7 Great Classic TV Show Revivals of the 2020s, Ranked

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As a film critic, I’ve noticed a huge trend lately: Hollywood is obsessed with the past. It’s a pretty safe bet for studios, honestly. Reviving old favorites instantly gives them a built-in audience – people already love those stories and characters! We’re seeing it everywhere. Just in 2026, they’re turning the quirky classic The ‘Burbs into a TV series, and bringing back two of the best sitcoms from the 2000s, Malcolm in the Middle and Scrubs, for new seasons. Even Buffy the Vampire Slayer is getting a sequel, with Sarah Michelle Gellar returning to train a new generation of vampire hunters. It feels like if it was popular once, it’s getting another look now.

While many reboots and revivals seem like quick attempts to make money, often missing what fans loved about the original shows, and some simply don’t offer a compelling reason to exist, the 2020s have seen a few successful revivals. These stand out because they respect the spirit of the original series while updating the stories for a modern audience.

7) iCarly

As a critic, I’ve been really impressed with the iCarly revival on Paramount+. What sets it apart is how smartly it’s grown up with its original audience. Forget trying to recapture the silly, slapstick vibe of the Nickelodeon show – this version feels genuinely geared towards us, the viewers who watched it as kids, now navigating our twenties. Carly, Freddie, and Spencer are dealing with real-life stuff – career worries, feeling overwhelmed by the internet, and complicated relationships – and it’s handled with a surprising amount of honesty. It’s not just nostalgia either; the show acknowledges how much the internet and being an influencer have changed, keeping it fresh and current while still holding onto that quirky, lovable Shay family dynamic we all remember.

6) Animaniacs

When Hulu revived Animaniacs in 2020, the creators faced the challenge of updating a famously satirical cartoon for today’s divided and online world. The new series succeeded by leaning into the self-aware humor that defined the original 1990s show, often making fun of the idea of bringing it back in the first place. Yakko, Wakko, and Dot – still voiced by Rob Paulsen, Jess Harnell, and Tress MacNeille – are as energetic and unpredictable as ever, delivering quick-witted commentary on current events, social media, and television clichés. The show’s cleverness is enhanced by its high-quality music and smooth animation, staying true to the spirit of the original Amblin Television production. Plus, by including segments with Pinky and the Brain, the series keeps its familiar pace and allows for even more ambitious and creative parodies.

5) Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock

The new Apple TV series, Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, is a wonderful return to form, largely thanks to its use of classic puppetry and detailed sets. Instead of relying on modern digital effects, the show recreates the Fraggles’ underground world with a warm, tangible feel. Bringing back original cast and crew members ensures that characters like Gobo (John Tartaglia) stay true to themselves and maintain the show’s lively music. This respect for the original series allows Back to the Rock to revisit important themes like the connection between all living things and the importance of peace. The revival also features more complex, ongoing storylines – like the dangerous windstorms – which add excitement to each episode’s adventures.

4) Adventure Time: Distant Lands

The release of Adventure Time: Distant Lands on HBO Max beautifully expanded the world of a show that already changed animation. These four hour-long specials continued the story, focusing on unfinished character arcs after the original Adventure Time ended. The episode “Together Again” especially gave a satisfying conclusion to Finn and Jake’s story, exploring themes of life and memory in a way that fans loved. Other episodes, like the space adventure of BMO, used the longer format to create detailed new worlds and stories while still keeping the show’s unique, simple style. This approach let the creators try out different moods, from scary and mysterious to sweet and romantic.

3) Futurama

Despite being canceled and brought back several times, Futurama‘s 2023 revival on Hulu impressively maintains the show’s original characters and comedic style. The series smoothly updates the 31st-century world to address modern concerns like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, all with the same smart, sarcastic humor created by Matt Groening and David X. Cohen. Importantly, the original voice actors returned, which keeps the characters feeling genuine and avoids the awkwardness often found in sequels made long after the original.

2) Star Wars: The Clone Wars

As a huge Star Wars fan, I have to say the final season of The Clone Wars is something truly special. It brilliantly connects the animated series to Revenge of the Sith, giving us a proper ending to a story that felt incomplete for years. Seeing Dave Filoni finally finish his vision for the Siege of Mandalore – which is honestly some of the best Star Wars content ever made – was incredibly satisfying. It really focuses on Ahsoka Tano’s journey as the Jedi Order falls apart and her intense final battle with Maul. What’s even cooler is how much this season laid the groundwork for shows like The Mandalorian and Ahsoka. Ultimately, The Clone Wars delivered a powerful, heartbreaking conclusion to that era of galactic conflict, and it’s now a vital part of what makes modern Star Wars so great.

1) X-Men ’97

Currently leading the wave of successful revivals, X-Men ’97 is a perfect example of how to continue a popular story with respect for its history and a sophisticated approach to storytelling. The series picks up immediately after the original 1992 cartoon ended, updating the distinctive, serious tone while exploring the consequences of Charles Xavier’s leaving. With Cyclops (voiced by Ray Chase) and Magneto (voiced by Matthew Waterson) taking the lead, the show moves beyond typical superhero stories to tackle difficult subjects like political extremism, societal bias, and the weight of past actions. The compelling story is enhanced by significantly improved animation, delivering action sequences that are far more dynamic than those from the original series. A second season is planned for 2026, and X-Men ’97 has not only brought back a beloved franchise but also set a new high standard for serialized superhero storytelling across all platforms.

What TV show reboot from the 2020s do you think best kept the feeling of the original series alive? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-13 21:43