These classic television shows deserve the reboot treatment

While the show was a launching pad for stars such as Seth Rogen, James Franco, and Jason Segal, Freaks and Geeks lasted just one season in 1999-2000. In later years, it became a cult classic. If a network or streaming service can commit to a series showcasing the lives of outcasts and introverts, complete with creative writing and strong individual performances, a reboot could work. It would really be something if creator Paul Feig and executive producer Judd Apatow were involved.

This popular one-hour ABC comedy-drama from the late-1970s and early-'80s started as a couple raising eight children of various ages. Then, the father (Dıck Van Patten) was widowed and eventually remarried. It's a concept that can still work. Possibly on a streaming service, as a family series that can tackle serious topics intertwined with many heartfelt and harmless moments of chicanery and goofiness.

For those keeping score at home, there have been two Fame movies and an underrated TV series from 1982-87 based on the original film. So, why not give it another go? Let's see what Bruno's kids are doing. Has Coco found some self-confidence and belief in herself? Or are we talking about a new group of young talent looking to make it big? Of course, we still need the famed Debbie Allen speech about the price of "fame." There's something about the Fame story that never gets old.

In the late 1960s and into the '70s, American TV audiences adored orphaned siblings Buffy (Anissa Jones), Jody (Johnny Whitaker), and teenage Sissy (Kathy Garver). They were raised by their Uncle Bill (Brian Keith), with help from by-the-book butler Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) to curtail the mischief, in a posh New York City apartment. The story is still relevant today and would make for some wholesome family viewing.

This was a staple of ABC's "TGIF" lineup during the late 1980s and into the '90s. Of course, any reboot here would need to involve Steve Urkel (Jaleel White). Is he successful? And still wearing those suspenders? Is Laura Winslow (Kellie Shanygne Williams) still in the picture? Like him or not, it's time for a new generation of viewers to enjoy some fresh Urkel.

The caveat when it comes to a Firefly reboot is that creator Joss Whedon is pretty much persona non grata in Hollywood these days. Still, this cult classic that lasted only one season (14 episodes, at that) in 2002 needs to find a new life. Maybe today's passionate and dedicated streaming fans will appreciate the crew and passengers of the Serenity. 

Before Tracee Ellis Ross became a bonafide star in the ABC smash Black-ish, she led an entertaining foursome of Black women — flawed yet strong, navigating the ups and downs of their personal and professional lives in Los Angeles. It would be fun to see a new generation of women taking the torch and running with it the same way Joan (Ross), Maya (Golden Brooks), Toni (Jill Marie Jones), and Lynn (Persia White) did from 2000-08.

There are plenty of superhero shows on network television, cable, and streaming services. Yet, it would be fun to revisit an everyman-turned-superhero like Ralph (originally played by William Katt). Hopefully, we could get an updated version of that famed theme song. Now, it should be known that the idea of a Greatest American Hero remake has been tossed around for some time, including one with a female lead that was nearly green-lit. 

Hill Street Blues won 26 Primetime Emmy Awards during its remarkable run on NBC from 1981-87. Why mess with such a brilliant legacy? Because if done with quality actors, exceptional writing, and gripping storylines, it could again be a hit. A new breed of beat cops, detectives, and police brass can bring that special Hill Street drama to a new generation of cop-drama fans. It might even find a home on network television. Just don't mess with that legendary theme song.

This was one of the more underrated dramas of the 1980s. While star James Brolin likely wouldn't reprise his role as St. Gregory Hotel general manager Peter McDermott, maybe his son, Josh, could give it a whirl. Or, an entirely new cast is introduced, and the hotel is updated with more modern-day amenities. But, we'd hope the storylines of betrayal, adulatory, or other first-world problems would be the true star of a show that might feature other present-day celebrities in guest roles.  

The original series from the late 1970s and into the '80s starring the late Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno was quite beloved. The Hulk character has seen many versions on film, but this non-animated series holds up well on TV. So, why not give it another go on television? 

Love American Style offered light-hearted vignettes in the late 1960s and into the '70s. Imagine some of the television's current stars and big names showing off their chops when love is on the line. It was always a campy show, and that formula might work today with audiences looking to break with reality for a while.

Let's forget Love Boat: The Next Wave from the late 1990s. Though, we love the late Robert Urich. Cruising might be a little dicey in the age of COVID-19, but in a fictional world, where say, Julie McCoy's daughter is a cruise director like her mother and Vicki Stubing is captaining the updated and improved Pacific Princess.  Isaac (Ted Lange) needs to be involved, perhaps on "Celebrity Bartender Night" on the Promenade Deck.

Sadly, Ken Ober, the popular host of this classic MTV pop culture quiz show held "in his basement" from the 1980s, passed away in 2009. But we would love to see a reboot of one of the best shows ever to air on the cable network once known for playing music videos. The concept doesn't need to change, and perhaps once-promising young stars like Denis Leary, Colin Quinn, and Adam Sandler could drop in to ask a question or deliver an insult.

If anything, we need a reboot just to hear private investigator Jim Rockford's voice message (updated for modern times), and his ringtone can be the old rotary phone sound from the original show's theme. Perhaps one of Hollywood's hot, up-and-coming stars can take over the role that James Garner made famous. 

One would think this might already have happened. A white former NBA player taking a post-playing career job coaching basketball and teaching at some inner-city high school is still relevant. There will obviously be updated storylines, though similar themes of dysfunctional families, substance abuse, sex, and gun violence still resonate strongly. Perhaps a real-life NBA player-turned-actor in the lead role?