TV Show Reboots You Need to Know About

Original Release: 1997

Original Network: Fox

New Release: Unannounced

New Network: Unconfirmed

Status: In development

With five seasons under its belt, it's no wonder Ally McBeal is in development to be rebooted! Originally airing from 1997-2002, this show was one of the few dramedies of its time that didn’t take itself too seriously. While no streaming service or network has been officially claimed to the limited series revival, many speculate that since Disney’s acquisition of Fox, it most likely will be streamable on Hulu (since it doesn’t fit the family-friendly branding of Disney+).

Original Release: 2005

Original Network: Nickelodeon

New Release: Late 2022-2023

New Network: Paramount+/Netflix

Status: Production

The reboot for Avatar will be different from most reboots on this list. Originally in 2018, Netflix announced they were creating a live-action remake. However, creative differences with showrunners stalled the project. In February 2021, Nickelodeon announced they created a special division that will focus solely on the Avatar universe. Aptly named, Avatar Studios will be producing animated series and films to be distributed to Paramount+, theaters, and various other platforms.

The first season of the live-action Netflix series is set to be 10 episodes, each one hour in length. The plot will follow the original animated series. The world is divided into four nations named after the elements, with a select few Benders in each who can use regional martial arts and telekinetic powers. The original creators of the Nickelodeon series are involved with the project.

As of January 2022, filming began in Vancouver and the four main cast has been announced:

• Gordon Cormier (Lost in Space) as Aang
• Kiawentiio Tarbell (Anne with an E) as Katara
• Ian Ousley (13 Reasons Why) as Sokka
• Dallas Liu (PEN15) as Zuko

Original Release: 1978

Original Network: ABC

New Release: Unannounced

New Network: Peacock

Status: In development

Battlestar Galactica is familiar with reboots. It was revived in a 2003 miniseries and then turned into a four-season show in 2004, both on Syfy (formerly known as Sci-Fi). Even since the show’s ending, the fandom surrounding Battlestar Galactica is still going strong. Executive producer Sam Esmail, a long-time fan of BSG, is taking an experimental approach to the release. Not only will the show not be a direct reboot, instead inspired by the original, but Esmail states he wants an open-ended release schedule. He claims, “We may dump three episodes in a row because it’s a three-episode long battle sequence...” This could inspire more shows having different styles of release schedules, but more importantly, more content available for Battlestar Galactica fans.

Original Release: 1997

Original Network: VH1

New Release: July 29, 2021

New Network: Paramount+

Status: Released

In a time when popular musicians are opening up in candid movie documentaries, there’s no debate that the demand for more is present. Behind the Music was the docuseries to watch if a fan wanted to view behind the scenes of famous artists like Pat Benatar, Snoop Dogg, Celine Dion and Britney Spears. Paramount+ will also be the home of previous aired episodes that have been remastered and updated for current audiences.

Original Release: 2005

Original Network: Adult Swim/Cartoon Network

New Network: HBO Max

Status: Cancelled

Adult animated sitcoms have become incredibly popular in recent years and adding a reboot of The Boondocks onto the roster is a smart move for HBO Max. The reboot will include the same main characters of Riley, Huey, and Granddad, and most changes will be updating the stereotypes, cultures, and viewpoints to be appropriate for the modern era. The original release was meant to be Fall 2020, but has been pushed to 2022. The launch will include a 50-minute special on HBO Max.

As of February 2022, the reboot was scrapped by Sony. The original voice actors, who were also involved with the revival, expressed hope that one day the reboot will see the light of a TV screen.

Original Release: 1997

Original Network: Syndication

New Release: Unannounced

New Network: Netflix

Status: In development

Reminiscent of the popular show Merlin, Conan is making a comeback with a Netflix live-action adaption. Announced in Fall 2020, there’s not a lot of news available. It has been speculated that through the deal between Netflix and Conan Properties International, future Conan projects can also include animated movies and shows. For now, the most we know is that Fredrik Malmberg and Mark Wheeler are set to be executive producers on the project.

Original Release: 1998

Original US Network: Adult Swim/Cartoon Network

New Release: November 19, 2021

New Network: Netflix

Status: Released and Cancelled

As the most popular Japanese anime, Cowboy Bebop is one of many being turned into a live-action series. While it’s had many setbacks (a global pandemic being one of them), the Cowboy Bebop reboot is the most anticipated series coming to Netflix. It appears that the plot won’t vary much from the original and the cast has both seasoned and fresh faces, including John Cho, Tamara Tunie, Daniella Pineda, and an unknown corgi dog actor!

