TV show reboots are often looked at warily, in the same vein as film or video game remakes. They are seen by some, especially fans of the original, as creatively questionable, and in the eyes of some, as unlikely to live up to the standards set by the original, particularly if the original is especially well-regarded.
Nonetheless, there are some TV show reboots that have done more than simply meet the level of quality had by the show they are rebooting, but have exceeded it, becoming well-regarded juggernauts in their own right. In addition, there are some old shows just begging to have a reboot do the same to them, to fix the flaws that exist in the original.
10 Better Reboot: iCarly Matured Without Changing
When the reboot of iCarly was first announced, it was met with trepidation by fans, who worried that making the show entertaining to adults would reduce what had made the show popular to younger audiences in the first place.
The show, however, has matured without losing sight of itself. In the eyes of many fans, it has aged perfectly in lockstep with them, resonating with modern problems facing the original audience, and managing to tell mature stories while maintaining the core feeling and themes of the initial series.
9 Should Be Rebooted: Blackadder Can Visit More Time Periods
Blackadder is a BBC series telling the story of the unlucky members of the Blackadder family, all called Edmund, throughout several periods in history, from the Middle Ages through to the First World War. It is noted for its humor as well for its clever references to history, and unparalleled character work.
The final season's ending is regarded as one of the best TV show endings of all time, but the follow-up project, a short film called Blackadder: Back and Forth was well-received, suggesting fans are open to more content. With so many more periods of history to explore for the unlucky clans, there is untold potential for more series - and the cast have indicated they are not opposed to the idea.
8 Better Reboot: She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power Modernized Itself
The original She-Ra: Princess of Power is a spin-off of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, focusing on He-Man's twin sister She-Ra, who was initially raised by the villainous Hordak and being mind-controlled into being one of his generals before being saved by her brother. The show follows her attempts to lead the Great Rebellion against Hordak.
She-Ra: Princess of Power lasted two seasons, and failed to have the pop culture impact of He-Man, despite its popularity. However, the reboot, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power brought the series into the modern era, focusing the story around the relationship between She-Ra and her once-friend and now-enemy-turned-love-interest Catra and establishing itself as its own, beloved, entity.
7 Should Be Rebooted: Deadwood Has More To Tell
Deadwood, first airing in the early 2000s, tells the story of the inhabitants of the titular town in South Dakota in the 1870s, and their struggles with the modernization of America. Known for its deep themes, liberal profanity, and compelling characters, it would go on to be considered one of the best TV shows of all time despite its short run of 36 episodes and one film.
There is still potential in Deadwood and its setting for a TV reboot. There are more Western legends and figures to explore, issues within the Old West that still exist today to examine, and more struggles for Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen to endure, beyond simply the HBO television film shown in 2019.
6 Better Reboot: Battlestar Galactica Attained Cultural Resonance
The original Battlestar Galactica, aired in 1978, was popular at the time, earning high audience shares and achieving some cultural impact. However, some viewed it as nothing more than an attempt to capitalize on the success of Star Wars, and that it failed to achieve anything significant.
The reboot, initially with a miniseries in 2003, and then a full series in 2004, has received critical acclaim both during its run and since, with some considering it to have achieved particular cultural resonance in post-9/11 America and with hard-hitting messages and themes that elevate it as a work of art.
5 Should Be Rebooted: The Shield Can Better-Explore Its Themes
The Shield is an early-2000s police show that details corrupt cops breaking the law in order to, in their eyes, truly strike a blow against criminals. It still receives adoration for its morally ambiguous nature, tense drama, and well-explored characters.
However, many fans misinterpret the show, believing the main character Vic Mackey to be a heroic figure who is doing what needs to be done. With current debates around policing and current condemnation of 'cowboy cops' and the like who ignore protocol, a reboot of The Shield could emphasize that what Mackey is doing is wrong, and explore better the harm caused by renegade police.
4 Better Reboot: The Twilight Zone Brings Itself Into The Modern Day
The Twilight Zone has always maintained pop cultural relevance, with most people knowing of its strangeness, and the iconic monologues that open and close each episode, even if they do not watch it themselves. The original - and its first reboots - are held back by their datedness, however.
2019's reboot, with Jordan Peele replacing Rod Serling as the narrator, managed to retain the same feeling as the classic series, while also introducing its own twists and turns. It also doesn't shy away from exploring current topics, including fake news, racism, and immigration.
3 Should Be Rebooted: X-Men's Message Of Tolerance Is Needed
The 1990s X-Men cartoon made the titular team, for a time, one of the most popular superhero teams in existence, and the cartoon itself is comparable in the eyes of some to other superhero staples such as Batman: The Animated Series.
With the X-Men film franchise disappointing many with seeming meager efforts and ignoring the core themes of the team, a reimagining of the cartoon could remind fans of the storytelling potential the team has, while also showcasing its themes of tolerance in socially conflicted times.
2 Better Reboot: Doctor Who Remains A Pop Culture Juggernaut
Doctor Who earned huge popularity in its initial run on the BBC prior to 1989, with the time-traveling alien and his primary adversaries the Daleks becoming instant pop-culture touchstones.
The modern reboot of the show, first airing in 2005, has gone to reach and exceed the pop-culture reach of the original, setting its cast up to be major stars. It also drops the least comfortable aspects of the original, such as the frequent racism and misogyny that plagued TV in those days.
1 Should Be Rebooted: Xena: Warrior Princess Can Revive An Icon
Initially a spin-off from Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess would quickly eclipse its parent series in popularity and impact, earning acclaim for its strong central female character, compelling storylines, and solid human relationships at its core.
With the role of feminism in storytelling being explored more today, and moving beyond the concept of the 'strong female character', bringing back Xena allows for a chance to explore further ground with its iconic protagonist, while reaching into the depths of Greek mythology for new storylines for the character. To the disappointment of many, a reboot was planned during the 2010s but ultimately failed to come to fruition.