Why Are So Many TV Shows Getting Reboots?

The question of why Hollywood is producing so many reboots of classic television shows, despite the availability of fresh and original ideas, invites a closer look at the business dynamics that influence entertainment production.

Fred Allen's Culinary Analogy

Perhaps the most evocative analogy to understand this phenomenon is Fred Allen's famous line: "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." In the context of television, this means that remaking popular shows can be seen as a form of homage, rekindling the audience's nostalgia and ensuring a certain level of viewership that the original lacked.

It is true that theatrical adaptations and remakes often inspire greater attendance at cinemas, as audiences seek to relive their favorite stories or discover new elements. However, the primary driver for reboots in television is often financial rather than artistic or nostalgic. Studios are more inclined to take calculated risks with something familiar, knowing they stand a better chance of recouping their investments.

Financial Risks in New Ideas

The television industry, like any creative business, is inherently risky. Venturing into uncharted territory with an entirely new show is fraught with uncertainties. Even if a studio believes in an innovative concept, the success of the show is far from guaranteed. Launching a reboot or a sequel, on the other hand, reduces this financial risk. Studios can more accurately predict viewership and revenue, which is a compelling draw given the potential for profit even in the event of cancellation.

Consider the example of a typical reboot project. If a TV reboot costs a million dollars to produce, covering 13 episodes, and it gets cancelled after airing, the studio has made a profit of 3 million dollars. This is a net gain, which is more appealing than the potential loss if they had invested in an entirely new and untested show.

The Track Record of Reboots

It is important to note that reboots of classic TV shows often do not achieve the success of their predecessors. Attempts to recreate the magic of old shows can fall flat, particularly if the original elements are not preserved. For instance, the two reboots of The Odd Couple in the 1980s and the 2010s were met with mixed reviews and struggled to capture the essence of the original series. Similarly, the recent attempt at rebooting The Incredible Mr. Limpet was also ill-received.

More recently, the reboot of Kung Fu from the 1970s has met with skepticism. David Carradine, the original lead actor who played the title role, is so deeply ingrained in the character that the studio faces a significant challenge in capturing the same level of impact and authenticity. Attempts to reframe the storyline without the iconic figure are unlikely to resonate with viewers who grew up watching the original.

Conclusion

In conclusion, reboots are driven by financial prudence and the desire to reduce risk. While they may not always succeed in eliciting the same level of success or impact as their predecessors, they offer a safer bet for studios. The critical factor remains the ability to honor the original essence of the show, a task that historical and cultural contexts make increasingly difficult to accomplish.