6 TV Shows That Need to be Revived for New Generations

While television is no stranger to the concept of the revival — ABC is the latest with a potential live action version of animated classic “The Jetsons” — there are six other series from yesteryear worthy of a new lease in life. While some had long original runs versus others that were gone way too soon, the common ground is a concept that could thrive on the small screen at present. On that note, we begin with…

“FREAKS AND GEEKS”

Another show, like “Firefly,” which has since gained a reputation for being cancelled too early, is NBC’s “Freaks and Geeks.” It first hit our screens back in 1999 and finished after just one season in 2000. Set in the 1980’s, the show follows a group of high school students and the plights they face, as well as the trouble they get involved in. It is a hilarious hour that can pack a punch when it needed too, yet we unfortunately lost it too soon and in the years that followed, it quickly became a cult favourite.

The reason that “Freaks and Geeks” needs to be revived is that, like “Firefly,” there are a lack of shows that fit the genre at the moment. There’s space for a teen comedy that is well-made, with a good cast for the current generation: especially with all the struggles that the kids these days have to face growing up. It’s a no-brainer, really.

“FIREFLY”

Created by sci-fi legend Joss Whedon and premiering in 2002, “Firefly” focuses on a future world where the United States and China, as the two remaining global superpowers, have fused together to form a united government, known as the Alliance. It follows the crew of a ship known as the Serenity and their adventures through the galaxy, attempting to make profit through smuggling and cargo runs.

Despite the buzz among the target young viewers, “Firefly” was cancelled after just one season (and fourteen episodes). The premise is great and the unique characters and plot development has gained “Firefly” cult status since it’s cancellation.

“Firefly” needs needs to be revived because we have a lack of great science-fiction television shows set in space, with “Battlestar Galactica” and “Stargate” quickly dropping off the radar. This is the perfect time for a reboot of “Firefly,” with some new cast members, some returning and plenty more episodes of this fun space western.

“THE TWILIGHT ZONE”

Created by Rod Serling, “The Twilight Zone” was a science-fiction and horror anthology series which featured short stories focusing on various different topics and genres, but typically culminating in a twist or shocking ending. The show was a pioneer for the anthology-genre of film and television, and it is often regarded as one of the greatest science-fiction shows of all time. It really brought the genre to life and made mainstream television audiences aware of what the genre had to offer.

The reason why this should be revived again, this time for the new generation, is that with the rise of shows like “American Horror Story,” the anthology genre is more popular than ever. After several failed revivals of the show, it is about time we were given something proper to watch. “The Twilight Zone” os a great way to enforce morals and a show with this legendary a status should not just be left to gather dust.

“BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER”

Another one of Joss Whedon’s brainchildren to make this list, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” was a supernatural drama that first aired back in 1997, running for seven seasons (first on The WB, and concluding on The CW) and ending in 2003. It was widely popular for its well developed characters, fascinating plot lines and continuity, and its ability to pack a good scare once in a while (was it just me that Hush gave nightmares to for weeks?).

The series focuses around the titular Buffy, who, believe it or not, is a Vampire Slayer, as well as a general hunter of evil-things-that-would-do-the-world-wrong. It also disguised itself as a teen drama from time to time, so if supernatural hunting isn’t your thing this is another option.

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is just has to be revived sooner or later (although some may argue without the original cast, it could not be done justice.) “Angel” was a successful spin-off, which goes to show that there is some hope for life after “Buffy,” which has a whole new generation waiting for a glimpse of this must see drama.

“THAT’70s SHOW”

Fox’s “That ‘70s Show” first aired in 1998, running for an impressive eight seasons (and 200 episodes), finishing in 2006. The sitcom centred on a group of six teenagers growing up in the 1970s and their lives, adventures and dramas. It was popular for so many reasons: an amazing cast, genuinely funny humor and never really running out of ideas.

Despite its popularity, “That’70s Show” began to show its age when original cast members began to depart in later seasons. This is exactly why it needs to be revived, perhaps focusing on a different era and group of teens, but keeping many of the same themes and maintaining the consistency of the writing. The show had not yet reached its time to finish and it definitely has a whole lot more to give.

“BLACKADDER”

“Blackadder” is a British comedy television show that first aired back in 1983, running for four separate seasons, each focusing on a different period of history, up until 1989, with a few one-off specials following in the years to come. The show took place in a range of different historical settings, from the Middle Ages, to World War 1 and is a genuinely hilarious show which imparts elements of historical accuracy and education too.

“Blackadder” needs to be revived because it is widely renowned as one of the greatest comedy television shows, ranking 9th in Empire’s list of the best TV shows of all time. It was witty, sharp and clever, rolled into one, and someone definitely needs to consider rebooting it for the new generation.