*This story was originally published in the first quarter issue of the Eagle Eye*
In today’s age of nostalgia, television illustrates the fluidity of time, as many new programs revive trends from several decades ago and reflect the continued adoration for many of these retro shows. Numerous aspects of ‘90s and ‘80s popular culture have made a reappearance in today’s world, and the era’s TV shows are no exception.
With video streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu taking over the entertainment industry, television networks and streaming services alike are turning to one of the biggest viewing trends of the present: reboots. While reviving past shows may seem like a tired idea, reboots have become more and more prevalent in the entertainment industry.
The entertainment industry’s reboots have given millennials a new way to revisit the most memorable TV shows of their youth. Many more reboots and revivals are set to debut in the coming years. While only time will tell when the nostalgia spell passes, these shows will continue to help viewers relive the memories of their childhood. Here is a look at some of the most popular and most anticipated ‘90s reboots of the year.
Riverdale
Produced by The CW Network, with only one season so far, “Riverdale” is a brand-new series based on the long-running Archie Comics, which originated in the 1940s. Debuting on Jan. 23, 2017, the show stars KJ Apa as the series’ main character Archie Andrews. The reboot offers a darker take on the Archie Comics’ typically wacky and cheery depiction of teen life, offering a dramatized adaptation of the original series. Season 2 premiered on The CW on Oct. 11, while Season 1 can be found currently on Netflix.
The Powerpuff Girls
Cartoon Network jumped on the nostalgia train in spring of 2016 with the much-anticipated reboot of their 1998-2005 series, “The Powerpuff Girls.” The show features a new animation style, but retains its iconic main characters: Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup. Additionally, the program retains its theme of fighting crime each episode, while facing the issues of life as a young girl. The show is currently airing its second season with new episodes every Sunday at 8 p.m. EST.
Raven’s Home
Disney’s 2003-2007 sitcom “That’s so Raven” received a long-awaited sequel on July 21 with the premiere of “Raven’s Home,” once again starring Raven Symoné. The show takes place years after its precursor, following now-divorced Raven Baxter and her twins, Booker and Nia. The former has inherited Raven’s power to see into the future with “visions.” “Raven’s Home” is in the midst of its first season with episodes airing every Friday on Disney Channel.
The Magic School Bus Rides Again
The educational science series, “The Magic School Bus,” is returning to homes and classrooms once again in “The Magic School Bus Rides Again.” In this sequel, Miss Frizzle delivers the keys to the iconic magic school bus to her younger sister, Fiona Frizzle. With their new teacher, the class goes on numerous adventures in the magic school bus, learning about the wonders of science along the way. “The Magic School Bus Rides Again” premiered Sept. 29 as a Netflix exclusive.
The X-Files
One of the longest running sci-fi series in television history, the 1993-2002 series, “The X-Files,” was revived in January 2016 for its 10th season, after fan demand for a concluded plot gave it new life. The show’s two main characters, FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), both returned to reprise their roles. The revival follows the two as they delve into the world of the paranormal once again, uncovering the government’s dirtiest secrets. “The X-Files” airs on Fox and will return in 2018 with its 11th season.
Ducktales
After being shelved due to its poor box office earnings from its theatrical release in 1990, the 1980s cartoon, “Ducktales,” starring Scrooge McDuck and the adorable nephew triplets Huey, Duey and Louie is back on Disney XD. The new series carries a sleeker animation style and shifts the focus to the family dynamic between the daring adventurers. The largest change in the series is the inclusion of Donald Duck as a main character as writers previously feared his speech pattern was too difficult to interpret. Episode 1 aired Aug. 12, 2017 and is now streaming on Youtube with episodes airing Saturdays on Disney XD. Story by Ryan Deitsch
The Tick
Originating from a 1986 comic, “The Tick,” has a long history as a satirical comedy series in the superhero genre as the hero protects “The City” with his partner Arthur. Maintaining his signature catchphrase “Spoon!,” the character has since been adapted into a ‘90s cartoon and a short lived live action series. Just last year, a test pilot was released on Amazon’s streaming service, which received critical acclaim as the character became bit more mysterious with less knowledge of his own past. Five more episodes have since been released on the site on Aug. 25 this year with more set to be released Feb. 23, 2018. Story by Ryan Deitsch
Fuller House
A Netflix original with three seasons under its belt, “Fuller House” is the sequel of the 1987-1995 series “Full House.” Set in the original house in San Francisco, California, the sequel follows S.J. Tanner Fuller’s life as a widowed veterinarian and mother. The show was the third most watched series on Netflix in 2016, attracting 21.5 million viewers. Almost all of the cast’s former actors resumed their roles for the sequel, making for a series packed with nostalgia for longtime fans of “Full House.”
Voltron: Legendary Defender
First airing in 1985 and spawning numerous spinoffs, the Voltron series made a return in 2016 with the Netflix exclusive reboot, “Voltron: Legendary Defender,” produced by Dreamworks Animation. Although the main characters and plot events have been changed, “Legendary Defender” loosely follows the plot of the original. In the show, five space pilots lead their respective colored lions that come together to form Voltron: robot warrior and protector of the universe. “Voltron: Legendary Defender” currently has three seasons on Netflix and the fourth season arrived Oct. 13.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
After going off the air in 2011, this long running HBO series returned with its cast to resume the dramatized life of “Seinfeld” co-creator Larry David in the trials and tribulations of his everyday life. Beginning in 1999 as a tv movie, this series has had its fair share of hiatuses as the prior seasons have been known to take two-year gaps. After a series of information leaks at HBO, the cast and crew went public, advertising the new season as fans eagerly waited in anticipation for more. The ninth season began airing on HBO on Oct. 1. Story by Ryan Deitsch
Star Trek: Discovery
The long running science fiction adventure series, “Star Trek,” is back with another spin-off series after being off the air for over 12 years. The revival is partially attributed to the release of the J.J. Abrams reboot of the original series beginning in 2009. This show takes place roughly 10 years before the initial series from the 1960s, broadening the extensive continuity of the Federation and its voyages. The pilot aired on CBS on Sept. 24. CBS releases episodes every Sunday on its streaming service. Story by Ryan Deitsch
