Reboot Television Show

Some television series have been so successful that studios have decided to bring them back for a second life, in the form of a reboot. Reboots are a rebranding of an entertainment project, using established characters, storylines, and a built-in fan base. Sometimes, original cast members return for a sequel, while other times, a new cast is brought on for a fresh take.

Studios have relied on TV show reboots for decades because of the existing intellectual property. This is particularly beneficial for foreign TV distributors, as established franchises reduce marketing and promotional costs. The CW, for example, featured several reboots due to its former owners (CBS Studios and Warner Bros. TV) wanting to capitalize on international and streaming sales of recognizable titles.

Image Credit: Everett (2) Alt text: Side-by-side images showcasing the original and rebooted casts of the television show Dynasty, highlighting the evolution of a reboot television show.

Shows like Dynasty were globally recognized, making a reboot a financially appealing decision. While the Dynasty reboot ran for multiple seasons, it consistently held the lowest ratings across all broadcast networks during its run. Not all reboots achieve the desired success. Several popular attempts, like Veronica Mars, The Comeback, and Prison Break, were canceled after only one season.

Reality television has also seen its share of revivals. Shows like The Kardashians, Queer Eye, and American Idol have successfully returned to the screen, capitalizing on pre-existing fan bases and established formats. The trend of rebooting shows extends beyond scripted series.

Image Credit: Everett; Amy Lombard/Paramount+ Alt text: Miranda Cosgrove in the iCarly reboot television show, a successful example of a reboot connecting with a new generation.

Currently, several reboots are in development or have recently premiered, including Party Down, That ‘90s Show, and Frasier. These projects demonstrate the continuing appeal of revisiting familiar stories and characters for contemporary audiences. The landscape of Reboot Television Shows is constantly evolving.

Hawaii Five-0, originally airing from 1968 to 1980, returned in 2010 with Alex O’Loughlin as Steve McGarrett. The reboot ran for 10 seasons, following McGarrett as he builds his own task force in Oahu, Hawaii. It exemplifies how a reboot television show can capture the spirit of the original while updating it for a modern audience.

Image Credit: Everett; Mario Perez/CBS via Getty Images Alt text: Alex O’Loughlin in the reboot television show Hawaii Five-0, a successful modern update of a classic series.

Full House (1987-1995) returned as Fuller House on Netflix in 2016. Focusing on D.J. Fuller (Candace Cameron Bure) raising her children with the help of her sister Stephanie and friend Kimmy, the reboot ran for five seasons, demonstrating the enduring appeal of family sitcoms in the reboot television show landscape.

Battlestar Galactica (1978) was reimagined in 2004, exploring the conflict between humans and Cylons in a four-season run. The reboot garnered critical acclaim for its complex characters and compelling storyline, proving that science fiction thrives in the world of reboot television shows.

Image Credit: Everett (2) Alt text: A dramatic scene from the rebooted Battlestar Galactica television show, showcasing the visual update and thematic depth common in successful reboot television shows.

Will & Grace (1998-2004) revived in 2017 for three more seasons, with the original cast reprising their roles. The revival tackled contemporary issues while maintaining the show’s comedic core, showcasing how reboot television shows can successfully revisit beloved characters and their evolving lives. The success of these and other reboots highlights the ongoing potential of revisiting beloved television shows for new generations.