TLDR;
This video from MsMojo discusses TV comedy reboots, categorizing them into those that "shined" and those that were "nostalgia bait" and ultimately failed. The success or failure of these reboots often hinges on retaining original cast members, maintaining the original show's spirit, and adapting to modern audiences.
- Successful reboots often introduce new, relatable characters and storylines while honoring the original series.
- Failed reboots tend to rely too heavily on nostalgia without adding anything new or struggle with cast dynamics and changing social contexts.
Nostalgia Bait: Frasier [0:20]
The "Frasier" reboot on Paramount+ saw Kelsey Grammer reprising his role as Frasier Crane, now in Boston. However, key elements from the original series were missing, including David Hyde Pierce as Niles, Jane Leeves as Daphne, and John Mahoney, who played Frasier's father, had passed away. Recurring appearances by Peri Gilpin as Roz and Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith weren't enough to recapture the original's magic, leading to its cancellation after two seasons.
Shined: Will & Grace [1:31]
"Will & Grace" returned a decade after its initial run, with original writers David Kohan and Max Mutchnick and all four main cast members. The reboot smartly retconned the original ending and received positive reviews initially. However, rumors of backstage tension and the characters' antics not aging well contributed to its cancellation after three seasons.
Nostalgia Bait: Arrested Development [2:52]
Netflix's fourth season of "Arrested Development" was considered a disappointment due to scheduling conflicts that separated the cast into individual episodes. Although the fifth season was an improvement, it failed to regain the show's original popularity, compounded by Jeffrey Tambor's workplace misconduct allegations.
Shined: The Connors [4:12]
"The Connors" emerged after Roseanne Barr's firing due to controversial tweets. The show successfully continued without her, focusing on the realistic portrayal of the family's struggles. It resonated with audiences and ran for seven seasons.
Nostalgia Bait: Murphy Brown [5:40]
The "Murphy Brown" reboot, set in a post-Trump America, failed to recapture the original's appeal. The show's attempt to address contemporary political issues, such as a Twitter war with President Trump, felt uninspired, leading to its cancellation after 13 episodes.
Shined: Fuller House [7:03]
"Fuller House" on Netflix brought back Candace Cameron Bure and Jodie Sweetin, reprising their roles as adults raising children. The show maintained the original's sweet, sentimental, and corny tone, appealing to fans of "Full House." It successfully introduced new characters and incorporated life lessons, running for five seasons.
Nostalgia Bait: And Just Like That [8:30]
"And Just Like That," the "Sex and the City" revival, was criticized for missing the mark. The absence of Kim Cattrall, the off-chemistry among the cast, and the uninspired storylines made it a disappointment. Despite attempts to introduce new characters, the show failed to recapture the original's charm.
Shined: Raven's Home [9:46]
"Raven's Home," starring Raven-Symoné, successfully recaptured its audience and attracted new viewers. The show followed Raven Baxter as a mother, alongside her best friend Chelsea, navigating parenthood. It ran for six seasons on the Disney Channel, proving that adapting a kids' sitcom for a modern audience can be successful.
Nostalgia Bait: How I Met Your Father [11:21]
"How I Met Your Father," a gender-swapped version of "How I Met Your Mother," failed to live up to its predecessor. Despite starring Hilary Duff, the show lacked the personal element and charm of the original, making it an unsuccessful cash grab.
Shined: Saved by the Bell [12:49]
The "Saved by the Bell" revival on Peacock poked fun at its source material while introducing a new generation of students at Bayside High. The show addressed modern realities by integrating students from a low-income school, earning praise for its tongue-in-cheek approach. Despite lasting only two seasons, it was considered a successful reboot.