Mitchell Haaseth/NBC
To the highly-paid and pinstriped-suited programming executives at the networks:
Stop!
Oh, I’m sorry. Let me be more specific. I’m not asking you to stop creating more crummy reality programs, or stop making mediocre to poor comedies that no one laughs at, or even stop airing According to Jim, which is heading in the direction of being one of the longest running sitcoms ever. I want you to stop, halt and desist on one and one subject only.
Stop remaking shows that have already aired on American television.
What got me to this point was the news that the 1980s science fiction series V is being remade for modern audiences. This, after news last month that both Melrose Place and The Partridge Family were being considered for reincarnation as well. It has now gotten to the point of near saturation. Or, in a more technical term, it has gotten friggin’ ridiculous.
We have Battlestar Galactica to thank for this run of remakes, of course. Due to the enormous popularity of that show and its legion of fans, the networks have decided lightning can strike several times. Which is why we had a remake of Bionic Woman last season and reincarnations of Knight Rider and 90210 this time around. But, there’s a difference between what is broadcast between the major networks and the cable networks.
Think about it for a second. The BSG remake premiered on SciFi Channel, a niche network. There was already a set fan base for the network that was dying for some first-run science fiction fare other than Stargate. That, and the show was given the time and looser restraints to refine itself to become the classic that it is now. Shows on network television don’t have the time, money or looser restrictions to finesse and tweak them. Not only that, but network shows cater to a wider-range of audience than a cable network like SciFi.
What this results in is poor to middling programs that run the gamut of audience appeal. For instance, last year’s remake of The Bionic Woman met with poor reviews from both audience and critics and resulted in the show’s cancellation not long after the Writers Strike ended. This year, remakes of both Knight Rider and 90210 have met with mixed reviews and audiences that are good, but not great.
By continuing on this path of remakes you are potentially diluting the current slate of primetime programs, let alone setting yourselves up for over-saturation. Viewers are clamoring for new stuff on the networks. Should the creators of these new projects move away from TV into new media forms on the Internet the talent pool is going to be reduced. Then where are you going to be?
We all love our classic shows; there’s no doubt about that. But, what makes them classic is the magic they exuded when they were originally on the air. Remakes have the potential of losing that magic and diminishing the originals that came before. In other words, start giving us some new and creative shows that we can make new classics. If not, then you may be in more trouble than you thought.
Angry, yet with the most sincerity any person could give,
Rich
Clacked by Richard Keller 
on Oct 15, 2008 @ 16:00 EST5EDT
I agree completely, but asking for originality is a pretty tall order it seems. :o)
You know, I have to be honest. If they would not REMAKE a show, but put it in the future, like they have done with 90210, I could stand it. I mean, if they are going to remake the Partridge Family, then I want it to be the damned family. Tell me what Keith, Laurie and Danny are up to. Let it be there kids, even if they can’t get the same actors.
If they are going to dig up V, then pick up where it left off. I have a good idea! Why don’t they restart Invasion, Jericho or Moonlight!
At least letting the history stand for itself and adding to the story rather than rehashing the same one we’ve already seen would take a little more imagination.
If they are going to dig up V, then pick up where it left off. I have a good idea! Why don’t they restart Invasion, Jericho or Moonlight!”
or FireFly.
or Wonderfalls.
or Dead Like Me.
I think the real issues are these.
1. if they are going to remake a show … if the original is funny … then they should be obligated to make the remake funny (see the failures of Coupling and Kath & Kim (Crap & Crud) and the success of The Office)
2. if they are going to remake a show … then they should be forced to pick a valid show to remake … not crap like Knight Rider