5 TV Sitcoms Begging For Reboots

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Hollywood often relies on familiar stories, frequently reviving and restarting popular franchises. Lately, beloved sitcoms have been a prime target, as audiences enjoy revisiting characters they grew to love. For example, a new Malcolm in the Middle series, called Life’s Still Unfair, is coming to Disney+ in 2026, with most of the original cast returning to continue the family’s story. Likewise, the cast of Scrubs is reuniting for a new show on ABC, aiming to combine fond memories with the realities of today’s medical world.

Shows that ended years ago are finding new popularity. For example, a movie based on the series Community is still being made, although getting the original cast together has been tricky. Recently, the world of The Office grew with a new show called The Paper, which follows a documentary film crew as they focus on a newspaper in the Midwest. This trend shows people enjoy revisiting shows they already love, but it also suggests other classic sitcoms could make a comeback. There are plenty of great shows with interesting ideas that haven’t been updated for modern audiences, and they could attract both longtime fans and new viewers.

5) The Golden Girls

Running from 1985 to 1992, The Golden Girls was a huge hit for NBC, becoming a cultural touchstone and consistently attracting high ratings. The show followed four women sharing a home in Miami: the quick-witted Dorothy (Bea Arthur), the kind-hearted Rose (Betty White), the lively Blanche (Rue McClanahan), and Dorothy’s delightfully outspoken mother, Sophia (Estelle Getty). Beyond critical acclaim, The Golden Girls demonstrated that a comedy starring four women over 50 could be incredibly popular with audiences. The show’s lasting impact comes from its clever combination of funny writing with its willingness to address important social issues like the HIV crisis and LGBTQ+ rights with both humor and sensitivity. The simple idea of older women living and openly discussing their lives remains a unique and relevant perspective, making it a perfect candidate for a modern update.

4) Spin City

Originally airing from 1996 to 2002, Spin City was a witty comedy centered around the daily chaos of city government. The show was initially famous for Michael J. Fox’s performance as Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty, and later starred Charlie Sheen as Charlie Crawford. It followed a group of skilled political staffers constantly trying to cover up their mayor’s mistakes, offering a smart and funny look at local politics. This idea – competent people dealing with a messy administration – feels particularly relevant today. With constant news and social media controversies, the show’s humor would resonate with modern audiences, making it a great candidate for a reboot.

3) Unhappily Ever After

Running for five seasons on The WB, Unhappily Ever After was a darkly comedic reaction to the feel-good family sitcoms of the 1990s. The show centered on the perpetually unhappy Malloy family, led by Jack Malloy (Geoff Pierson), who surprisingly took life advice from a demonic stuffed rabbit named Mr. Floppy (voiced by Bobcat Goldthwait). Though sometimes seen as a copy of Married… with Children, its bizarre and surreal premise helped it become a cult classic. The show’s edgy concept—combining family struggles with a cynical puppet advisor—would be a great fit for today’s streaming services. A modern platform would allow the show’s dark humor and unique tone to fully shine without the restrictions of 1990s television standards.

2) Perfect Strangers

Running from 1986 to 1993, Perfect Strangers was a hugely popular comedy and a key part of ABC’s Friday night lineup. The show starred Mark Linn-Baker as the meticulous Larry Appleton and Bronson Pinchot as his innocent cousin Balki, who came from the fictional country of Mypos. The actors had amazing chemistry and a knack for physical humor, making the show a comforting and beloved classic. At its heart, the show’s humor came from the simple idea of two people from very different backgrounds learning to live together. A new version of the show could easily update this idea to explore current issues like immigration and cultural understanding, making it feel relevant and funny for today’s audiences.

1) Aliens in the Family

Running briefly in 1996, Aliens in the Family was a unique sitcom from Jim Henson Productions. It combined the familiar family dynamic of shows like The Brady Bunch with impressive alien puppets. The story centered around a human father who was abducted and married an alien mother, bringing their blended human and alien children together as one family. However, the show didn’t quite work – the humor wasn’t strong enough and it felt overly sweet, leading to its quick cancellation. Today, with better special effects, the show’s potential could finally be realized. More importantly, its central idea – using a science fiction setting to explore themes of multiculturalism – is still a creative and relevant concept that might resonate with audiences now.

If you could bring back any classic sitcom today, which one would it be? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-10-30 21:44