City, develops superpowers. In his case, he develops tremendous pace and might run quicker than a rushing bullet. The sequence first premiered in 1990, with John Wesley Ship enjoying the beloved Barry Allen.
Related: 20 of the Best Science Fiction TV Shows of All Time, Ranked
The reboot on The CW solid Grant Gustin because the Scarlet Speedster whereas paying homage to the unique by having Ship play Gustin’s father. Fans of the unique and the reboot love the dynamic of blending the previous with the brand new, not just for bringing Shipp again but additionally for a number of the villains that he confronted as properly. They proceed to reward the 2014 present for casting Candice Patton and Jesse L. Martin because the West household.
3 DuckTales
Disney Channel
DuckTales was a well-liked Disney animated sequence that ran from 1987 to 1990. Focused on Scrooge McDuck and his three nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, the sequence noticed the characters go on many adventures. The sequence was a beloved fan favourite with a catchy theme track that was at all times going to be laborious to dwell as much as.
Yet one way or the other, the 2017 DuckTales did simply that. With a deal with serialized storytelling, the sequence gave the three nephews distinct voices and personalities. It additionally expanded their household historical past, lastly revealing particulars about their mom, and even had Donald Duck as a extra outstanding character. It additionally introduced in components from different favourite Disney animated sequence like Darkwing Duck, Gummi Bears, Chip n Dale: Rescue Rangers, and Goof Troop to spherical out its universe to be the final word crossover sequence for followers of the Disney Afternoon block.
2 Battlestar Galactica
The Sci-Fi Channel
Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the science fiction property that began in 1978. The present was picked up once more and re-imagined first as a tv mini-series on the Sci-Fi community earlier than being spun off right into a 4 season tv sequence that ran from 2004 to 2009.
The reboot earned itself a big fan base and has managed to popularize the science fiction style much more. It tells the story of a battle between people and cyclons (robots with precise flesh and blood) who goal to wipe out humanity throughout 12 human colonies. This model is way darker and has a mature tone all through, referring to themes of genocide, religion, and struggle. With terrific performing and writing that delves into humanity, Battlestar Galacticais an instance of a tv reboot going above and past the unique materials.
1 One Day at a Time
One Day at a Time is a soulful sitcom that zooms in on a Cuban-American household who’ve members from three generations. The present seems to be at how they navigate life whereas additionally interacting with each other each day. If you wish to dive into Cuban tradition and study extra about their struggles and what makes them tick, then this present is for you.
The reboot is predicated on the 1975 present of the identical title however shifts the main target to a Latino household. The sequence shines a light-weight on actual matters like popping out, melancholy, and the Cuban immigrant expertise. The sequence was each topical, humorous, and pleasant and one which we want was nonetheless airing as we speak. Regardless, the sequence is the very best tv reboot but.
First seem at TV Show Reboots Today Are Better Than Their Originals
