Buzz
Reboots have dominated pop culture for so long that it’s easy to yearn for a time when not every film or TV show relied on the fame of an existing brand. Recently, Warner Bros. made another attempt to adapt the Mortal Kombat video game series into a film franchise, debuting in theaters and on HBO Max—25 years after the original films and a TV series. Similarly, the studio released Godzilla vs. Kong (distinct from 1962’s King Kong vs. Godzilla), pitting two iconic monsters against each other in a battle for franchise supremacy.
These are just two examples of the numerous mainstream reboots currently in development. In an era dominated by remakes and reboots, it’s challenging to keep track of which childhood classics have returned or are set to make a comeback. Below, we highlight 25 TV shows and movies from the past 15 years that you might have missed.
MacGyver
MacGyver is a clever and resourceful problem-solver who can create solutions from the most unlikely materials. Need a bomb crafted from paperclips and baking soda? MacGyver’s your guy. The original TV series debuted in 1985, featuring Richard Dean Anderson as the lead, and ran for seven successful years. In 2016, the show was revived with Lucas Till playing Angus MacGyver, a U.S. government agent, and has enjoyed a nearly equally long run. Sadly, the current season marks the end, with the series finale set to air on April 30.
Where to stream the original: Paramount+
Where to stream the reboot: Paramount+
Mystery Science Theater 3000
For over 30 years, Mystery Science Theater 3000 has defied expectations as a small cable access show with enduring appeal. Its straightforward concept—a man stranded in space humorously critiques terrible movies with his robot companions—has evolved through three hosts, two cable networks, and a leading streaming platform since its 1988 debut on a Minneapolis TV station. After a modest two-year start, the series enjoyed a seven-season run on Comedy Central before cancellation, transitioned to a box office failure (despite no fault of its own), and later aired on The Sci-Fi Channel for three more seasons (only to be canceled again). Recently, creator Joel Hodgson initiated a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, leading to two additional seasons on Netflix, which, unfortunately, also canceled it. Now, Hodgson is spearheading another Kickstarter, aiming to secure the show’s future for years to come.
Where to stream the original: Select episodes on Shout TV, Fubo, DirecTV, AMC+, Sling, Tubi, and PlexWhere to stream the reboot: Netflix
Murphy Brown
Murphy Brown was a groundbreaking sitcom centered on the life of middle-aged TV journalist Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) as she navigated her career at the fictional magazine FYI. The show ran from 1988 to 1998, a pivotal decade for working women, and sparked controversy when Bergen’s character chose to become a single mother in 1992, drawing criticism from then-Vice President Dan Quayle. In 2018, the series attempted a revival, with Bergen returning to her iconic role and the story advancing 10 years. However, due to poor viewership, the reboot was canceled after just one season.
Where to stream the original: Digital rental on Prime Video
Where to stream the reboot: Paramount+
Will and Grace
For eight seasons, the sitcom Will and Grace chronicled the lives of its central characters, best friends and former lovers Will Truman (Eric McCormack) and Grace Adler (Debra Messing). The series broke new ground by prominently featuring Will, an openly gay man, and catapulted Messing, Megan Mullally (who played Grace’s bold best friend Karen), and Sean Hayes (as the flamboyant Jack McFarland) to stardom. The show, which aired from 1998 to 2006, was revived in 2017. Similar to Murphy Brown, the reboot continued with “season nine,” bringing back the original cast. However, the revival concluded once more in 2020 after three seasons.
Where to stream the original: Hulu
Where to stream the reboot: Peacock, Hulu
Fuller House
Full House was a cornerstone of ABC’s beloved ‘90s TGIF lineup. The show revolved around single father Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) raising his three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis, aka “Uncle Jesse” (John Stamos), and best friend Joey Gladstone (Dave Coulier). It launched the careers of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who shared the role of Michelle, a legacy that continues through their younger sister Elizabeth Olsen’s work in WandaVision. The original series ran from 1987 to 1995 and was rebooted in 2016 on Netflix. In Fuller House, the eldest Tanner daughter, D.J. (Candace Cameron Bure), enlists her sister Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and best friend Kimmy Gibbler (Andrea Barber) to help raise her three sons after her husband’s death. The reboot enjoyed success, lasting five seasons, with the final season (excluding Lori Laughlin’s involvement) released recently.