Unfortunately, there will be no second season for Cowboy Bebop. Netflix stated that it wasn't in their financial interest to continue a show that wasn't very popular with its targeted audience.

Original Release: 2005

Original Network: CBS

New Release: Unannounced (speculated 2022)

New Network: Paramount+

Status: In development

Criminal Minds is one of my personal favorite shows, and I will admit to feeling uneasy about how they ended the series, as well as the decision to be bringing it back so soon. The series has had multiple spin-offs over the years, but none really stuck around. Still, ViacomCBS and Paramount+ already have a two-year plan in mind for the series. While the original Criminal Minds series focused generally on one case per episode, the reboot will have the team of FBI agents focus on a single case over a span of ten episodes. There’s no official announcement on casting, especially on whether original members will be returning.

Along with the reboot, Paramount+ will be offering The Real Criminal Minds, a show featuring a former FBI profiler going through Criminal Minds cases as if they really happened!

As of March 2022, Joe Mantegna, Kirsten Vangsness, Adam Rodriguez, A.J. Cook, Aisha Tyler, and Paget Brewster were in the negotiation stage of joining the cast.

Original Release: 2000

Original Network: CBS

New Release: October 6, 2021

New Network: CBS

Status: Released

That’s right, a crime show that had three spin-offs is making a comeback! CSI: Vegas will be the sequel and revival of the beloved forensics crime drama. It will pick up six years after the original CSI series ended, including the beloved characters Gil and Sara. CBS hopes for CSI: Vegas to be an ongoing series instead of a limited one. While quite a few cast members will be returning to the Las Vegas set series, there are a handful of new cast members including Mandeep Dhillon, Matt Lauria, Paula Newson, and Mel Rodriguez.

As of March 2022, a second season has been ordered for the series.

Original Release: 2006

Original Network: Showtime

New Release: November 7, 2021

New Network: Showtime

Status: Released

In the middle of a pandemic, Showtime surprised everyone by announcing a limited-series reboot of Dexter. The reboot will not include most of the original cast, instead we’ll be seeing actors Jamie Chung, Jack Alcott, Alano Miller, and more. The cast and crew have shared that this will be darker than the original, which says something considering the main character is a serial killer. Many are hoping for closure from the Dexter story, as the ten-episode series will focus on Dexter going back to his roots.

As of March 2022, there is no intent for a second season. However, showrunners have expressed interest in a spin-off centered on Dexter’s son Harrison!

Original Release: 1989

Original Network: ABC

New Release: September 8, 2021

New Network: Disney+

Status: Released

Disney is known for creating series and movies that are believably unbelievable. A teenage physician, for example, who deals with everyday teenage issues as well as performing surgeries. Though what made this series special from most like it is the real-life social problems it addressed. The reboot called Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., will be gender-swapped with Peyton Elizabeth Lee taking on the role of ‘Doogie’. Much like the original, the reboot will address the wider social issues from the perspective of a young woman growing up in a mixed-race modern household.

As of March 2022, a second season has been confirmed for Doogie Kamealoha, M.D!

Original Release: 2001

Original Network: Nickelodeon

New Release: March 31, 2022

New Network: Paramount+

Status: Released

Upon airing, The Fairly Oddparents quickly became a popular kids cartoon that surpassed even SpongeBob SquarePants! The show went on for over a decade and still has enough following for Paramount+ to take on a live-action reboot.

Filming began in June 2021, with original executive producer Butch Hartman on board. The setting will be the same, but the plot will be freshened up to include new characters and new backstories for old ones. The story will pick up years after the original ended and focus on Timmy Turner's cousin Viv. Cast includes Audrey Grace Marshall, Imogen Cohen, Laura Bell Bundy, Ryan-James Hatanaka, and Tyler Wladis.

Even though its trailer received criticism, the first season released March 31, 2022. Will there be a second season? Stay tuned to find out!

Original Release: 2013

Original Network: HGTV

New Release: January 29, 2021

New Network: Magnolia Network/discovery+

Status: Released

The love of Chip and Joanna Gaines certainly surpassed the series finale in 2018. While the show doesn’t stray far from the original, it is exclusively airing on discovery+. Much like the original Fixer Upper, you’ll see the antics and inspiring designs brought by both Chip and Joanna in Fixer Upper: Welcome Home now available on discovery+!

Original Release: 1960

Original Network: ABC

New Release: 2022

New Network: Fox

Status: In development

While the animated reboot was originally announced in 2019, Bedrock is finally in development to be released on Fox network. Elizabeth Banks is among those spearheading the project. Bedrock will follow the Flintstone family two decades after the original. With Fred on the brink of retirement, 20-something Pebbles must embark on her own career. It will also feature the transition from the Stone Age to the shiny new Bronze Age!

