The Unbelievable Comeback: 12 Major TV Shows Returning to the Small Screen

Summary

TV reboots can be a risky endeavor, as expectations are high and it's easy to compare them to the beloved original show.

Streaming platforms have facilitated the process for fans to revisit beloved vintage shows, resulting in an increasing demand for revivals and actors reviving their iconic roles. The forthcoming reboots of hit series such as Bewitched, The Office, and Fawlty Towers will delve into novel storylines and inventive concepts, while incorporating select members of the original cast.

TV reboots often tap into nostalgia, resulting in the surprising return of some major shows. Reviving a successful and beloved show is always a risky venture, as expectations are high and the reboot can easily disappoint. However, a TV reboot has the advantage of leveraging its established fan base. This advantage, however, comes with a downside, as it is easier to criticize something based on comparisons to its predecessor than it is to oppose an entirely new show.

The rise of streaming platforms has made it easier for fans to revisit classic shows, leading to increased demands for revivals and actors reprising their iconic roles. Shows like Frasier, Ally McBeal, and The Flintstones were so successful that revivals might struggle to live up to the original. Nonetheless, TV revivals have become the norm, and it will be intriguing to see how these shows generate fresh ideas that will captivate fans.

12 Bewitched

Bewitched, a beloved classic fantasy sitcom that aired on ABC from 1964 to 1972, is currently being revived by Sony Pictures Television. This animated reboot will center around the character of Tabitha Stevens, Samantha and Darrin's daughter, as she navigates the challenges of being a high school teenager by day and a witch in training by night. Described as a combination of Hannah Montana and Harry Potter, the revived Bewitched promises to enchant audiences once again.

11 The Office

The Office, a popular and highly successful sitcom set in an office environment, is set to make a comeback on Peacock. Given the immense popularity and loyal fan base of the original show, it comes as no surprise that a reboot has been considered. However, since the original series thoroughly explored the lives of the employees at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, it will be intriguing to see the new direction the sitcom will take. Greg Daniels, who served as the showrunner for the original, will also be returning to oversee The Office reboot.

The Office revival's plot remains uncertain, but according to Daniels, the focus may be on "lost episodes" from the original run of the show. Alternatively, the storyline could take place in the 2020s, allowing for the introduction of new cast members while also explaining the presence of some familiar faces. Details about the cast for the reboot are scarce, but fans can look forward to the inclusion of fresh talent. Moreover, there is interest from certain original cast members to return and reprise their roles in The Office revival.

10 Fawlty Towers

There are exciting plans for a reboot of the much-loved British sitcom Fawlty Towers, featuring the comical talents of John Cleese as Basil Towers and his wife Sybil. In the original series, the Towers faced the hilarious challenges of running their beloved hotel amidst the chaos that often comes with managing a business. As the revival takes shape, details about the plot have been scarce. Given the significant time that has passed since the show's initial airing, it is understandable that crafting a fresh and engaging storyline is no small feat. Nevertheless, both Cleese and his daughter, Camilla Cleese, have confirmed their involvement as actors and writers for the show's reboot.

The Faulty Towers revival will delve into how Basil Fawlty, played by John Cleese, navigates the modern world with his exaggerated, cynical, and misanthropic personality, as stated by the official quote (via Deadline). The revival will see the return of original cast members Cleese and Rob Reiner reprising their roles. Although Andrew Sachs, who portrayed Manuel, will not be able to return due to his passing, it does not necessarily imply that the character will be eliminated from the revival.

9 Ally McBeal

When Ally McBeal first premiered in 1997, it quickly became evident that it would revolutionize the television landscape. During its debut, it stood out as the sole show that incorporated a multifaceted narrative, combining humor and legal proceedings. Speculation about the revival of this beloved comedy has circulated for several years. Though specific details surrounding the reboot have been kept tightly under wraps, there are indications that a recently graduated lawyer will join the firm as a fresh addition. Set to air on 20th TV, there is a possibility that Calista Flockhart will reprise her iconic role as Ally McBeal.

David E. Kelley, the creator and producer of the original show, may not be returning as a writer for the reboot. In a 2018 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kelley expressed his belief that "a woman should do it" if the reboot were to happen. Hopefully, the reboot will honor the cultural phenomenon that it is.