Where to stream the original: Hulu
Where to stream the reboot: Netflix
Amazing Stories
Steven Spielberg created and produced Amazing Stories, an ‘80s anthology series featuring standalone short films filled with science fiction and wonder. The family-friendly show aimed to inspire kids and parents alike to see the world in new ways. In 2020, the series was revived by Once Upon a Time producers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis for Apple TV+. While the reboot maintained the original’s focus on action-adventure and sci-fi, it failed to capture the magic of the 1985 series, receiving mixed reviews. Apple TV+ has not yet confirmed whether the show will return for another season.
Where to stream the original: Free on NBC.com
Where to stream the reboot: Apple TV+
Ghostwriter
Ghostwriter was a popular ‘90s TV show about a group of kids solving neighborhood mysteries with the assistance of a blue ghost who communicates solely through writing. The series emphasized literacy, encouraging children to decode clues and follow written messages to crack each case. Originally airing in 1992, the show was reimagined in 2019 by Apple TV+, introducing a new twist where teenagers help ghosts resolve their unfinished earthly business. The reboot received critical acclaim, earning a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Daytime Emmy. Two seasons are currently available, but updates on a potential third season remain pending due to the pandemic.
Where to stream the original: Unfortunately, the original Ghostwriter is not available for streaming and can only be found on expensive used DVDs.
Where to stream the reboot: Apple TV+
Animaniacs
While fans were thrilled about the revival of the ‘90s animated favorite Animaniacs, enthusiasm waned somewhat after its Hulu debut last year. The reboot continues the zany adventures of Yakko, Wakko, and Dot, the eccentric Warner siblings residing in the Warner Bros. water tower. This updated version retains the show’s trademark humor, blending timeless pop culture references with modern jokes about social media, politics, and reality TV. However, it sidelines many original side characters to focus on the Warners and the ambitious lab mice, Pinky and the Brain. Reviews were split, with critics favoring it more than audiences, but the show has already been renewed for two additional seasons, with the second season set to release later this year.
Where to stream the original: Hulu
Where to stream the reboot: Hulu
Magnum P.I.
The original Magnum P.I. featured Tom Selleck as the charming private investigator Thomas Magnum, who works for a renowned author in exchange for living in the writer’s luxurious Hawaiian estate. Despite the idyllic setting, Magnum frequently found himself entangled in high-stakes criminal cases, giving the show the feel of a blockbuster action-adventure series. It aired for eight years before concluding in 1988. In 2018, a reboot starring Jay Hernandez premiered on CBS and has been well-received, recently securing a renewal for its fourth season.
Where to stream the original: Digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
Where to stream the reboot: Paramount+
Knight Rider
This campy ‘80s classic featured KITT, a futuristic, self-aware car, partnering with ex-cop Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff) to combat crime. KITT’s ability to drive autonomously and make split-second decisions made it an invaluable ally in their sci-fi crime-fighting adventures. Since its original run from 1982 to 1986, the series has seen multiple revivals. In 1992, Hasselhoff returned for Knight Rider 2000, a film set in a future where firearms are outlawed. A 2008 TV reboot introduced Justin Bruening as Mike Traceur, a new partner for KITT, but the show was canceled after one season due to low ratings. Currently, Spyglass Films is developing another remake with James Wan and Michael Clear, though details remain scarce.
Where to stream the original: Hulu
Where to stream the reboot: NBC.com
Veronica Mars
Before her role in The Good Place, Kristen Bell gained fame as Veronica Mars, a teenage private investigator who later returned as an adult. The original series debuted on UPN in 2005, later moving to The CW, where it was canceled after three seasons despite a passionate fanbase. A successful Kickstarter campaign led to a 2014 film that tied up loose ends, and the show was revived for a fourth season on Hulu in 2019. While critics praised the revival, some fans found the continuation of Veronica’s high school trauma depressingly unresolved.
