Nostalgia Not Needed: 10 TV Reboots That Should've Stayed in the Past

1. "Ironside" (2013)

This reboot of the 1967-75 series about a wheelchair-bound detective (originally played by Raymond Burr) was widely criticized for lacking the substance of the original. Blair Underwood took on the titular role, and while he's a terrific actor, the reboot couldn't shake off its narrative shortcomings. Ratings fell faster than a boulder off a cliff, and it was cancelled after just four episodes. It was a disheartening run, and it was obvious that the show was confined to its narrative wheelchair, unable to move beyond its clichéd premise.

2. "Melrose Place" (2009-2010)

The 1992-1999 original was a hotbed of melodrama and plot twists that kept viewers hooked. The 2009 reboot? Not so much. Despite bringing back some original cast members and throwing in a murder mystery for good measure, the new "Melrose Place" was a snooze-fest. It was as if the original's wild spirit had been replaced with a tepid glass of lukewarm water. After a single season, the reboot was cancelled. It seems the residents of the new Melrose Place were evicted as swiftly as they'd moved in.

3. "Bionic Woman" (2007)

The original "Bionic Woman," which aired from 1976 to 1978, had a kitschy charm that made it popular among viewers. The 2007 reboot, however, took a grittier approach, which didn't resonate with fans. Michelle Ryan as the titular character couldn't save the show from its muddled storytelling and a lack of the original's charm.

Critics were not kind, and Rotten Tomatoes records a meager 22% rating. After a mere eight episodes, the show was pulled from the schedule. If only the producers had bionic hearing to listen to the cries of fans begging them to stop.

4. "Knight Rider" (2008-2009)

The original "Knight Rider," starring David Hasselhoff and his sentient car KITT, is a beloved cult classic. The 2008 reboot, on the other hand, will probably not be remembered with the same fondness. Critics and audiences alike found the show to be uninspired and dull, with a Rotten Tomatoes rating of a dismal 36%. What was meant to be a revamp ended up being a disappointing retread. The series' wheels fell off after just one season, proving that not even a talking car could drive this show to success.

5. "Charlie's Angels" (2011)

Attempting to capture the spirit of the original 1976-1981 series, and following the success of two feature films, this reboot missed the mark by a mile. Critics described it as "bland" and "unimaginative," with a Rotten Tomatoes score sitting at a bleak 0%. Despite the beautiful backdrop of Miami and an ensemble of talented actresses, the show was a critical and commercial failure. The angels lost their wings after just four episodes. If only Charlie could have given his angels a better script along with their mission briefing.

6. "The Twilight Zone" (2019 – 2020)

Taking on a cultural icon like "The Twilight Zone" is a daunting task, and despite having Jordan Peele as the host, this reboot failed to live up to its legendary predecessor. The eerie charm and thoughtful storytelling of the original were replaced with heavy-handed moral lessons and forgettable narratives. Critics weren't thrilled either, resulting in a lukewarm Rotten Tomatoes score of 66%. Sadly, this trip into the Twilight Zone was more of a wrong turn than an exciting detour, leading to its cancellation after two seasons.

7. "The Munsters" (2012)

This reboot titled "Mockingbird Lane" was a real head-scratcher. Trying to modernize the beloved 1964-66 comedy about a family of friendly monsters, it ended up being a strange blend of horror and comedy that left viewers confused. Despite an impressive cast, including Jerry O'Connell, Portia de Rossi, and Eddie Izzard, the show failed to recapture the original's magic. The pilot episode was aired as a Halloween special but didn't get further than that. Even for a family of monsters, this attempt was a bit too scary.

8. "Uncle Buck" (2016)

The original "Uncle Buck" was a 1989 film starring John Candy. The 2016 TV reboot, however, didn't bring the same humor or heart that Candy did. Despite an attempt to update the concept with an all-Black cast, the comedy fell flat. The show was lambasted for its lack of originality and, according to Rotten Tomatoes, has an approval rating of only 31%. After a single season, the show was scrapped. This is one Uncle who overstayed his welcome.

9. "Dynasty" (2017 – Present)

Oh, "Dynasty." This reboot of the classic 1980s soap opera tried to bring the Carrington family's decadence and drama to a new generation, but it hasn't lived up to its predecessor. Despite glitzy costumes and melodramatic plot twists, the reboot lacked the charisma and charm of the original series. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 53%, the show isn't exactly beloved by critics, but it's somehow managed to stay on air. It seems that not even money can buy the Carringtons a stellar reboot.

10. "One Day at a Time" (2017 – 2020)

Before you come at me with pitchforks, hear me out. The "One Day at a Time" reboot was indeed a hit with critics (holding a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), but it didn't resonate with a large audience. Reviving the 1975-1984 series, the reboot switched the focus to a Cuban-American family and addressed contemporary issues with grace and humor.

Yet, despite critical praise, it was cancelled by Netflix due to low viewership, picked up by Pop, and then cancelled again. It's an example of a reboot done right, but unfortunately, it failed to secure the viewership it needed to stay afloat.