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TV has changed a bit since the 90s when shows like The Simpsons and Friends were in their prime. Audiences of today tend to crave more dramatic content than the light tones many TV comedies of the 90s had to offer.
Now, we are in the age of reboots, with everything from The Karate Kid to Queer-Eye returning to screens in new, refreshing ways. Recently, The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air was re-imagined as a drama, but it isn't the only show with potential for a more somber reboot.
Daria
Teenagers, weird families, annoying sisters, and plenty of angst. Daria was a cartoon comedy with all the tropes of a coming-of-age dramedy. The show was initially intended to bring female viewership to MTV. Along the way, the central character became somewhat of a feminist icon.
High School outcasts and adult themes are quintessential 21st-century flavors (perhaps thanks to Daria), and a serious reboot could ride the wave of success created by shows like Euphoria. A black comedy peppered with sarcasm and meaningful observances on life? Is that Netflix calling?
Doogie Howser
In the 90s, Neil Patrick Harris starred as Doogie Howser, a sixteen-year-old genius and practicing physician. Howser had to balance the growing pains of teenage life with the responsibility of being a medical professional.
While a comedy at heart, the show regularly dealt with adult themes like death and prejudice. An updated version could dive deep into the tremendous pressure a youth would face in earning the respect of other professionals and the more gruesome aspects of medical treatment.
Frasier
Frasier was the well-meaning and well-to-do Seattle psychiatrist/radio show host that everyone loved. When viewers heard the soft jazz piano play over the Seattle skyline, they knew they were in for twenty minutes of subtlety-lined, intelligent, and hilarious family comedy.
The show was originally a spin-off of Cheers! and was wildly successful for its eleven seasons. A re-imagining that values conversations about mental health and class distinction through advice broadcasting could be just what the doctor ordered.
Murphy Brown
Murphy Brown centered around journalists for FYI magazine. Murphy herself was a respected journalist and recovering alcoholic that returned to the newsroom where she cut her teeth. The show always had a playful and light tone despite these themes.
But the potential for a Murphy Brown reboot that leans into its dramatic side has the potential to rival the success of The Morning Show. Good, honest journalism is becoming scarce, and a serious Murphy Brown could report some solid social commentary.
Boy Meets World
Boy Meets World all but defined what it means to come of age. The series followed the main character Cory Matthews across seven years. Viewers went through every adolescent milestone with him, from learning to drive a car to finding his first love.
Boy Meets World was charming and family-friendly, with plenty of tender moments and goofy characters. However, as any adult could vouch for, the World is not always so lovely and goofy. A dramatic reboot could show World meeting Boy.
Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers
Angsty teens juggling high school and saving the world? It's no wonder the franchise has spawned over 25 iterations. The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers were six teenagers recruited by an alien being called Zordon to fight evil forces and protect planet earth.
Attempts at Hollywood success have been sub-par, but that doesn't mean that all hope is lost. With so much source material and hype surrounding superheroes, a decent reboot of edgy teens with significant responsibilities could morph the franchise into mainstream success.
Batman Beyond
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It's anyone's guess why DC hasn't given Batman Beyond a chance since the successful cartoon. The series is set in the future, where a retired Bruce Wayne trains young Terry McGinnis as the Batman in Neo-Gotham. The show was praised for its artistic style and clever writing.
The Batman Beyond storyline would make for an original reboot of Batman that pits technology, capitalism, and class against pride, duty, and growing up. With all the uncertainty in the world, a peep into the future could be a timely adventure for the Bat.
Xena: Warrior Princess
Lucy Lawless' Xena was the fearless heroine of the 90s in the action-packed fantasy adventure series Xena: Warrior Princess. The story follows Xena, once a feared conqueror, as she atones for her past sins by helping the powerless fight the forces of evil.
A fantasy tale about overcoming past mistakes, a strong female lead, and medieval action make for limitless potential. The original won audiences over with its heartfelt humor and the dynamic between Xena and her life partner Gabrielle, while a grittier reboot could hold its own against The Witcher and The Dark Crystal.
Round The Twist
Primarily scarring children popular down under, this quintessential Australian series was eerie and charming. The Twist family, who lived in a haunted lighthouse, juggle supernatural happenings with greedy land developers, bullies, and family life.
At times, the show was ludicrous, such as when the oldest son, Pete, is impregnated by a magic tree after relieving himself on it. At other times, the show bordered on horror. A grittier Round The Twist could add a unique feel in the age of shows like American Horror Story and Stranger Things.
Sabrina, The Teenage Witch
This sitcom centered around teenage witch Sabrina Spellman. On her sixteenth birthday, Sabrina discovered she was a witch and must learn to control her powers and be a teenager at the same time. She is helped by her hilarious aunts and a sarcastic talking cat, Salem.
Fans have been calling for a reboot of Sabrina for many years. A serious version could capitalize on the show's magic and explore responsibilities, consequences, and witchcraft in new ways. Not to mention, everybody wants more of that cat.