Where to stream the original: Hulu
Where to stream the reboot: The film is on HBO Max, and season four is available on Hulu
Miami Vice
This iconic ‘80s crime drama, created by Michael Mann, followed undercover Miami detectives James Crockett (Don Johnson) and Ricardo Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas). Known for its sleek style, trendy music, and high-speed cars, it redefined the cop drama genre for a contemporary audience. The series premiered on NBC in 1984 and ran for six successful years. Mann later adapted it into a film starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, and a new series, Miami Vice Legacy, is currently in development with Vin Diesel and Fast and Furious writer Chris Morgan leading the project. While details remain under wraps, the series is part of Diesel’s collaboration with Universal.
Where to stream the original: Paramount+
Where to stream the reboot: Digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
Hawaii Five-O
Hawaii Five-O was a groundbreaking police drama that aired on CBS from 1968 to 1980, making it one of the longest-running shows of its kind. The series centered on Det. Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord), leader of a specialized task force in Honolulu, Hawaii, and became famous for its memorable theme song and dynamic characters like Danny Williams (James MacArthur) and Chin Ho (Kam Fong). In 2010, the show was rebooted with Alex O’Loughlin as McGarrett, Scott Caan as Williams, and Daniel Dae Kim as Chin Ho Kelly. The modern version enjoyed a successful ten-season run, concluding just last year.
Where to stream the original: Paramount+
Where to stream the reboot: Paramount+
Baywatch
A group of Los Angeles lifeguards not only rescues swimmers but also tackles major crimes. The original series, featuring David Hasselhoff and launching Pamela Anderson’s career, ran from 1989 to 2000. In the 2017 film adaptation, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson took on the role of Mitch Buchannon, teaming up with Zac Efron to deliver beachside justice. While the remake embraced the original’s unintentional humor, critics panned it, and audiences showed little interest.
Where to stream the original: Hulu
Where to stream the reboot: Hulu
24: Legacy
The groundbreaking thriller 24 revolutionized TV by unfolding in “real time,” with each episode representing an hour of a single day. This format heightened the tension as counter-terrorist agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) raced against the clock to thwart global threats. After nine seasons and two spin-offs (24: Live Another Day and 24: Redemption), the series was rebooted in 2016 with Corey Hawkins as Eric Carter, a military hero. However, the reboot lasted only one season and 12 episodes, earning the unofficial title of 12.
Where to stream the original: Hulu
Where to stream the reboot: Hulu
Dynasty
Dynasty delves into the dramatic lives of the Carrington family, wealthy oil magnates in Denver, Colorado. The original soap opera aired from 1981 to 1989, becoming a cultural phenomenon. The CW reboot, launched in 2017, features a new cast and amplifies the melodrama, running for over four seasons. The show continues to thrive, with its fourth season premiering on May 7.
Where to stream the original: Digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
Where to stream the reboot: Three seasons are on Netflix, with current episodes available on The CW app.
Dallas
Another iconic ‘80s nighttime soap opera, Dallas, revolves around the Ewing family, whose wealth and power are overshadowed by greed and deception. At the center is J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman), a ruthless businessman who manipulates others to achieve his goals. The original series, a massive hit, aired from 1978 to 1991. In 2012, TNT revived the show, continuing the original storylines in a modern setting, but the reboot lasted only three seasons and 40 episodes.
Where to stream the original: Prime Video
Where to stream the reboot: Digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
Judge Dredd
The 1995 Sylvester Stallone film Judge Dredd faced criticism from fans of the original comic for deviating from its source material. While it depicted a dystopian future where law enforcement acts as judge, jury, and executioner, the film failed to fully explore its premise. Stallone’s portrayal of the titular character, wrongly accused of a crime, fell short of expectations. In 2012, the story was rebooted with Dredd, starring Karl Urban, which stayed truer to the graphic novel. Lena Headey co-starred as Ma-Ma, a drug lord Dredd must bring to justice. Despite critical acclaim, the remake underperformed at the box office, leaving fans hopeful for a sequel.
