Revamping Childhood Favorites: Unveiling the Perfect Grown-Up Reboots for Iconic Kids Shows

Reboots and revivals have become commonplace in the entertainment industry, with a notable trend of children's series being adapted for adult audiences. Shows like iCarly and Zoey 101 have paved the way, demonstrating the potential for success in this approach. iCarly originally aired on Nickelodeon and came to an end in 2012. However, in 2021, a revival series premiered on Paramount+ featuring some of the original characters as adults. Likewise, Zoey 101 concluded in 2008, but fans can look forward to a sequel film dropping on the Nickelodeon streaming service in 2023, a remarkable 15 years later.

In contrast to the original shows that were primarily tailored for children, the revivals now cater to a more mature and adult audience. The creators and producers of these new projects recognized the fact that their original viewers had grown up, and they understood the importance of capturing their attention through a more sophisticated and mature storyline. As a result, the revivals have garnered significant success, with iCarly already reaching three seasons and promising anticipation surrounding the premiere of Zoey 102 in July 2023. The future looks promising for this new wave of adult adaptations of beloved kids shows, and it is hoped that these revivals will inspire many more to follow suit.

10 Lizzie McGuire

Lizzie McGuire, starring Hilary Duff, aired on Disney Channel from 2001 to 2004 and even had a successful movie released in 2003. In 2018, there were talks of a revival series, which eventually got underway in 2019. The plan was for Duff and other original cast members to return for the new Disney+ show, with creator Terri Minsky as the showrunner. However, things took a turn for the worse when Minsky left the series after filming a few episodes. As a result, production was halted and the revival was ultimately canceled.

It appears that Disney was unhappy with the direction of the Lizzie McGuire revival, as they believed it wasn't suitable for their family-friendly streaming service. The show was aiming for a realistic portrayal of a woman in her 30s, which may have clashed with Disney's expectations. Nevertheless, considering the success of iCarly, a show that tackles mature themes, it's possible that Disney might reconsider their decision regarding Lizzie McGuire. After all, the original show's fans have grown up alongside Lizzie and deserve the promised revival series.

9 Victorious

While Ariana Grande may not be available for a possible Victorious sequel series, it's exciting to consider the possibility of her involvement. If the cast were to follow Zoey 101's example and opt for a reunion movie, it's possible that the mega pop star could make a cameo appearance. Regardless of the scenario, adapting the Nickelodeon show, which aired from 2010 to 2013, into a grown-up revival would be a fantastic idea.

Many of the show's stars, such as Victoria Justice and Liz Gillies, have expressed their willingness to revisit their characters in a future project. Additionally, since Victorious was abruptly canceled, there was no proper conclusion for the story. Hence, it would be wonderful if Paramount+ could bring the gang back together to provide closure. The fans are eager to discover what happened to Tori, Andre, Jade, Robbie, Cat, Beck, and Trina after their graduation from Hollywood Arts and their transition into adulthood.

8 The Suite Life of Zack & Cody

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody was a hugely popular show on Disney Channel. It ran for three seasons and even had a spin-off series called The Suite Life on Deck, which also lasted for three seasons. There was also a TV movie called The Suite Life Movie. With all this success, it wouldn't be a surprise if Disney tried to bring back the show with the original cast members like Dylan and Cole Sprouse, Ashley Tisdale, Brenda Song, and Phill Lewis, who are now 30 years old.

In theory, it would be quite simple for Disney to adapt the original series to an adult setting. After all, all the actors have grown up and a hotel doesn't necessarily have to be only for kids. One idea could be to have Zack and Cody living together as two single bachelors in the Tipton Hotel. Meanwhile, London is still her extravagant self, Maddie has taken over Mr. Moseby's old job, and Mr. Moseby himself has been demoted for losing his cool with the children of important guests. There are countless possibilities for a more mature revival of The Suite Life. Plus, Cole Sprouse, who plays Cody, would have more availability in his schedule with Riverdale ending in 2023.

7 Phil of the Future

Phil of the Future ended with the Diffy family's return to the 22nd century, marking the moment when Phil finally mustered the courage to confess his true feelings for his best friend, Keely. The series tied up all loose ends neatly during its finale, but that shouldn't close the door entirely on potential future developments for these characters. Phil and Keely truly deserve a genuine shot at a romantic relationship, so it's possible that a revival series could depict Phil's return to the 21st century, twenty years later, as he strives to reunite with Keely. However, their reunion becomes complicated due to the fact that she is already involved in a committed relationship.