Original Release: 1993

Original Network: NBC

New Release: Unannounced

New Network: Paramount+

Status: In development

Talks of a Frasier reboot have been speculated since 2016, but it wasn’t until February 2021 that the project was greenlit. While Kelsey Grammer is the only original cast member confirmed, it can be assumed that more of the original will be included. Grammar has hinted many things about the Frasier revival, including a new setting for Frasier to find love, information on the youngest Crane brother’s life, and addressing Martin’s absence due to John Mahoney’s passing.

Fun Fact: In case you didn't know, Frasier is a spin-off of the sitcom Cheers.

Original Release: 1990

Original Network: NBC

New Release: February 13, 2022

New Network: Peacock

Status: Released

Bel-Air, a new imagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, is hesitantly called a reboot. Instead of featuring the original cast and plot, Bel-Air is based on the theme song more than the plot of the six-season show. Instead of a comedic sitcom, the reboot will take the tone of a dark modern drama that’s credited to the short fan film written and directed by Morgan Cooper. As an added bonus, Peacock has ordered two seasons of the show, which is rare for networks to do.

Original Release: 1995

Original Network: Fox Kids

New Release: Unannounced

New Network: Unannounced

Status: In development

While there’s not much news in the past year since the announcement, Goosebumps will be returning in a live-action series! Sony Pictures Television, Scholastic Entertainment, and Neal H. Moritz are working together to bring back the still-popular children's series.

As of March 2022, Rob Letterman (director of the 2015 Goosebumps movie) and Nick Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) is on board to write and executive produce.

The series follows a group of five high schoolers who unleash supernatural forces upon their town and must all work together – thanks to and in spite of their friendships, rivalries, and pasts with each other – in order to save it, learning much about their own parents’ teenage secrets in the process.

Original Release: 2007

Original Network: The CW

New Release: July 8, 2021

New Network: HBO Max

Status: Released

I’ll be honest in saying the upcoming release of the Gossip Girl reboot is what inspired this list! The reboot plot picks up eight years after the original website went offline and introduces a new generation of New York elite teens. There will be ten hour-long episodes of the new version and the series will focus on online privacy, social media, and how both affect teenagers in the modern era.

What will also change from the original is the problematic tropes often seen in the early 2000s teen dramas. While the cast is brand new, there is the possibility of original characters to guest appear, but they're at least mentioned within the story.

The one character from the original that will be included? Kristen Bell returns as the Gossip Girl narrator!

As of January 2022, HBO has ordered a second season for Gossip Girl!

Original Release: 1978

Original Production Company: Paramount Pictures

New Release: Unannounced

New Network: Paramount+

Status: In Production

I know it wasn't originally a show, but it was too iconic to leave out! One of the most popular movies out there, Grease, is being reimagined through a TV show reboot called Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. As you can expect by the name, the show will be set in the 1950s at Rydell High (music numbers included). The show will explore common teenage issues such as peer pressure and puberty. Originally it was set to release on HBO Max, however, it was dropped and picked up by Paramount+.

As of March 2022, the cast will include:

• Jackie Hoffman as Asst. Principal McGee
• Madison Thompson as Susan
• Marisa Davila as Jane
• Charlotte Kavanagh as Rosemary
• Josette Halpert as Dot
• Johnathan Nieves as Richie
• Jason Schmidt as Buddy
• Tricia Fukuhara as Nancy
• Maxwell Whittington-Cooper as Wally
• Shanel Bailey as Hazel
• Ari Notartomaso as Cynthia
• Cheyenne Isabel Wells as Olivia
• Alexis Sides as Potato
• Maximo Salas as Shy Guy
• Nicholas MacDonough as Gil

Original Release: 2005

Original Network: CBS

New Release: January 18, 2022

New Network: Hulu

Status: Released

How I Met Your Mother is another show getting a gender-swapped revival with How I Met Your Father! Staring Hillary Duff, the series will focus on Sophie recounting to her son how she met his father. Set in the beginning of 2021, it will follow the original in its focus on a group of friends figuring out their goals and lives. The difference this time, aside from gender, will include dating apps and modern ways of meeting partners.

As of June 2022, a second season has been ordered for How I Met Your Father!