Where to stream the original: Hulu
Where to stream the reboot: Hulu, Prime Video
Total Recall
In 2084, Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a construction worker living a mundane life, dreams of adventure on Mars. His life takes a dramatic turn after he visits “Rekall,” a company offering virtual vacations, and becomes entangled in a dangerous interplanetary conspiracy. He must decipher which of his memories are real and which are implanted. The 2012 remake features Colin Farrell as Quaid, who, already suspicious of his reality, visits Rekall. Despite being a fresh take on Philip K. Dick’s story, the film received mixed reviews and performed modestly at the box office, though it remains an entertaining reimagining of the 1990 classic.
Where to stream the original: Netflix
Where to stream the reboot: Pluto TV
Vacation
The original National Lampoon’s Vacation follows Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase), an enthusiastic father determined to give his family the ultimate road trip to Wally World. The journey is fraught with mishaps, leading to comedic chaos. Several sequels followed, each less successful than the last. The 2015 reboot stars Ed Helms as Rusty, Clark’s son, who attempts to recreate his childhood vacation for his own family. Despite the odds, the film delivers more laughs than expected.
Where to stream the original: HBO Max
Where to stream the reboot: Digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
Speed Racer
Speed Racer, a beloved anime from the late ‘60s, follows Gô Mifune, a teenager aspiring to become the world’s greatest racecar driver. The series aired from 1967 to 1968. In 2008, the Wachowskis directed a live-action adaptation starring Emile Hirsch as Speed, who strives to honor his late brother’s legacy as a top racer. Despite mixed reviews, the film boasts a talented cast, stunning visuals, and has since gained a cult following.
Where to stream the original: Funimation
Where to stream the reboot: Tubi
Power Rangers
The Power Rangers franchise has undergone numerous reboots since its inception in the early ‘90s as an adaptation of a Japanese series. The story revolves around ordinary teenagers granted extraordinary powers to defend Earth from the villainous Zordon and his minions. The 1995 film adaptation received mixed reviews, but the 2017 reboot brought enhanced visual effects, a darker tone, and Elizabeth Banks as the antagonist. Despite positive feedback, the film failed to secure a sequel.
Where to stream the original: The 1994 TV series is on Netflix. The 1995 film is unavailable for streaming in the U.S., but Power Rangers Turbo (1997) is on HBO Max.
Where to stream the reboot: Digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
The Hulk
Before Mark Ruffalo’s iconic portrayal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Hulk underwent several transformations. The character first appeared in the 1977 TV series The Incredible Hulk, starring Lou Ferrigno. Ang Lee’s 2003 film Hulk, featuring Eric Bana, took an artistic approach but was poorly received by audiences and excluded from the MCU. Edward Norton’s 2008 version, while technically part of the MCU, was recast with Ruffalo for 2012’s The Avengers, a decision that proved successful.
Where to stream the originals: The 1977 TV series is available for digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube. The 2003 version is on Hulu.
Where to stream the most recent version: Disney+
The Punisher
Frank Castle, an anti-hero and former military operative, becomes a vigilante after his family is brutally murdered. Sworn to avenge their deaths, he embarks on a mission to hunt down the killers, inadvertently protecting others in the process. The Marvel comic first hit the big screen in 1989 with Dolph Lundgren as the relentless Punisher, followed by a 2004 reboot starring Thomas Jane. Both films underperformed. The 2008 quasi-sequel, Punisher: War Zone, initially flopped but later gained a cult following. In 2017, Jon Bernthal portrayed the character in a Netflix series that ran for two seasons. With the rights now back at Marvel, Frank Castle is likely to return in future projects.
Where to stream the originals: The 1989 version is free on YouTube. The 2004 version is on Prime Video.
Where to stream the reboot: Netflix
The Mummy
The Mummy has seen numerous film adaptations over the years. The 1932 classic featured Boris Karloff as the titular character, while the 1999 version starred Brendan Fraser as adventurer Rick O’Connell, who, alongside archaeologist Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz), accidentally awakens the cursed mummy Imhotep. After a successful trilogy and spin-offs, the franchise was rebooted in 2017 with Tom Cruise as Nick Morton, a tomb raider who unleashes the vengeful mummy Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella). Intended to launch the Dark Universe, the film’s poor performance halted the planned series.
Where to stream the original: The 1932 version is available for digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube. The 1999 version is on Prime Video.
Where to stream the reboot: Digital rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube
