Long-running sitcom turned Gen X cult classic Night Court returns to NBC in January 2023 -- not as a reboot but as a sequel to the original series. The follow-up series shares many aspects with its predecessor, even keeping Jack Elliott's opening credits music for its theme song. There are also plenty of noticeable differences in both character and style, making it the Werewolf by Night of NBC sitcoms.
The first noticeable difference between the original series and its sequel is the diversity. Even though Night Court played as more socially progressive than other sitcoms of its era, it was still of its era in that it was pretty racially monochromatic, rarely having more than one non-white series regular until the fourth season that introduced Marsha Warfield's iconic Roz. That leads directly into what feels like a glaring hole to fans of the original: the lack of an intimidating protagonist in the vein of bailiffs Roz, Selma or Bull. Bailiff Donna, played by Lacretta, is more like new judge Abby: a bit of an insecure people pleaser. That encapsulates the difference between NBC's new Night Court and its beloved predecessor.
Night Court Comes Home to NBC With a Different Tone
Melissa Rauch of The Big Bang Theory fame and husband Winston Rauch executive produce the new Night Court alongside The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's Dan Rubin. As such, it should come as no surprise that Melissa Rauch takes the lead in the ensemble as Abby Stone, daughter of the late Harry Stone (played by the late, great Harry Anderson in the original). Although she is optimistic and believes in people like her father, Abby is less self-assured and more eager to please, which could be a commentary on the difference between how men and women feel they must present themselves professionally.
In fact, self-assurance or lack thereof doesn't end with the characters -- nearly all of whom seem to lack personal confidence. The original series shot out of the gate with a self-possessed style, while its sequel begins more shaky and unsure of itself. Given how far TV has come since the mostly down-the-middle sitcoms of the '80s, it's interesting that the 1984 version was quick to go weird and quirky right away, while the 2023 version feels like an '80s sitcom that hasn't figured out what it wants to be. That indecision was fine for that time, when shows had the opportunity to grow over a few seasons and build at a measured pace, but in today's climate series have to hit it out of the park immediately. Modern TV execs have no time to let a new Seinfeld breathe and find itself.
NBC's New Night Court Is a Sequel, Not a Reboot
While the original started out strong, the new Night Court feels like the type of show that needs a second season to hit its stride -- if it gets there. The show gets tighter and the ensemble find their footing more as the first six episodes progress. It's also a coup to have nabbed John Larroquette to return as erudite snark king Dan Fielding. In fact, it feels as though the rest of the cast see what he's doing and realize they need to up their game to get to that level -- so much so that in early outings it seems as though Larroquette is in a totally different show.
The last time Night Court appeared in primetime was actually a faux reunion in 30 Rock Season 3, Episode 3, "The One with the Cast of Night Court." But since that was written by Kenneth, the new Night Court can ignore Harry's marriage to Christine Sullivan, which it does, as she is not Abby's mother or stepmother (Markie Post also having passed away). Although the sequel doesn't start out as polished as its antecedent, it shows potential. Hopefully it continues to improve and gets the chance to build an audience.
Night Court premieres Jan. 17 at 8:00 p.m. on NBC.