10 Classic ’80s TV Shows That Need A Reboot

TV reboots are still incredibly popular. We’ve seen many classic shows return in recent years, including Malcolm in the Middle, Frasier, and Scrubs. The new X-Files reboot, from Ryan Coogler, plans to mix original actors with a fresh cast. Despite all these revivals, there are still some beloved shows from the 1980s that haven’t been updated for today’s viewers.

Some popular TV shows from the 1980s could really benefit from a modern update – a revival, remake, or reboot – to address their flaws. Interestingly, others might actually resonate more with audiences today than they did decades ago. While it’s difficult to picture these shows without their original actors, seeing them reimagined for a new generation would feel more exciting than many of the recent sequels or continuations of classic series.

Family Ties

The Modern Family Sitcom Could Use A Topical Edge

Many people overlook the ’80s sitcom Family Ties, likely because star Michael J. Fox later became famous for Back to the Future. But the show itself was a smart and interesting look at how families dealt with differing beliefs, especially the Keatons. The parents, who had been hippies in the past, often clashed with their son Alex’s conservative political views as a member of the Young Republicans.

While a show like Family Ties might not resonate with modern audiences—a very conservative character like Alex in 2026 could be quite controversial—the show’s success proves such a character could be surprisingly appealing. It’s even possible this could help families struggling with political differences find common ground.

Murder, She Wrote

Angela Lansbury’s Shoes Are Hard To Fill, But Many Are Trying

For many, the idea of reviving Murder, She Wrote without Angela Lansbury feels wrong. However, the show – which followed mystery novelist Jessica Fletcher as she solved crimes – was popular enough to run for 12 seasons, from 1984 to 1996. Now, a movie based on the series, starring Jamie Lee Curtis as Jessica Fletcher, is in production. Its release was recently pushed back to avoid competing with another big film.

Bringing back Murder, She Wrote with a fresh cast isn’t a bad idea. A reboot with Octavia Spencer as the new lead was considered a few years ago, but Angela Lansbury didn’t approve. There are many talented actresses working today who could easily take on the role, like Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lisa Ann Walter, or Sarah Snook – the possibilities are endless.

ALF

If We Can Do Star Wars On TV, Then Surely ALF Is Doable

I still can’t believe it’s been 40 years, but ALF was seriously ahead of its time – and honestly, it would still be considered pretty wild today! The show is about a totally normal family, the Tanners, who end up hiding an alien – that’s what A.L.F. stands for! – in their house. He’s safe with them, but let me tell you, ALF is a troublemaker! He’s super sarcastic, always causing chaos, and constantly trying to… well, eat the cat! A lot of the funny stuff comes from how aliens on his home planet, Melmac, just naturally behave.

Despite being a famously troubled show during its original run, a new version of ALF might find success with today’s viewers. The premise – a family secretly hiding an alien – feels surprisingly relevant in current political discussions. However, despite some interest, a reboot of ALF hasn’t happened yet.

Cagney & Lacey

The Classic Buddy Cop Dynamic Can Work In Any Decade

Today, a show about two female police partners – one single and one with a family – isn’t a groundbreaking idea. However, the strong connection between the original stars of Cagney & Lacey was a major reason the show was so popular for seven seasons, making a reboot with a fresh pair of actors quite plausible.

A revival of the classic show Cagney & Lacey, potentially starring actors from Grey’s Anatomy and Blindspot, was considered by CBS a few years ago, but only a pilot episode was ever made. However, crime shows have been successful lately with series like High Potential, Will Trent, and The Hunting Party, suggesting there’s an appetite for a strong, female-led buddy cop drama on television right now.

Bosom Buddies

Who Will Be Hollywood’s Next Tom Hanks?

Before becoming famous for movies like Philadelphia and Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks had a very different role. He starred in a silly sitcom called Bosom Buddies with Peter Scolari. The show, which lasted two seasons, was about two men who pretended to be women so they could live in an affordable all-female hotel.

