These Shows From Our Childhood Need A Reboot!
In an entertainment landscape where franchises dominate, reboots and spinoffs have been in large supply. After the consumption trend of rewatching old comfort shows during the covid pandemic, studios have changed their strategy to give people more of what they already love. While some reboots don’t have the same appeal as their original productions, many spinoffs and new series hit that perfect blend of nostalgia and modernization. We’ve seen the return of iCarly and Zoey 102, but we want more. Pop Culture Planet contributors Jordan Bohan and Paola Cardenas break down the shows of our childhood that deserve a reboot or spinoff.
Clarissa Explains It All
Melissa Joan Hart got her big break in Nickelodeon’s Clarissa Explains It All. The series ran for five seasons and followed Clarissa as she explained why people do what they do through sarcastic and funny delivery of untold stories. She explained coming of age issues and topics in a comical and irreverent way.
A reboot of Clarissa Explains It All could cater to a new audience of young adults growing up in an ever changing world. Melissa Joan Hart has continued to see success with her acting career and reclaiming her role as Clarissa would be a full circle moment. A reboot of this series could bring a fresh voice to the self-help era in a funny and relatable way.
- Jordan Bohan
Degrassi
Degrassi seems to be one of the few series that is able to reinvent itself just enough to stay relevant to current youth, but also stay true to its roots. With five series spanning almost forty years, Degrassi was able to connect with generations of teens and young adults. They covered almost every teenage experience from relationships and friendships to alcohol and drug abuse.
In April of 2022, Max (formerly HBO Max) announced a new Degrassi series. The following November, it was announced that the reboot was canceled due to the merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc. Hope isn’t lost as the showrunners shared plans to shop around the series and seemed dedicated to a future of Degrassi. Fans of the series would love a reboot to see the series tackle today’s relevant issues and coming-of-age stories through the lens of the past characters’ kids and relatives.
- Jordan Bohan
Hannah Montana
A childhood fan favorite and the launching pad for Miley Cyrus’ career, Hannah Montana is a classic for those who grew up in the 2000s. The series had crossover episodes with Suite Life on Deck and Wizards of Waverly Place, in addition to the theatrical film Hannah Montana: The Movie. The show is Disney Channel’s most successful original series and understandably so. Original songs, witty comedy, and a superstar double life was a recipe for success.
Whether Miley Cyrus would be willing to participate in a reboot is a big question, but there’s no doubt fans would show up no matter what. They could remake Hannah Montana: The Movie with Miley now and garner just the same amount, if not more success. The reboot could be a bit meta, given how big Miley’s career has gotten, but could be a great commentary on child stars and the impact of the entertainment industry. If Miley is ever willing, she could break the internet by reprising her original role.
- Jordan Bohan
Lizzie McGuire
Even though the show only aired for two seasons and a movie, Lizzie McGuire had a large cultural impact. The series follows 13-year-old Lizzie as she goes through her daily life of school, friendships, an annoying younger brother, and the typical growing pains of being in middle school. Throughout the series, we get to hear Lizzie’s true inner thoughts through her animated alter ego.
The show put Hilary Duff on the map, but seemed to end before its time. A Lizzie McGuire revival show was announced in 2019 with Duff returning to portray the title character as a 30-year-old millennial navigating life in New York City. Unfortuunately, it was said to be more mature than Disney+ wanted and they wouldn’t move the show to Hulu, so it was cancelled before it could move forward in 2020,
We’re still dying for a Lizzie McGuire revival and Duff would be the perfect person to take us through the struggles of living through adulthood and motherhood. Sometimes hearing people’s flaws and unfiltered thoughts makes us realize we aren’t so alone and everyone has problems. A Lizzie McGuire reboot would be an excellent project for an untapped genre.
- Jordan Bohan
Ned’s Declassified School’s Survival Guide
Ned’s Declassified School’s Survival Guide aired from 2004 to 2007 and holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up watching it. A reboot focusing on the adult lives of Ned, Cookie, and Mosely, along with other beloved hilarious characters such as Coconut Head, Seth Powers, and Gordy the janitor, would be the perfect nostalgia trip for its now adult fanbase.
Due to the idea being passed on when pitched to Nickelodeon, Devon Werkheiser, Daniel Curtis Lee, and Lindsey Shaw started a podcast together called “Ned’s Declassified Podcast Survival Guide” where they talk about career and personal challenges, funny moments, drama, love, and heartbreak. Sometimes they have guests from the old show, but they always give out adult life tips at the end of every episode. I’m sure we would all love to see these three navigate adult life like we are in the same funny, sarcastic way they handled middle school.
- Paola Cardenas
Sister Sister
Sister Sister premiered in 1994 and ran for six seasons. The series starred Tia and Tamera Mowry who play twins that were separated at birth and adopted by different parents. The teens have a chance encounter at a mall and the families meet. Tamera’s father allows Tia and her mother to move into their home so that the girls can spend more time together. They may look similar, but the sisters couldn’t be more different.
A reboot of Sister Sister could cater to a new audience of adults who may be going through the same thing, but have two different perspectives on how to solve problems. Tia and Tamera could reunite on screen to show how important it is to lean on family and that growing up never really ends.
- Jordan Bohan
Victorious
Victorious was a Nickelodeon staple for kids in the 2010s and starred Ariana Grande, Victoria Justice, Liz Gillies, Avan Jogia, and more. The series was a hit given its musical talent, guest stars, and idealistic school portrayal. The creative arts themed series encouraged kids and teens to be fun, silly, and pursue their dreams.
Given the fact that a reboot for this series would be extremely difficult given the level of talent across the ensemble cast, a spinoff series based at Hollywood Arts High School would definitely resonate with fans. Introducing a new group of artists, singers, musicians, and performers would encourage a new generation of creatives to pursue their passions… maybe even taught by Daniella Monet’s wacky Trina!
- Jordan Bohan
Wizards of Waverly Place
Known best for launching the career of Selena Gomez, Wizards of Waverly Place is another fan favorite from the 2000s. The series participated in network crossovers and is the only live action Disney Channel show to win an Emmy. Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie was a tentpole moment for Disney and solidified the series as a staple.
Many fans would love to see Selena Gomez revisit her sarcastic and magical character. Series regulars Jennifer Stone and David DeLuise started a commentary podcast Wizards of Waverly Pod. The duo watch the series for the first time in years, sharing behind the scenes moments and insider information. Though it isn’t a reboot, it’s a great way to revisit a childhood favorite. With advances in CGI and special effects, it's no secret that this reboot could be a hit. If Selena Gomez were to pivot back to her wizarding ways, fans would undoubtedly be ready for a reboot.
- Jordan Bohan
