It sometimes seems as though Hollywood is constantly running out of original ideas and looks to the past for some creative inspiration, turning to beloved and popular TV shows and hoping to replicate their magic through the power of revivals and sequels. Not all reboots can be as acclaimed as hits such as Doctor Who, Battlestar: Galactica, and Queer Eye, and fans frequently aren’t interested in watching what they perceive to be a crash-grab by money-hungry studios and higher-ups.
From trailblazing soap operas like Melrose Place and Beverly Hills, 90210 to animated knockouts such as Animaniacs and The Magic School Bus, the small screen has tried to capitalize on the legacy and fanbase of these established staples and have frequently failed in their noble (and sometimes shameless) attempts. Here are 10 of the worst reboots of ’90s TV shows.
10
‘Melrose Place’ (2009)
After bringing back 90210 in 2008, The CW hoped to replicate the nostalgia TV magic and reboot fellow ’90s soap opera Melrose Place, which once again takes place at the fictitious California apartment complex in West Hollywood where its young and ambitious residents set out to make their big dreams come true. Featuring a cast of talented up-and-comers like Katie Cassidy, Colin Egglesfield, and Stephanie Jacobsen, the series also brought back familiar faces of the original hit like Heather Locklear and Laura Leighton.
Reboot Lacks the Camp of the Original
Despite the presence of Melrose Place legends and the creative power of former Smallville showrunners Darren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin, audiences failed to give the reboot a chance and it was canceled after just one season due to low ratings and failing to attract its target demographic. Viewers felt that the reboot tried to take itself far too seriously in comparison to the original ’90s sensation and lost some of the campiness that made it so enjoyable, with fans giving Melrose Place just a 30% Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes.
9
‘Charmed’ (2018)
Charmed
- Release Date
-
October 14, 2018
- Cast
-
Melonie Diaz
, Sarah Jeffery
, Rupert Evans
, Madeleine Mantock
, Jordan Donica
, Poppy Drayton
, Nick Hargrove
, Ser’darius Blain
, Ellen Tamaki
, Lucy Barrett
, Natalie Hall
, Craig Parker
, Aleyse Shannon
, Rya Kihlstedt
, Virginia Williams
, Leah Pipes
, Valerie Cruz
, Constantine Rousouli
, Shiva Kalaiselvan
, Peyton List
, Eva La Dare
, Khamisa Wilsher
, Jason Diaz
, Leah Lewis
, Carlena Britch
, Zebastin Borjeau
, Brendon Zub
, Jerome Yoo
, Guilherme Babilonia
, Jessica Steen
, Chiara Guzzo
, Kapil Talwalkar
, Charlie Gillespie
, Meagan Tandy - Seasons
-
4
For eight spellbinding years, audiences watched as the fierce, butt-kicking Halliwell sisters faced the forces of evil and kept the world safe week after week, with the “Power of Three” endearing themselves within the hearts of devoted viewers. Naturally, when it was announced that a reboot of the series was in the works that would follow sisters Mel, Maggie, and Macy in the fictional Hilltowne, Michigan as they discovered they were witches, both fans and the original show’s stars voiced their collective frustrations.
Fans Push Back Against the Remake
The remake sought to promote more diversity and inclusivity than the ’90s staple by casting three women of color and featuring LGBT representation, yet the progressiveness was not enough to entice audiences, who complained it focused too heavily on the political climate and not on the fun and magic. Fans also took issue with the lack of involvement from the original Charmed‘s cast and creative crew, and they even campaigned ahead of its series premiere to have the network pull the plug on the drama; the reboot lasted four seasons before being given the ax.
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8
‘The Magic School Bus Rides Again’ (2017)
The delightfully eccentric and kooky Ms. Frizzle helped mold young minds and took audiences on wondrous adventures to enchanting places and various time periods in the cherished educational science series The Magic School Bus, with the great Lily Tomlin memorably voicing the devoted teacher. Saturday Night Live alum Kate McKinnon headlined the Netflix continuation program The Magic School Bus Rides Again, with the comedian appearing as Ms. Frizzle’s younger sister Miss Fiona Frizzle, and being given the keys to the enchanted bus.
Skepticism Plagues the Netflix Sequel
Shortly after the announcement of the reboot series and its official trailer, skeptical fans were quick to voice their reservations about the new reimagining, with many complaining over its vastly different artistic style and Tomlin not returning as the official star. Bustle later attributed the pushback to fans being “protective of its legacy” and despite the initial resistance, the animated series ran for two seasons and attracted praise from critics, even if fans weren’t quite as captivated by the modern-day sequel.