The show’s comedy largely comes from the main characters pretending to be women, a trope that might feel a bit old-fashioned to some viewers. However, the core idea is similar to the classic film Some Like It Hot, which is still considered one of the funniest movies ever made. In essence, the story of two men disguising themselves to outsmart a flawed system is a concept that would likely connect with audiences today.

Beauty And The Beast

This Fairy Tale Drama Would Be Adored By Tumblr Today

This Beauty and the Beast is a different story than the famous Disney musical. It’s a modern retelling of the fairy tale, featuring Linda Hamilton as a lawyer who falls in love with a mysterious man, Vincent (played by Ron Perlman), after he saves her life. Their relationship dramatically alters both of their destinies. Instead of a faraway kingdom, the story unfolds in New York City, which hides a secret underground world – the home of Vincent.

You know, there was a Beauty and the Beast reboot on The CW back in 2012, but I think the story could really resonate with audiences again now. What’s fascinating is that George R.R. Martin actually wrote for that show before he created A Song of Ice & Fire. It makes you wonder if bringing in some Game of Thrones faces – like Rory McCann, for example – could introduce this classic tale to a whole new generation of viewers. It’s a fun thought!

Knight Rider

Only One Modern Actor Can Capture The Coolness Of This Series

Today’s shows featuring AI-powered cars often feel more like horror stories than exciting action series. Still, the original Knight Rider—starring David Hasselhoff—seems perfect for a modern update. The show follows an LAPD detective who gets a second chance at life with cybernetic enhancements after a life-threatening injury. He’s paired with K.I.T.T., a virtually indestructible Pontiac Firebird that can talk and is equipped with advanced technology.

The basic idea behind Knight Rider might seem a little silly to some, but it clearly has a dedicated fanbase. That’s why the show is getting a movie and even had a reboot series with Justin Bruening back in 2008. Imagine a charismatic actor like Glen Powell taking the lead – you wouldn’t be able to resist watching it all in one weekend!

Moonlighting

The Combo Of Bruce Willis and Cybil Shepherd Wasn’t Just Deadly, It Was Hilarious

While many know Bruce Willis from the 1988 action film Die Hard, he first gained widespread recognition three years earlier in the ABC comedy series Moonlighting. In the show, Willis plays alongside Cybil Shepherd, who plays a former model who invests in a detective agency. After facing financial hardship, she teams up with Willis’s character to solve crimes. Moonlighting wasn’t just another crime show, though – it was groundbreaking and introduced new TV formats that are still influential today.

Beyond directly addressing the audience, Moonlighting was known for its incredibly creative episodes – some were filmed in black and white like old movies, and one even felt like a Shakespeare play with poetic dialogue. Since it went off the air, no show has been quite as innovative or daring, meaning any attempt to revive it would have a lot to live up to.

Police Squad!

There’s No Such Thing As “Too Much” Of The Naked Gun

Despite being released six years after the short-lived TV show Police Squad! was cancelled, The Naked Gun movie revolutionized comedy films. It’s a shame Police Squad! didn’t receive the same recognition during its run, because audiences might have enjoyed many more seasons of Leslie Nielsen as the hilariously clumsy detective Frank Drebin, whose straight-faced delivery perfectly contrasted the wacky situations he found himself in.

Honestly, with Liam Neeson reviving the Taken franchise in 2025, it feels like the perfect moment to bring back Police Squad! I know getting a star like Neeson for a TV show might be a long shot, but if Akiva Schaffer is still directing, I think fans would be happy with a short, hilarious take on what’s already been one of the funniest movies of the last few years. It’d be great to see that style of comedy back on our screens!

SCTV

Why Should NBC Have A Monopoly On Sketch Comedy?

Though often overshadowed by Saturday Night Live in the late 70s and early 80s, SCTV (or Second City Television) was a significant sketch comedy show in its own right. It gained a strong following by featuring established performers from Toronto’s Second City theater, including future comedy stars like John Candy, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, and Rick Moranis.

Even though the original series ended in 1984, The Second City is still a huge force in comedy, offering training in Toronto, Chicago, and New York. With the recent revival of SNL UK, it might be time for a new wave of talented comedians from The Second City’s stage shows to make their mark on television.

2026-05-16 01:41