Classic TV Shows That Deserve a Modern Makeover!

In every new phase of television streaming, it seems like the past is being revisited to create something fresh and exciting. For instance, ‘Lost in Space’ from 1965 was revamped in 2018, Jordan Peele brought a fresh take on ‘The Twilight Zone’ in 2019, and Netflix is planning to rejuvenate the timeless prairie drama ‘Little House on the Prairie’, under the guidance of showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine. With over seven decades of classic TV history, there are numerous shows that could benefit from a modern revival or two (or even three)!

The division between traditional TV shows ending and modern ones starting is frequently discussed; although we millennials might not be fond of it, most of the shows we watched in our childhood are nearly three decades old now! With this in mind, this list will highlight programs that started airing by 1995. Additionally, it aims to exclude shows that have already had several chances at a revival, and instead, offer some unexpected picks.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Initially, it might seem unusual to kick off this list with a series centered on a character (the late Mary Tyler Moore), but “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-1977) transformed into something quite different. Instead of primarily focusing on the personal struggles and love life of Mary Richards (Moore), it became more about office humor, with an ensemble cast that could pack a punch when necessary.

For a potential reboot, it wouldn’t be an exact copy, but there are numerous talented comedians who could headline a workplace comedy set in some form of media organization. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” was based on the operations of local television station WJM, which was fitting for the 70s; perhaps it’s now time for a sitcom centered around a large YouTube channel?

Alfred Hitchcock Presents

The enjoyment of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” (1955-1965) lies in the fact that, although it bore the weight and essence of Alfred Hitchcock, numerous writers and directors contributed to its decade-long run, making it truly more than just Hitchcock’s creation. He served as a catalyst for other talents rather than being the primary figure. Unlike many modern anthology shows, such as Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story,” which are usually solely owned by one individual, “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” was a collaborative effort. A potential refreshing take could be to reboot this series with a contemporary director reminiscent of Hitchcock, serving as the ‘face.’ My pick would be David Fincher, but I can also envision Coralie Fargeat, from “The Substance,” imbuing her unique style into such a series.

Babylon 5

Initially, there were plans for a revival of “Babylon 5,” the ’90s sci-fi series created by J. Michael Straczynski, which made news headlines in collaboration with Warner Bros. However, these plans seem to have been halted following a change in leadership at Warner Bros., as indicated by recent developments. Despite Straczynski’s optimism as late as February 2024, it appears that the revival is no longer on the table. The original series, which ran from 1994 to 1998, remains remarkably relevant when revisited today. Its central theme revolves around a cosmic battle between good and evil, influencing the politics of every known planet, including Earth. If a revival does materialize in the future, it’s crucial not to tread too closely to previously explored territory, as there’s a vast universe yet to be explored.

MA*SH

Among potential choices for a remake, M*A*S*H (1972-1983) could be an intriguing option, as it was a groundbreaking show that skillfully blended comedic dialogue with the hardships of its era without ever backing down from those challenges. A straightforward reboot isn’t feasible, but a new series inspired by M*A*S*H’s fearless approach to examining and laughing at problems could prove refreshing in today’s climate.

There has been much discussion about Max’s The Pitt being a modern take on ER, featuring a grittier tone but also a focus on social issues within the medical field. In the same vein, a show similar to M*A*S*H could be developed – one that combines wartime medicine, humor, and drama while tackling the issues we grapple with as a society today.

Get Smart

1965-1970’s series “Get Smart” received a film reboot in 2008, but it didn’t fare quite as well (or achieve the same level of success). Unlike its contemporary spy show “Mission: Impossible,” which consistently produces excellent films, “Get Smart” relied on the fact that its complex plots could be resolved within half an hour. Modern spy shows tend to be dark and intense; however, “Get Smart” was inspired by the popularity of the Bond franchise during its time. The Bond series back then wasn’t as gritty or edgy as it is now, but even so, it maintained a serious tone. Co-creators Mel Brooks and Buck Henry felt that maybe “Get Smart” took itself too seriously. The secret to any reboot lies in a cast with genuine chemistry: Don Adams and Barbara Feldon made a great team, but Edward Platt as The Chief, and their superior, provided more chances for comedic blunders.

L. A. Law

It’s only fair to share the legal drama excitement among cities, not just New York. Shows like “L.A. Law” (1986-1994) have been overshadowed as time goes on, but there’s definitely a need for more legal dramas on TV today. Although it may seem like the genre is dwindling, similar to how medical dramas were once thought to be fading (until “Grey’s Anatomy” came along), the law remains incredibly pertinent in our society.

A modern version of “L.A. Law” might look and feel quite different from its 80s and 90s predecessor, but shows like the reboot of “Perry Mason” (2020-2023) demonstrate that Los Angeles continues to be a rich setting for dramatic storytelling.

Dr. Kildare

Dr. Kildare, initially conceived by American author Max Brand in pulp fiction, garnered notice from MGM in the 1930s. Over the years, he appeared in numerous films, series, and radio shows until the 1950s. The TV show “Dr. Kildare” (1961-1966) served as a platform for rising star Richard Chamberlain, and it proved to be successful. Although it occasionally veered towards melodramatic portrayals of medical emergencies, it laid the groundwork for many future medical dramas featuring young doctors navigating bustling hospitals. Given the resurgence of medical dramas, a revamp of the Kildare character could be intriguing. Furthermore, there’s no rule that states Kildare has to be male in the modern adaptation.

Kolchak: The Night Stalker

Kolchak: The Night Stalker could be considered television’s first one-hit wonder, airing only for one season from 1974 to ’75. Despite its brief run, it gained a cult following and influenced future sci-fi shows such as The X-Files. Given the enduring appeal of the supernatural and the bizarre, there’s a strong case for reviving Carl Kolchak on modern screens. Unlike typical cop procedurals with a paranormal twist, what makes this unique is that Kolchak is a newspaper reporter. However, in today’s digital age, he could be reimagined as an online content creator. Regardless of the medium, his investigations would always revolve around uncovering truth and disseminating it to the public. A reboot was attempted in 2005, but it didn’t find success. With the vast possibilities of today’s television, who knows what a modern Kolchak might look like?

Do you believe there are any TV series that could become massive sensations if they were brought back now? If so, feel free to share your suggestions below!

2025-03-21 00:40