7
‘Walker’ (2021)
- Release Date
-
January 21, 2021
- Cast
-
Mitch Pileggi
, Molly Hagan
, Chris Labadie
, Jared Padalecki
, Lindsey Morgan
, Violet Brinson
, Rebekah Graf
, Keegan Allen
, Odette Annable
, Jeff Pierre
, Gabriela Flores
, Genevieve Padalecki
, Coby Bell
, Alex Landi
, Kale Culley - Seasons
-
4
Let’s face it: the main reason that the Western crime drama Walker, Texas Ranger became the TV juggernaut it did was because of the iconic Chuck Norris and his dazzling martial arts skills, with the series famously featuring wonderfully over-the-top action sequences. Expecting anyone to step into Norris’ legendary cowboy boots was a tall order, even if small screen staple Jared Padalecki was the man chosen for the job, taking on the stoic role of revered Texas Ranger Cordell Walker in the aptly named Walker.
Padalecki’s Valiant TV Attempt
Padalecki knows a thing or two about taking on some seriously nasty bad guys, fighting alongside Jensen Ackles, and ridding the world of terrifying demons in the enduring hit Supernatural for 15 seasons. However, no amount of monster-slaying could have prepared the actor for tackling the role of Cordell Walker, and though he brought a strong and commanding presence to the show, Padalecki was no Chuck Norris. Walker did run for 4 seasons and served up decent ratings before ultimately being canceled in May 2024.
6
‘Fuller House’ (2016)
- Release Date
-
February 26, 2016
- Cast
-
Jodie Sweetin
, Juan Pablo Di Pace
, Elias Harger
, Adam Hagenbuch
, Candace Cameron Bure
, Fox Messitt
, Michael Campion
, John Brotherton
, Dashiell Messitt
, Andrea Barber
, Scott Weinger
, Soni Bringas - Seasons
-
5
There’s no denying that Full House was memorable for its wholesome family content and oftentimes cheesy lessons the Tanner sisters learned each episode, and it’s a no-brainer why the sitcom was declared “The Brady Bunch of the 1990s” by its producer Dennis Rinsler. The series was notable for making its decorated cast like John Stamos, Bob Saget, and the Olsen twins bona fide superstars and became a massive ratings success for ABC throughout its 8 endearing seasons.
Full House 2.0 Panders to Fans
In 2016, two-thirds of the Tanner girls reunited for the sequel Fuller House, with Candace Cameron Bure and Jodie Sweetin reuniting after 21 years alongside Andrea Barber to headline the show, which once again takes place in San Francisco and focuses on the recently widowed D.J. Tanner-Fuller as she raises three sons with the help of her sister Stephanie and best friend Kimmy.
The series was negatively received by critics due to its predictable plot and formulaic episodes, with many feeling it shamelessly pandered to fans of the original sitcom and contained cringe-worthy humor and references.
5
‘Animaniacs’ (2020)
Animaniacs
- Release Date
-
November 20, 2020
- Cast
-
Jess Harnell
, Rob Paulsen
, Tress MacNeille
, Maurice LaMarche
, Keith Ferguson
, Abby Trott
, Andrew Kishino
, Lauren Lapkus
, Melissa Rauch
, Jeff Bennett
, Andy Milder
, Phil LaMarr
, Armando Valdes-Kennedy
, Romi Dames
, Brendan Hunt
, Piotr Michael
, Diedrich Bader
, Dee Bradley Baker
, Bob Bergen
, Jeff Bergman
, Evan Ferrante
, Carl Faruolo
, Kevin Michael Richardson
, Peter Stormare
, Kimberly Brooks
The 1993 original animated series Animaniacs was lauded for its chaotic energy, satirical social commentary, and zany characters, with the variety show chronicling the hijinks of the Warner Bros. siblings Yakko, Wakko, and Dot, who after being locked away in the WB tower in the 1930s escape their confinements in the ’90s. The sketch comedy show ran from 1993 to 1998 before being brought back on November 20, 2020, with most of its cast members also returning.
Original Creator Was Disappointed in Revival
Many critics and fans couldn’t help but feel that the revival failed to capture the charm and quirkiness of the ’90s show, which was largely attributed to the lack of involvement by the original production staff and crew. Audiences also noted that the updated Animaniacs lacked the same biting humor and spirit, with the creator of the original animated series expressing his overwhelming disappointment with Warner Bros. and the final product, which he called “morally, ethically and professionally wrong.”