6 Austin & Ally

In the series finale of Austin & Ally, fans were shocked to discover that the beloved couple had broken up and gone four years without speaking. However, thanks to the scheming of their friends Trish and Dez, a clever "Parent Trap" plan was enacted to bring them back together. The last episode took a leap ten years into the future, revealing Austin and Ally happily married with children. Despite providing closure, many viewers felt that the finale was rushed, attempting to cram 14 years of character development into a mere 30-minute episode. There was simply no room for the story to breathe. As such, the ideal solution would be a revival of Austin & Ally as a series or film, focusing on the time period before the two musicians tied the knot and embarked on their journey of parenthood.

5 Jonas

Now that the Jonas Brothers have reunited and are creating new music, it's high time for Nick, Joe, and Kevin to step back into their iconic Jonas characters in a mature revival. The beloved Disney Channel series showcased the brothers portraying fictionalized versions of themselves, captivating audiences worldwide for two thrilling seasons. Despite their jam-packed schedules, it would be a delightful treat for fans of the original show if the trio managed to carve out some precious moments from their hectic lives to film a sequel movie that not only mirrors their real-life journey but also portrays it through the lens of their iconic Jonas alter egos.

4 Wizards of Waverly Place

Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place proved to be a resounding success, securing its place as the longest-running live-action Disney Channel series with a remarkable 106 episodes. This beloved show not only spawned a feature film, Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie, but also treated fans to a special reunion episode titled The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex. Given the immense popularity of the show, it's only logical for Disney to seize the opportunity and create a revival series or movie to further capitalize on its triumph.

3 Even Stevens

Undoubtedly, securing Selena Gomez's involvement is crucial for any potential revival of the beloved series. Recognizing her demanding schedule, however, it may pose a challenge to find a suitable arrangement for her return. Without her presence, a reunion would certainly lack the necessary spark. Nevertheless, if Disney manages to secure Gomez's participation, fans of the original series would undoubtedly be enthralled to witness the adventures and developments experienced by a mature Alex in her 30s, alongside the rest of the Russo family, following their mesmerizing journey through the wizard competition.

A revival of the beloved television show Even Stevens might just be wishful thinking, but it's definitely a delightful idea. Who says the show needs Shia LaBeouf to be successful? A series solely focused on Christy Carlson Romano's character, Ren, would still be incredibly enjoyable to watch. Romano has always shown a strong connection to her roots, so it wouldn't be surprising if she jumped at the opportunity to be part of an Even Stevens reunion project. Disney could take a similar approach to what they did with That's So Raven and Raven's Home, but it would also be interesting if Ren received the iCarly and Zoey 101 treatment.

2 Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide

The original premise of

1 Big Time Rush

solely relies on a school setting, but that does not imply that the show and its characters cannot be adapted into a grown-up revival series. Perhaps it could be titled

1 Big Time Rush

or Ned's Declassified Work Survival Guide. Regardless, it would be a success. Furthermore, the fact that Devon Werkheiser, Lindsey Shaw, and Daniel Curtis Lee started a podcast in 2023 called Ned's Declassified Podcast Survival Guide provides fans with a glimmer of hope for a potential reunion.

Following in the footsteps of Jonas, Big Time Rush was a popular Nickelodeon series that centered around a real-life boy band bearing the same name. Spanning four successful seasons, the show even gave rise to a full-length feature film called Big Time Movie. After the series concluded, the group took a break from their musical endeavors, entering an indefinite hiatus. However, in an exciting turn of events, the men came together once again in 2021 after a seven-year-long absence, reuniting to the delight of their devoted fans.

Following the release of their highly anticipated comeback album, "Another Life," in 2023, the renowned pop group decided to embark on an exciting summer tour. Given their recent triumphs and achievements, it may be fitting for Kendall, James, Carlos, and Logan to consider a revival of their beloved characters from the iconic television show, "Big Time Rush." Just as their music has evolved and grown, the quartet could follow in the footsteps of "iCarly" and bring their matured personas to life in an enthralling new series.