8 Matlock

Matlock, a highly successful TV show from the late 1980s, is making a comeback with its revamped version called Matlock 2.0. This time, the series will revolve around Madeleine Matlock, a retired yet brilliant legal expert, as she joins a law firm filled with millennials. While the original show focused on solving murder cases, the reboot will take on the challenge of unraveling corporate crimes instead. The Academy Award-winning actress, Kathy Bates, takes on the lead role in Matlock 2.0. Although the trailer, released in May of this year, only gives a glimpse of what's to come, it's evident that watching the immensely talented Kathy Bates will always be an absolute pleasure.

7 King of The Hill

6 The Flintstones

King of the Hill, Fox's beloved animated series from the late 1990s, captivated audiences with its depiction of the Hill family and their propane salesman patriarch, Hank Hill, residing in Arden, Texas. For the upcoming reboot, Greg Daniels and Mike Judge will once again team up as writers and creators. While the new plot is being kept under wraps, it has been revealed that there will be a 15-year time gap from the original series, allowing viewers to witness the growth of the Hill children. The reboot will also feature the return of many original cast members, including Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, and Johnny Hardwick.

The Flintstones, a widely popular animated series, created an unparalleled pop culture phenomenon. With numerous reruns and multiple spinoff shows such as The Flinstones Kids, The Flintstones Comedy Hour, and Fred and Barney Meet the Shmoo, this beloved animated series depicting the hilarious adventures of the Flinstone family in the Stone Age is making a comeback. The revival is set to air on Fox.

The upcoming reboot of the beloved animated show will serve as a sequel, continuing the story of the Flinstone family and their neighbors. Set two decades after the original series concluded, the reboot will feature an impressive cast, including Stephen Root, Amy Sedaris, Nicole Byers, and Elizabeth Banks, who will portray the adult version of Pebbles. Banks has been actively involved in the project since its announcement in 2021. While the reboot will maintain all the familiar characters from its predecessor, it will primarily focus on the adult Pebbles.

5 Everybody Hates Chris

No doubt, the impact of Everybody Hates Chris on comedy cannot be forgotten. The show, which aired in 2005, followed the life of a young Chris Rock during the 1980s, as he experienced the ups and downs of adolescence. Now, this beloved sitcom is making a comeback in animated form with a reboot titled Everybody Still Hates Chris. Chris Rock will return to his role as the narrator in this new adaptation. The specific details regarding the creative direction of the reboot are still being discussed and will be announced at a later date. Fans can look forward to catching Everybody Still Hates Chris on Comedy Central and Paramount+.

4 Married... With Children

3 Who's The Boss?

They're Still Married... with Children is a new iteration of the beloved TV series, Married... With Children, this time in an animated format. Known for its provocative nature, the original sitcom revolved around the dysfunctional Bundy family. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to revive the show, They're Still Married... with Children aims to potentially follow the same storyline as the 1987 series. Excitingly, the original cast of Married... with Children will be returning to reprise their iconic roles in this animated reboot.

The popular sitcom Who's The Boss is set to make a comeback with a revival. Taking place 30 years after the original series, the Who's The Boss revival will catch up with Tony Micelli and Samantha as they navigate their lives in a new chapter. Tony, now retired, will have his own challenges to face, while Samantha, a single mother, will grapple with the realities of parenting. This hilarious revival will delve into the timeless themes of generational divides and different parenting styles. Bringing back the original magic, the sequel will be penned by Mike Royce and Brigitte Munoz-Liebowitz, and will feature the beloved cast, including Tony Danza and Alyssa Milano.

2 Futurama

1 Frasier

Futurama, the beloved 1999 show created by Matt Groening, gathered a dedicated following for its imaginative portrayal of Planet Express, an interstellar delivery company. Despite its cult status, Futurama faced challenges in terms of ratings unlike its counterpart, The Simpsons. The series experienced multiple cancellations followed by subsequent revivals. The latest reboot will reunite the original cast members, including Katey Sagal, Billy West, and John Dimaggio. As for the storyline, it remains uncertain if the new rendition will deviate from the show's initial premise. The anticipated Futurama revival is scheduled for streaming on Hulu.

Frasier, Cheer's award-winning spinoff, has cemented its place as a cult classic in TV history. Few sitcoms have achieved the level of success that Frasier has attained. Renowned for its comedic brilliance and the egotistical Frasier Crane as its protagonist, the show continues with its 2023 revival. This time, Frasier finds himself back in Boston, assuming the role of a professor at Harvard. While it remains to be seen whether the reboot will match the enormous triumph of its predecessor, Kelsey Grammer reprises his iconic character. Joining him are Nicholas Lyndhurst, Jess Salguiro, Anders Keith, and Toks Olagundoye, although some beloved original characters are notably absent.