Original Release: 2007

Original Network: Nickelodeon

New Release: June 17, 2021

New Network: Paramount+

Status: Released

iCarly is the show I’d consider the less musical version of another popular Nickelodeon show, Victorious. The fact that it’s returning is no surprise, since fans didn’t really get closure from the iCarly universe courtesy of an abrupt ending to its spin-off Sam & Cat. What’s most exciting about the reboot is that it’s not a retelling of the same story, but a continuation of it ten years after the original. Expect to see Carly, Harper (now played by Laci Mosley), and Freddie make their way through their 20s while addressing modern issues that it’s now older audience are dealing with.

Bonus Fact: Harper is part of the LGBTQ+ community, with dreams of becoming a fashion stylist after her wealthy family goes broke and Freddie has a step-daughter obsessed with social media.

The second season of iCarly Reunion aired on April 8, 2022! No news yet on season three, however.

Original Release: 1974

Original Network: NBC

New Release: Unannounced

New Network: Paramount+

Status: In development

There isn’t much known about the reboot for Little House on the Prairie, but there’s no denying those involved in the development are passionate about bringing back a franchise that was so successful. Currently, no casting or storyline has been confirmed, so we’ll have to wait and see!

Original Release: 1992

Original Production Company: Walt Disney Pictures

New Release: March 26, 2021

New Network: Disney+

Status: Released

Many millennials remember The Mighty Ducks fondly, even inspiring a 200 episode podcast called The Quack Attack. Much like Netflix’s Cobra Kai, The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers series turns things around making the Ducks the antagonists of the story. Evan Morrow, a former Mighty Duck, forms a team of underdogs along with the help of the original Ducks Coach.

As of March 2022, a second season has been ordered, but no release date announced.

Original Release: 2010

Original Network: Freeform

New Release: Summer 2022

New Network: HBO Max

Status: Post Production

The Pretty Little Liars franchise is not a stranger to reboots and spin-offs. Personally, I found that the spin-offs didn’t live up to the original, which is why many are hesitant about the upcoming Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. The reboot will serve as a new story within the PLL universe and will follow a new group of liars in the town of Millwood. It will be a reimagining of the original series, but still include the mysterious ‘A’.

Original Release: 2001

Original Network: Disney Channel

New Release: February 23, 2022

New Network: Disney+

Status: Released

The Proud Family was the first original Disney Channel animated series and paved the way for shows like Kim Possible and Phineas and Ferb. What makes this reboot most exciting for fans is that all the original voice actors have been cast for The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.

The series follows the story of Penny Proud, a 14-year-old girl and her family, as they navigate their lives in the 2020s. Trudy, Penny's mom, has new career highs, Oscar, Penny's dad, has wild dreams, and Penny faces a myriad of challenges while her Suga Mama returns, as does Michael, Dijonay, Zoey, and LaCienega. New kids Maya and KG, who are raised by two dads, try to adapt to life in Smithville.

Original Release: 1991

Original Network: Nickelodeon

New Release: May 27, 2021

New Network: Paramount+

Status: Released

To think, a show about talking babies was described by Steven Spielberg as “a TV Peanuts of our time." With praise like that, it's no surprise that a reboot was created. CGI made, the Rugrats reboot has the full original voice acting cast for the babies and a brand-new cast for the adults. The plot and premise is no different from the original, so fans, don't expect many changes.

Original Release: 1998

Original Network: HBO

New Release: December 2021

New Network: HBO Max

Status: Released

Sex and the City was a show that captured fans throughout multiple generations. The And Just Like That… titled reboot is welcomed by most fans of the original. While it won’t be a next season of the show, it is the next chapter for the characters. Kim Cattrall, who played the iconic Samantha Jones, will not be returning, and her character will be written out logically.

A second season has been ordered for And Just Like That...!

Original Release: 2008

Original Network: HBO

New Release: Unannounced

New Network: HBO

Status: In development

The rebooting of True Blood is the one on this list that’s surprising. Even its own fans and former cast members were shocked by HBO’s announcement that a reboot was in development. While it’s still in the early stages, so far none of the original True Blood cast members are involved in the reboot. Casey Bloys, an HBO official, says it’ll be some time before they are ready to release more information.

Original Release: 1988

Original Network: ABC

New Release: September 22, 2021

New Network: ABC

Status: Released

That’s right, The Wonder Years are back (with a twist)! The original was so beloved that even after its first season of only six episodes, it won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series. The reboot’s pilot will be written by Saladin Patterson, known for The Big Bang Theory, Psych, and Two and a Half Men. The Wonder Years will focus on a middle-class family living in Montgomery, Alabama during the 1960s. Taking Kevin Arnold’s place, we’ll watch Dean Williams whose described as being insecure and awkward, but determined to make a mark on the world. No news yet on a release date since filming began early Spring 2021.