7 TV Show Reboots That Should've Stayed in the Past
Some things are best left in the past, especially if the past involved quality scriptwriting, unforgettable characters, and most importantly, Tom Selleck's mustache.
These are the TV show reboots that not only should've stayed in the past, but probably should've been locked in a time capsule, buried deep underground, and forgotten forever.
Murphy Brown (2018)
Here's a quick quiz for you: When was the last time you heard someone saying, "Gee, I really wish they would bring back 'Murphy Brown'?" That's right. Never. The original was groundbreaking, showcasing a strong, independent woman in the media industry. But the reboot felt like a dated attempt to capitalize on nostalgia rather than a thoughtful, modern interpretation. The sharp wit and clever dialogue of the original became a series of stilted political one-liners. It was less "hard-hitting journalism" and more "old lady yelling at cloud."
Knight Rider (2008)
Admit it, we all loved the talking car in the original series. But the reboot? Well, the only thing we wanted to talk to the car about was how to find the quickest route off the air. The sleek, futuristic vibe of the original turned into an overblown, flashy CGI fest with no substance. The original was like a cool guy at a party everyone wanted to talk to. The reboot was like his obnoxious cousin, trying to impress everyone by setting the punch bowl on fire. David Hasselhoff's charm was sorely missed, reminding us that some things just can't be rebooted, especially without the Hoff.
Charmed ( 2018)
Someone in Hollywood must have thought it was a great idea to reboot this beloved late-90s, early-2000s show about sister witches kicking demon butt and dealing with family drama. But oh boy, were they wrong. The charm of the original was in the chemistry of the Halliwell sisters, which was sadly missing in the reboot. This new incarnation felt like a pale imitation, an almost sacrilegious attempt at recreating the magic. It's like swapping out your favorite home-cooked meal for a cheap microwave version. A cautionary tale that not all shows need to be charmed back to life.
Dynasty (2017)
The original "Dynasty" was the very definition of the 80's – big hair, big shoulder pads, big drama. The reboot, unfortunately, had all the depth of a kiddie pool in a drought. The luscious plotting and melodrama of the original were replaced by a glossy, shallow affair that focused more on Instagram-worthy moments than character development. It was like trading in a five-course gourmet dinner for a low-budget candy bar. Sure, they're both food, but only one leaves you truly satisfied.
Magnum P.I. (2018)
Now this is a personal affront. The original Magnum P.I., graced by the effortlessly cool Tom Selleck and his equally famous mustache, was pure '80s fun. It was full of sun-soaked Hawaiian locales and easygoing mystery-solving. The reboot, on the other hand, lacked the charm, the humor, and most importantly, the iconic mustache. It felt like a generic action show that had accidentally been given the same name as the classic series. To quote the late, great Roger Ebert, "I hated, hated, hated this show."
Ironside (2013)
Remember "Ironside," the gritty crime drama about a wheelchair-bound detective that aired in the late '60s to '70s? Well, the folks behind the 2013 reboot certainly didn't seem to. The new "Ironside" was a muddled, formulaic police procedural that seemed to forget the strength of the original was in its unique perspective and character-driven plots. Instead, it chose to focus on uninspired, generic cop drama tropes. This reboot could have been a thoughtful examination of disability in the modern world, but instead, it felt like they'd run the original through a paper shredder and tried to piece it together with duct tape.
Now, don't get me wrong. I love Jordan Peele, but not even his considerable talents could save this ill-conceived reboot. The original "Twilight Zone" was a masterclass in suspense, storytelling, and societal commentary. It was eerie, provocative, and unforgettable. The reboot, while having its moments, often felt like a diluted version of the original. The stories lacked the depth and punch that made the original so iconic. It was like buying a designer knockoff – sure, it looks the part, but it just doesn't have the same quality or impact.