Over the years, so many TV shows haven’t gotten the time they deserved on-air or ended without a resolution. Still, others ran for a long time and could use a reboot. Most people seem to have a show that they feel didn’t get its fair airtime. Lately, numerous older shows are getting some sort of revival, like Saved By The Bell, Dexter, and Fantasy Island.
Whether all of these shows deserve resuscitation or not is a good question. Ranker reached out to its voters and asked which shows deserve to be revived. While the list at Ranker was a lot lengthier, these series got viewers hyped at even the thought of a potential revival. sc
Grimm (2011-2017) – Stream On Amazon Prime
This police procedural with a supernatural twist held people’s imaginations for quite some time. Grimm follows a Portland detective named Nick who’s beginning to realize his ability to see the mystical creatures surrounding humans.
The show ranks very high on IMDb and has hundreds of positive reviews. Both the modernization of fairytales in a dark format and the masterful creature design was impressive. Though there is little discussion of a reboot or spin-off, Ranker voters seem optimistic.
Married…With Children (1987-1997) – Stream On Hulu
This sitcom introduced us to the Bundy family who soon became a major social phenomenon in the 1990s, with many people quoting the show (pre-memes). Married…With Children blends all of the tv comedies styles. From The Honeymooners to The Dick VanDyke Show to Three’s Company this show was innovative and took risks while honoring the classics.
Considered an iconic comedy, Married…With Children seemed to laugh at the sweet family comedies like The Cosby Show or Family Ties. Married…With Children has already had three attempts at spin-offs. That doesn’t mean that there might not be a whole new Bundy family in the future.
Scrubs (2001-2010) – Stream On Hulu Or Amazon Prime
Scrubs brilliantly brings together the comedic talents of Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke along with an astounding supporting cast, doctors working at an odd hospital. The show’s wacky antics and quick-witted banter hold up well even today.
This underdog cult-classic comedy was rebooted after the show’s original 10 seasons. Unfortunately, the show just couldn’t reproduce the original magic. That’s not to say that a revival or reunion couldn’t happen though it seems nothing is currently in the works according to DigitalSpy.
My Name Is Earl (2005-2009) – Stream On Hulu
When this sitcom appeared in the mid-aughts, TV had seen nothing quite like My Name Is Earl. A lowlife bully and thief played by Jason Lee wins the lottery and is forced to face karma and rethink life. The entire supporting cast of sketchy characters Earl calls friends makes this comedy solid.
It was assumed that the show would continue after season four which left things unresolved and much of Earl’s to-do list unfinished, however, Fox canceled the show without explanation. There certainly would be much more to the story if this hilarious show were to get another chance.
Freaks And Geeks (1999-2000) – Stream On Paramount+ Or Hulu
This one-season show created by Paul Feig and produced by Judd Apatow is one of the most iconic teen comedies. Once on DVD (and eventually available streaming), Freaks And Geeks took off. But by then it was too late; Nearly every actor on the show became an A-List star.
The turn of the century series took place during the 80s with a group of misfits suffering through high school. Even today, this show ranks with nearly perfect scores online, and lots of articles are still written about it. There are often discussions of a reunion or a reboot, but as Feig said to Looper that it’s doubtful.
Futurama (1999 – ) – Stream On Hulu
The Ranker voters must be mindreaders because Futurama is set for a revival coming soon from Hulu. This wacky space comedy by Matt Groening (The Simpsons, Disenchantment) has become a cult classic and, though it’s been canceled and resurrected before, fans are ecstatic about its return.
The award-winning animated series follows Fry and his coworkers at an interstellar delivery company in the 31st century. All of the main character voice actors are returning including Bender’s voice actor, John DiMaggio. Must discussion has come about on what the show will deliver, including side characters that should reappear in the reboot.
Dead Like Me (2003-2004) – Stream On Roku, Tubi, Or IMDb TV
Dead Like Me was lucky enough to get two seasons. The dark and inventive comedy about a dead woman becoming a grim reaper was created and written by Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies, Star Trek: Discovery). It also co-starred Mandy Patinkin (The Princess Bride, Homeland) and Jasmin Guy (A Different World, The Vampire Diaries).
With a huge fanbase and great reviews, a movie was made titled Dead Like Me: Life After Death meant to wrap things up. However, neither Fuller nor Patinkin participated in the making. There is no reboot in the works, but numerous people discuss the idea online to this day.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) – Stream On Amazon Or Hulu
Buffy The Vampire Slayer which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year continues to influence pop culture well after its cancellation. The story of a powerful warrior in the body of a high school cheerleader came from a movie with the same name and told stories viewers had never imagined on tv before. It continues to fascinate fantasy fans of all ages.
There has been discussion of a reboot since 2018 but little to no movement forward. However, the storyline is rife with possibilities — stories of other slayers around the world or any number the additional characters met throughout the show. Fans of Buffy The Vampire Slayer also faithfully followed its spin-off, Angel, which might be worth a revisit as well.
Quantum Leap (1989-1993) – Stream On Roku
As of 2022, a reboot of Quantum Leap has been confirmed to be in the works. The popular sci-fi series took viewers on adventures with a physicist who invented time travel and his holographic companion. The show allowed the physicist played by Scott Bakula (Star Trek: Enterprise, NCIS) and his friend Al played by Dean Stockwell (Dune, Married To The Mob)to jump into different time periods and fix historical mistakes.
Quantum Leap is another perfect series to reboot. It has great potential for new inventive stories and it continues to have a solid fanbase. What fans want to see in the new show is up for some discussion. It is known that the new show has cast Raymond Lee (Top Gun: Maverick, Here And Now) and Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, Grace And Frankie).
Firefly (2002-2003) – Stream On Tubi Or Hulu
Firefly has also recently been confirmed for a much-anticipated reboot by Disney. This brilliant space-cowboy dramedy only got one very short season and left viewers craving more. Comic books were written. A major motion picture was even made — Serenity (2005). And people can’t stop talking about this show.
The phenomenal ensemble cast led by Nathan Fillions’ Captain Malcolm Reynolds included Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, and Morena Baccarin — all of whom have gone on to be big stars on their own. Whether any of the original cast will be included is unknown, but this storyline and its magnificent universe are packed with possibilities.
