By: Matthew Oldfield Freelancer
People all long for the shows from their childhood. Shows like “Full House”, “Gilmore Girls”, “Wizards of Waverly Place”, “That’s So Raven” and “CHiPs” are just a few of the shows from over five years ago with released or upcoming reboots.
Reunion and revivals have aren’t a new concept in the realm of TV, but are always risky with the ever-burning question, “Will this get views?” echoing in producers’ minds. Now that the internet has given voices to people that clamor for reunions and revival, producers can test the waters with news about former cast members getting together for a reunion, or something new.
Netflix has entered the realm of reboots with its revivals of “Full House” and “Gilmore Girls.” Both were met with mixed reviews from critics but positive feedback from viewers watching for nostalgia. With the viewer’s input, these shows are seeing some form of longevity in potential for renewed seasons.
After Netflix’s success, Disney’s notice of fan demanded revivals was something they didn’t ignore. Originally giving “Boy Meets World” it’s revival in “Girl Meets World”, now seeing to the reunion, confirmed by Selena Gomez, of “Wizards of Waverly Place” and confirmation by Raven Symone that a “That So Raven” revival is in the works with Disney. Fans of both shows are eagerly awaiting the revival and reunion of these shows.
Movies aren’t excluded from TV revivals. Though movies only provide a one time story for old TV shows, they could help spark potential interest in audience’s reactions on bringing them back for a sequel, much like the fame of “21 Jump Street” and the sequel “22 Jump Street”.
The newest TV revival movie comes in the form of “CHiPs,” a 1970 TV show about California highway patrol officers. The new movie will have Oregon’s own Dax Shepard in the director’s chair.
Revival TV has become a trend within the past decade and could bring more old shows to a younger audience who might not have heard about them. With Netflix and Disney taking interest in the revival movement, more companies might take the same route in bringing back shows from their network history. With any luck, some fan favorite shows from childhood might come back to TV one more time.
Contact the author at moldfield14@wou.edu
