Posted on 01/10/2008 10:46:44 AM PST by qam1
The days of neon leg warmers and hair scrunchies may be long gone, but the hit television shows from the 1980's may not be, as some of the top programs from the era continue to show up on this generation's plasma TVs. So far, NBC has been the only network to re-launch cult classics, first with "Bionic Woman" (the new version dropped the originals 'The' from the title) and then followed suit with "American Gladiators." The network is planning to air a new version of "Knight Rider" later this year, too.
With the writers strike still on and the networks having difficulty producing new -- and popular -- programming, TV insiders told ABCNEWS.com that re-inventing the cult classics, and appealing to viewers' sense of nostalgia, may be just what the industry needs.
"Broadcast network television is having the hardest time right now launching new TV," said Ben Grossman, the Los Angeles bureau chief for industry publication "Broadcasting & Cable." "It might be smart to launch something with a built-in audience." "If you can get people who know [the show] and remember it fondly and can get new people to watch, you've got a hit," added Grossman.
"Bionic Woman's" ratings weren't that impressive, and while "American Gladiators" were significantly better -- it was the highest-rated launch of any show this season so far -- it's still too early to predict its success, said Grossman.
No, it's not David Hasselhoff and the killer Trans-Am. Actor Justin Bruening and his customized Mustang update "Knight Rider" for its 2008 TV comeback.
"If you're re-making 'Bionic Woman' or 'American Gladiators' you know that at least a certain percentage of people are going to show up and watch out of curiosity and nostalgia," James Hibberd, a senior editor at "TVWeek," told ABCNEWS.com.
"This is why reality concepts from overseas are so popular, because you have at least some idea that they work," noted Hibberd. "If you're starting something from scratch you have to market the idea in a way that introduces the concept and so then you're rolling the dice because you have no template for success."
Several critics told ABCNEWS.com that NBC's decision to re-do the classics is at least partially due to the fact that Ben Silverman, co-chair of NBC Entertainment, is a Generation X-er himself, and may very well share in the nostalgia many have for the television programs they grew up watching.
But not everyone is convinced that shows that flourished more than two decades ago will continue to do so today, and some say that recycling the old content is ignoring the kind of creativity the industry desperately needs. "It's a lot easier to go with something that you know than to do something innovative," said Tom Lewis, the TV editor for the blog LAist.com. "There is a bit of a cop out [to re-doing old programs]."
Unlike the remakes of shows like Batman, Lewis told ABCNEWS.com that he thought the fault in the recent cult classic revival is that they are essentially the same shows transported into a later time period.
TV classics like "Bionic Woman" are being re-made in the hopes of attracting nostalgic fans and newcomers.
"Instead of embracing change and innovation the networks and their producers are holding onto drama [and] comedy show concepts and formats that made them big players 40 to 50 years ago," said Lewis.
Can the 'Oldies' Become the 'Goodies,' Again? Whether re-doing programming from previous decades will become a larger trend will depend largely on how successfully the first attempts are, according to TV insiders. If shows such as "American Gladiators" continue to pull in good ratings, other networks will be eager to jump on the bandwagon of a new business strategy -- much like what happened during the reality TV craze. "If somebody does find a little bit of success then everyone in television will run to copy what works. Look at "American Idol" and its rip offs," said "Broadcasting & Cable's" Grossman.
But nostalgia may not be enough to keep these shows afloat for more than a few weeks, according to Ray Richmond, TV critic and entertainment columnist for "The Hollywood Reporter."
"Nostalgia is a very powerful thing," said Richmond. "Everyone things everything was cooler 'way back when.'"
"And sometimes [shows or films] will come back and they'll be great, but often times they're paled imitations and it's better to leave the past," Richmond added. "You can't always duplicate success."
I was hooked on Heroes the first season. Just as the plot started to drone on, they would answer some questions and save it. Since then I get the feeling they are stalling to come up with a direction for the show. Too many characters to follow and the story is all over the place. Some of the time stories do not even make sense (or I missed something).
I like it a lot, but good guys changing to bad and bad guys changing back and not knowing what is good and bad....and oh by the way, meet these new people with "special" powers. I fear it is spinning out of control.
I like the show, but I am losing interest fast.
Laugh at me, but I always liked Dallas. It’s the only soap I ever liked.
“I would KILL for a good pizza right about now. This ‘eating healthy’ and ‘weight loss’ BS is for the birds.”
I’d like a good pizza too. I don’t have a weight problem but I just got out of the hospital a few days ago with what I thought was a herat attack. No heart damage was found, but now I’m on the heart healthy thing. It sucks already.
Can you imagine Miami Vice with the same cast today? Don Johnson probably weighs 50 pounds more than he did in the 80’s. Phillip Michael Thomas probably can’t remember how to act, since its been so long since he’s worked. and yet I’d probably still watch it. I’d stick with In the Air Tonight, and the 80’s music as well. Today’s music is pure crap.
When I was a kid I absolutely loved Linda Carter. Waht a babe.
Looks like there won’t be any new scripted shows for a couple years if ever again.
When I was a young lad watching WKRP, I had a serious crush on Jan Smithers.
As did/do I. She was reeeeally something.
I'll bet you're a Mary Ann over Ginger man too.
I still miss Blaze.
Despite my affinity for redheads, I have always been a Mary Ann fan (I have always liked “girl next door” types).
I like “Bionic Woman”. The upgraded tech was awesome. Plus, KATEE SACKHOFF!
I also like the pilot for “Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles”.
I hear ya. I've got a collection of old rap CD's (along with my huge collection of metal), and the new crap doesn't hold a candle to the old school stuff.
The RIAA are bawling about how hip hop sales dropped by 30% in 2007. The reason is because THE NEW STUFF SUCKS! Take a look at BET when they're running vids - it's all the same old shit: braggarts, bling, booties, and bullshit.
In fact, the best selling genres these days are country and metal - my favorites.
Funny you should mention Superman II.
I was quoting General Zod no more than an hour ago!
"Why do you say such things, when you know that I will kill you for it?"
"Now, son of Jor-El..."
/wathced "Batman Begins" last night, and it was WAY better than I had anticipated
Her sister Zooey is pretty cute too.
I saw her in "The Hitchiker's Guide To The Galaxy", "Elf", and "Tin Man".
Zooey is a dead ringer for the 28 year old assitant manager who "seduced" me when I was 18...
I can't look at her image on TV without drooling. LOL
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.