2016 is the year of TV reboots and remakes
Just when you think cinemas are being flooded with remakes, sequels and prequels, it seems television producers are returning to the classics in the quest for ratings, too! Whether they’ve already aired, are in production or have just been announced, we take a look at some of the classic TV series returning to our screens (plus a few movie-to-TV-show reboots!).
MacGyver
Everyone’s favourite crafty adventure hero is back, but 66-year-old Richard Dean Anderson will not be returning to play Angus MacGyver, who will be played instead by 25-year-old X-Men actor Lucas Till. A pilot episode has been ordered, and it is reported that the new series will be something of a prequel, looking back at MacGyver’s early years.
The Notebook
The Nicholas Sparks tearjerker is set to get the small screen treatment after US network The CW picked it up for a reboot, which is currently in development. Not much is known yet about the details, but Sparks will be co-producing the series based on his best-selling novel and the blockbuster film adaptation starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
Xena: Warrior Princess
Iconic female warrior Xena will soon be returning to our screens, thanks to a new series from NBC. Co-creator of the original series, Rob Tapert, is said to be involved but it is unknown if wife (and star of the show) Lucy Lawless will be reprising her role. The pilot’s screenwriter, however, has said the new series would definitely address Xena and Gabrielle’s ambiguous relationship.
Twin Peaks
A reboot of David Lynch’s short-lived cult classic Twin Peaks is already in production, and many of the original cast members have already signed on, including Kyle MacLachlan, Sherilyn Fenn, David Duchovny, Peggy Lipton and more. Naomi Watts, Laura Dern and Jim Belushi have also confirmed new roles. It is set to air next year.
Gilmore Girls
Lorelai, Rory and the gang are back for a new Netflix revival titled Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, which will be comprised of four 90-minute episodes set in a different season of the year. Most of the original cast will be involved, and the special will be released to the streaming service any day now!
Fuller House
Fan of Full House? You’re in luck! Almost all the original cast have returned for this 13-episode reboot of the hit show, which first aired in 1987, with the exception of Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen who played Michelle Tanner in the hit show which first aired in 1987. It has already been renewed for another season and is currently in production.
Fargo
The Coen Brothers’ critically acclaimed, quirky crime thriller Fargo has been revived in the form of an anthology series with each season presenting a different story. The cast includes Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, Kirsten Dunst, Ted Danson and more. The critically acclaimed series has won two Emmys and is currently producing its third season, starring Ewan McGregor.
The X-Files
Sci-fi classic The X-Files was rebooted earlier in the year, with David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson reprising their roles as Mulder, the believer, and Scully, the sceptic. The “event series” produced six episodes set 14 years after the final season and 7 years after the last film, The X-Files: I Want to Believe. The cast and crew are currently in talks for another season.
Which of these reboots are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below!
Related links:
8 classic films getting remakes
10 classic British TV comedy shows we love
10 shocking facts you didn’t know about your favourite TV shows