Have you ever heard the saying, “Don’t kick a dead horse”? Well, not every filmmaker in Hollywood fully accepts this idea. If you’ve been paying attention to the entertainment industry recently, you probably have noticed many classic shows have been given TV reboots. This list could be miles long, but here are some of the few remakes or reboots done within the past five years: The X-Files, Charlie’s Angels, Cobra Kai, and Fuller House.
However, the goal of this piece is to highlight some of the TV reboots that did get things right. So, let’s look at some of the newest versions of classic TVs that resonated with the audience just as much as the original.
The Dead Horse
But first, let’s get the ugly stuff out of the way. The X-Files (1993) was a popular show that was loved in the 90s. So when there was talk about a reboot, many original fans were happy to support seeing Mulder and Scully again. However, the 2016 reboot did not deliver on the audience’s expectations. Many viewers reported that the updated version of The X-Files lacked mystery and depth like its original counterpart. Audiences also mentioned that the attempt to modernize the plot was not good quality.
Another show that missed the mark was Charlie’s Angels (2011). The updated version of the hit 70’s show was reportedly everything the original show was not. Many viewers said the show lacked well-developed characters and extremely weak action sequences. To make matters worse, the show only ran for four episodes before it was pulled due to abysmal low ratings.
It Has Balance
Okay, let’s give credit where it’s due. A TV reboot that was a hit with audiences was Cobra Kai (2018), or the updated production of The Karate Kid (1984). Cobra Kai (2018) was considered by Netflix an instant hit due to its 95% critic score and 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. While the show is currently in its 6th season on Netflix (2024), many say it has done well because of its ability to blend the original film’s story with not an overwhelming amount of a modern twist. Overall? Many have said it works well due to the balance of old elements while progressing the story forward.
Another mention of TV reboots that hit the mark is Fuller House (2016). The spinoff of the 80s hit Full House (1987) has received mostly positive reviews and attention from fans who watched the original and new shows. The show finished with five seasons and captured the original show’s essence while updating it to fit into modern times. Fuller House (2016) brought back most of the original characters while making it relatable to a new generation of viewers. Many say the show kept the charm of the sitcom that everyone fell in love with.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the success of a TV reboot comes down to one thing: balance. The best reboots walk the fine line between honoring the original story and offering something fresh and engaging. When a reboot leans too heavily on nostalgia without adding depth or progress to the narrative, it falls flat—like a dead horse that’s been kicked one too many times.
On the other hand, when a show respects its roots while evolving the storyline, it often finds success. Ultimately, it’s the combination of staying true to the essence while bringing something new to the table that makes or breaks a reboot. Hollywood may keep bringing back old favorites, but the real challenge is making them relevant to old and new fans alike.
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