In the ever-evolving landscape of television, networks often attempt to breathe new life into classic shows, aiming to capture the magic of their predecessors. However, not all revivals hit the mark, and some fade into obscurity almost as quickly as they emerge. In this blog, we delve into the realm of television remakes that might have slipped under the radar, exploring 14 failed TV revivals that many viewers may not even be aware existed. From beloved classics to cult favorites, these attempts at recapturing the essence of iconic shows encountered various pitfalls, leaving behind a trail of forgotten endeavors in the ever-growing archives of television history.
The List of 14 Failed Forgotten TV Remakes
1. “The Twilight Zone”
(2019-20)
Every attempt to revive the classic sci-fi series that Rod Serling originally helmed from 1959 to 1964 has fallen short of capturing its groundbreaking essence. The inaugural revival in 1984 failed to meet expectations, a sentiment echoed in Jordan Peele’s 2019 reboot. Despite being credited as a creator and serving as the host, Peele didn’t write or direct any episodes, drawing criticism for their perceived heavy-handedness, melodrama, and, in the critics’ words, much harsher descriptors. The reboot managed to endure for two seasons before concluding.
2. “Charmed”
(2018 -)
Despite its title, this 2018 CW revival faced challenges right from the beginning. Opting for a fresh set of witches instead of the original 1998 trio — Alyssa Milano, Shannen Doherty, and Holly Marie Combs, later joined by Rose McGowan — didn’t sit well with fans or the original cast. Alyssa Milano, expressing her discontent to US Weekly, found the reboot “disrespectful” for excluding the original cast members.
3. “Magnum P.I.”
(2018 – )
The CBS reboot of 2018 struggled to fulfill its potential in recreating the 1980s classic series for several reasons, chief among them being the absence of Tom Selleck (and his mustache). Despite its scenic Hawaiian backdrop, critics swiftly grew weary of the new Magnum (Jay Hernandez) and his voiceover, deeming the reboot, at best, average and devoid of the original’s panache.
4. “Mad About You”
(2018)
In 2018, Spectrum successfully enticed Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser back for an additional season of their Emmy-winning ’90s sitcom depicting the lives of an urban married couple. However, the revival failed to recapture the original spark that once defined the show.
5. “Dynasty”
(2017 – )
In 2017, The CW undertook the revival of the iconic ’80s primetime soap, but even with the excitement surrounding Nathalie Kelley’s portrayal of Cristal, the series faced both critical disapproval and modest ratings. Surprisingly, the ratings, while underwhelming, proved lucrative enough to secure the show a fourth season, scheduled to premiere in 2021.
6. “24: Legacy”
(2017)
Corey Hawkins took the lead in this “24” reboot sans Kiefer Sutherland, preserving the show’s real-time format along with certain flaws from the original 2000s series. However, the real-time cancellation mirrored the show’s fate. “24: Legacy” experienced a notable debut after the 2017 Super Bowl but experienced a swift decline, leading to its conclusion after just one season. At the point of cancellation, Fox was deliberating the potential continuation of the broader “24” franchise.
7. “MacGyver”
(2016-21)
Similar to the resourceful hero it’s named after, the 2016 revival of “MacGyver,” starring Lucas Till in the role originated by Richard Dean Anderson in 1985, pieced together various elements to create another procedural series. Despite consistent mockery from “The Simpsons” and “SNL’s” “MacGruber” sketches, the show remarkably endured and lasted for five seasons.
8. “The Muppets”
(2015-16)
The 2015-16 TV season brought ABC’s revival of the 1970s classic, “The Muppet Show,” which generated significant anticipation. However, the exploration of the adult lives of Kermit and the gang ultimately fell short of connecting with fans.
9. “The Odd Couple”
(2015-17)
Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon couldn’t quite replicate the chemistry of iconic duos like Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon or Tony Randall and Jack Klugman. The revival of the 1970s series, starting in 2015 and spanning three seasons, featured a canned, laugh track sitcom that felt notably outdated, resulting in disappointing ratings. In an unusual turn of events, Perry even preemptively announced the show’s cancellation a month ahead of schedule after spotting his painted-over face on the stage door.
10.“Mockingbird Lane”
(2012)
Bryan Fuller endeavored to leave his mark on a revival of the 1960s series “The Munsters,” creating a bit of a cult classic appreciated by his devoted fanbase. Unfortunately, NBC chose not to proceed with the series. Nevertheless, the pilot, which aired in 2012, remains a unique piece, a privilege not afforded to most pilots that fail to secure a series order.
11. “Charlie’s Angels”
(2011)
While “Charlie’s Angels” flawlessly embodied the whimsical spirit of the ’70s, its relevance sharply diminished in 2011. Both critics and viewers concurred, leading to its cancellation after a mere three episodes, and it turned out to be just as underwhelming as the 2019 film adaptation.
12. “Melrose Place”
(2009-10)
Receiving a CW revamp in 2009, the beloved nighttime soap from the 1990s underwent a modern transformation. However, the established brand failed to maintain viewer interest, particularly on a network excelling in affluent youth drama through series like “Gossip Girl” and even “90210.”
13. “Knight Rider”
(2008-09)
Similar to many television shows from the ’80s, the original “Knight Rider” tends to be excessively praised. However, NBC’s 2008 rendition not only lacked the endearing simplicity of the original but also the presence of David Hasselhoff.
14. “Kojak”
(2005)
Yet another police procedural set for a reboot, the 1970s series featured Telly Savalas as the chrome-domed detective. In 2005, Ving Rhames assumed the lead role, but the revival was short-lived, spanning only nine episodes.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration into the forgotten corners of television history, it becomes evident that not all attempts to revive past TV glory result in success. The 14 failed TV remakes we’ve unearthed showcase the challenges of capturing lightning in a bottle a second time. Whether it’s the absence of key cast members, a shift in tone, or a failure to resonate with modern audiences, these remakes faded into relative obscurity. Yet, in the realm of television, the quest to resurrect iconic shows persists, reminding us that the delicate balance between nostalgia and innovation remains a complex challenge. As we bid farewell to these forgotten remakes, they serve as cautionary tales and footnotes in the broader narrative of television’s enduring quest for revival and reinvention.
