FILM/TV

Opinion: Do we really need more reboots?

Hollywood

There’s a Murder, She Wrote reboot film in the works, and Jamie Lee Curtis is set to star as Jessica Fletcher. If you aren’t aware, Angela Lansbury played the witty, murder mystery author who seemed to be the only person capable of solving crimes in the small, fictional town of Cabot Cove.

The ‘80s series has become one of my favorite classics over the past few years, and honestly, we don’t need a modern version. Curtis is legendary, but I can’t see anyone else portraying Fletcher. Also, I just think overall I’ve had enough of the reboots.

Is Hollywood running out of ideas or are reboots simply the safest options?

Everything is about money. I believe that plays a massive part in new ideas getting rejected by networks and production companies. Reboots feed off nostalgia, and when you can offer people a taste of the “good times,” back when things were simpler, and the original show/film first came out, there’s already an audience that’ll tune in. This doesn’t always result in instant success, but at least there’s some hope to cling to.

Original ideas start from the ground up, literally. Building a loyal audience isn’t something that happens overnight, in some cases, not even in one season. It takes time, and to me, it seems like networks and production companies aren’t willing to wait. There are so many new shows (original ideas) that I enjoyed that ended up being canceled due to “budget reasons” or “low ratings.” But were they ever truly given a chance to succeed?

Two original sitcoms that should’ve had second seasons

Poppa’s House on CBS and Act Your Age on Bounce TV weren’t picked up for second seasons. They weren’t viral shows, but I remember both having some momentum.

Poppa’s House starred Damon Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr., and Essence Atkins. It followed Poppa (Damon Wayans), a popular NYC DJ who needed to adjust to changes, including his new co-host, Dr. Ivy Reed (Atkins). According to Deadline, the show was asked to trim its budget and was competing for the last comedy spot on CBS’s 2025-2026 schedule and lost.

Act Your Age starred Kym Whitley, Tisha Campbell, and Yvette Nicole Brown as three middle-aged friends (total opposites) living together. It was the network’s most-watched half-hour series debut. So why wasn’t it renewed? I could not find an official reason.

I’m seriously hoping this is the year of original ideas. There are too many talented writers and producers sitting on the “next big thing.”

Header photo credit: LPETTET from Getty Images Signature via Canva Pro

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