4
‘90210’ (2008)
- Release Date
-
September 2, 2008
- Seasons
-
5
Undeniably one of the most popular and buzzed-about shows of the ’90s was none other than the teen drama knockout Beverly Hills, 90210, which followed a group of angsty teenagers living in the prominent Los Angeles city as twin siblings Brandon (Jason Priestley) and Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty) struggle to acclimate to their new glitzy world after moving from Minnesota. Much like its predecessor, 90210 revolved around the Wilson family and kids Annie and Dixon, new residents in Beverly Hills who experienced major growing pains after the move.
A Cliched, Uninspiring Reimagining
Original stars like Doherty, Jennie Garth, and Tori Spelling all made appearances in the reboot in hopes of delivering a dose of nostalgia for viewers, but it wasn’t enough to make the reboot a triumph. West Beverly Hills High’s latest crop of students were unable to reach the heights of the pop culture phenomenon and relied too heavily on overused cliches and uninspired teen storylines, as the series steadily declined in ratings throughout its five seasons which resulted in its cancelation in 2013.
3
‘The Powerpuff Girls’ (2016)
The Powerpuff Girls
- Release Date
-
April 4, 2016
- Cast
-
Amanda Leighton
, Kristen Li
, Natalie Palamides
, Tom Kane
, Tom Kenny
, Haley Mancini
, Cindy Robinson
, Chuck McCann
, Maurice LaMarche
, Jason Spisak
, Olivia Olson
Superhero sisters Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup were back to fight crime and keep the residents of Townsville safe in The Powerpuff Girls, the exciting follow-up to the Cartoon Network classic that dazzled audiences for six seasons that was lauded as “one of the few American creations that is both gleeful pop culture and exquisite high art.”
On paper, a revival featuring the fearsome trio seemed like a no-brainer, but the 2016 spin-off proved to be far from super and left fans yearning for the original.
Some Magic Is Lost in the Revival
The reboot featured brand new voice actors starring as the pint-sized crime fighters (much to the dismay of fans) and the reviews pointed out a lack of humor and wit as well as criticizing the lazy writing, mediocre animation and performances, and character inconsistencies.
Though The Powerpuff Girls ran for three seasons, it did not replicate the esteem and adoration of the ’90s version and also attracted the ire of its former stars, with Bubbles voice actress Tara Strong calling the reboot “a stab in the heart.”
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2
‘Ren & Stimpy “Adult Party Cartoon”‘ (2003)
- Release Date
-
June 26, 2003
- Cast
-
Eric Bauza
, John Kricfalusi - Seasons
-
1
Few television programs of the ’90s were as outrageous and edgy as The Ren & Stimpy Show, with the animated sitcom depicting the many wild misadventures of the psychotic chihuahua and dimwitted cat and attracting critical acclaim throughout its run for its surrealism and brilliant animation. In 2003, series creator John Kricfalusi decided to try and once again tap into the mayhem and boldness of the comedy by directing and producing Ren & Stimpy “Adult Party Cartoon” and did not hesitate to push boundaries once again.
A Notorious Animated Blunder
Widely regarded as one of the worst animated shows of all time, Ren & Stimpy “Adult Party Cartoon” was panned by both critics and fans alike because of its disgustingly crude jokes and humor, which many felt was solely included for the shock value. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette described the reboot as “just plain gross. … They don’t pay me enough to watch cartoon characters eating snot” and only three episodes were aired before it was abruptly pulled from airing and subsequently canceled.
1
‘Good Times: Black Again’ (2024)
Good Times
- Release Date
-
April 12, 2024
The Netflix adult animated sitcom Good Times: Black Again was anything but dy-no-mite! in the eyes of audiences when it debuted in April 2024 on the streaming giant, with the series featuring stars like Jay Pharoah, Yvette Nicole Brown, and J.B. Smoove as the eccentric clan and centers on the modern generation of the Evans family as they experience the overwhelming highs and lows of life while struggling to survive in a Chicago housing project, much like the original.
Netflix’s Offensive & Insensitive Series
Shredded apart by critics and viewers for its offensive humor, degrading stereotypes and imagery, and overall lack of connections to the groundbreaking ’70s hit, Good Times: Black Again in no way matched the prestige and impact of the original and was called insulting and disgusting by audiences, receiving a terrible 10% Rotten Tomatoes score and 23% Popcornmeter; Huffpost wrote that the reboot, “has no merit or awareness of authentic Black humanity. Its weaknesses are immediate and frequently exhibited.”
Stream on Netflix
