Hollywood seems to have run out of fresh ideas, and we’re living in an era when every classic show is rebooted or revived.
I loved the 1980s and 1990s television shows, but did not want to see everyone rebooted. Some were classics for a reason, and others ran long enough in their prime.
On Monday, Variety announced that a 7th Heaven reboot is in early development. Why? While I loved the first several seasons, it’s a prime example of a series that ran too long and does not need to return.
7th Heaven ran for 11 seasons on The WB and The CW and followed the Camden family.
It was a family favorite back then as it explored how Rev. Eric Camden and his wife dealt with their many children.
While it leaned Christian, it wasn’t overly preachy, and featured some of the best sibling relationships on television.
The older children, Matt (Barry Watson) and Mary (Jessica Biel), left after the sixth season, but, ironically, Biel will executive-produce the reboot under her Iron Ocean Banner.
Biel has produced some recent hits, including Freeform’s Cruel Summer and the upcoming Prime Video’s The Better Sister, which she’ll also star in. She’s well-versed in starring and creating family drama, so we’re excited.
Sources reveal that none of the original cast is attached, and the reboot will feature a diverse cast this time.
Again, why bring back 7th Heaven, especially with the stigma of the Stephen Collins controversy? It’s the first thing people will think of, even without him attached.
I’ll be the first person to admit we need more family-oriented shows. I miss family dynamics on primetime television, but why can’t we create something original with a diverse cast?
This isn’t Hollywood’s first time rebooting a ’90s show with a diverse cast.
Freeform rebooted the FOX hit Party of Five in 2020, and instead of the parents dying, they were deported back to Mexico.
The series received mixed reviews because it covered many current topics, and the new cast members, such as Emily Tosta, Niko Guardado, and Brandon Larracuente, had authentic sibling connections.
However, many fans remembered the original ’90s version that launched Scott Wolf and Lacey Chabert‘s careers.
While new fans appreciated the modern twists and political issues, Freeform could have created a fresh family drama about these issues.
They used to be known for that, and many fans hate when a classic is redone and watch for comparisons.
ABC also tried rebooting a classic when the network rebooted The Wonder Years, which focused on the Williams family living in Montgomery, Alabama.
This reboot worked better since EJ Williams and Dule Hill charmed viewers as father and son.
As charming as it was, the new version only lasted two years, making me wonder if the reboot name helped or hurt them.
While 7th Heaven does not have a network attached to it yet, CBS Studios is developing it so it could return to The CW or CBS.
Having a show about an African-American minister and his family isn’t a bad idea, but it shouldn’t be modeled after the Camdens.
It’s time for some fresh ideas, and we don’t need to redo every sitcom or drama.
I’m exhausted from reading about many reboots, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and A Walk to Remember.
The new Buffy the Vampire Slayer may work only if Sarah Michelle Gellar is heavily involved, and, ironically, these former teen stars are returning more in creative roles than starring roles.
While they know the ins and outs of their series, many fans still long to see them on-screen, too, so making a reboot without them appearing will fail.
Some TV shows and movies should be cherished, and if they are remade, they should be under an entirely new brand.
Let’s create some new family drama for a new generation of viewers.
Over to you, TV Fanatics.
What are your thoughts on a 7th Heaven reboot?
Are you as weary of reboots as I am?
Agree? Disagree? Have a theory?
Let us know in the comments, or share this article with someone who will want to argue about it with you. That’s what makes it fun.
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