Top 10 TV Shows That Should NEVER Be Rebooted

Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’ll be counting down our picks for TV series that were so timely, or just so perfect, the first time around, they don’t need a remake. Which modern TV show do you think is way too good to ever be rebooted? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

#10: “All in the Family” (1971-79)

One of the most brazen and influential sitcoms of all time, “All in the Family” follows the working-class family the Bunkers. The series helped bring more serious and taboo topics not only into comedy shows, but also into the public discourse. These days, discussing charged issues isn’t usually a problem – it’s staying civil about it that many struggle with. A character like Archie Bunker, who’s an openly bigoted man, would be a tough sell in today’s television landscape. “All in the Family” came at just the right time to help people examine their beliefs and laugh too. “Those were the days,” and they’ll never come again.

#9: “Friday Night Lights” (2006-11)

There aren’t that many sports dramas on TV today, so we could see why someone would want to remake this one. The show mixed moving family stories and the emotional stakes of high school football in a way that still has us cheering. It was an underdog throughout its run, but like any good team, the cast and crew played their hearts out and won big… critically, at least. The family at the center of it all had such a perfect resolution in the end, that we think “Friday Night Lights” should leave it all on the field.

#8: “Mad Men” (2007-15)

A period drama following the lives of ad executive Don Draper and his family and co-workers, “Mad Men” was a highly acclaimed and successful show. Its examination of its characters and depiction of the 1960s and 70s are still praised by many. Although the show doesn’t wrap up every storyline, ambiguity is baked into the series’ success, so making a continuation would detract from the ending. And period dramas in particular don’t need updating, since they’re made to be about a specific place and time. It would take a salesman of Don’s caliber to convince us that a “Mad Men” reboot could ever live up to the original.

#7: “30 Rock” (2006-13)

With its goofy cast, celebrity cameos, and tons of in-jokes, “30 Rock” was like nothing else on TV when it debuted. However, in the years since it aired, many series have taken inspiration from its style, meaning that a reboot wouldn’t have the same zip. Don’t get us wrong, we’d love to see more of the characters. But, “One-Time Special” aside, we don’t feel the need to get the cast back together, at least on a full-time basis. Although if they did decide to remake it, Kenneth would probably still look the same.

#6: “Sherlock” (2010-17)

This modern update on the definitive detective character made a big splash in the 2010s. “Sherlock” features movie quality acting and production values and brings Sherlock Holmes into the 21st century seamlessly. However, even while it was airing, “Sherlock” wasn’t the only modern update on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s brilliant deductionist, so a remake with just the name wouldn’t be especially novel. And its two leads are now massive stars, so coordinating their schedules for a continuation has proven difficult since it ended. Trying to top the show’s particularly complex final series would be a fool’s errand, even for these talented writers.

#5: “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)

Supernatural teen dramas basically owe everything to “Buffy.” The series perfected the “monster of the week” formula, while also featuring season-long story arcs with some big bads as compelling as the heroes. The dialogue is witty, the characters are relatable and dynamic, and its mythology develops organically. But a revival of the show wouldn’t work with the same actors, given that many of the vampiric characters are now visibly older, nor can we see anyone else playing their roles. Plus, for those who want more of the Scooby Gang, there’s always the comics.

#4: “M*A*S*H” (1972-83)

It’s a war show, a sitcom, and a medical drama all rolled into one! The story of a medical unit in the Korean War, this series beautifully balanced dramatic moments with typical comedic hijinks. While its legacy has inspired other medical dramedies, “M*A*S*H” is one of a kind. It also aired during the Vietnam War, which allowed it to reflect on current events through the lens of another semi-recent conflict. The timeliness of this commentary would be lost in a remake, as would the excellent performances of the cast. The long-running “M*A*S*H” has already left its mark and then some.

#3: “Lost” (2004-10)

Serialized, big budget, ensemble dramas weren’t that common when “Lost” debuted in 2004. It quickly became the watercooler show of its time. With its compelling characters, tantalizing questions about what was really going on, and subtle references, every episode lit up the internet and in-person discussions. But whether you’re one of those who watch it for the characters or the mysteries, we can all agree that a remake would never work. The performances are too iconic, the twists would be spoiled, and the questions have (mostly) been answered. Plus, there are a ton of mystery box shows out there now. If it were to work, we feel like it would have to be in another life. [insert quote]

#2: “Friends” (1994-2004)

“Friends” wasn’t the only sitcom about single friends living, loving and struggling together during the ‘90s. But it became an instant household name thanks to fantastic writing and the spectacular chemistry between the members of its ensemble cast. As much as we want to see more of this gang, the time in their lives where they’re young (mostly) single people has passed, and their dynamics as married grown-ups living in the suburbs just wouldn’t hit the same. Likewise, each decade since its release has had its own spin on the formula. “Friends” will always “be there” for us, so why remake it?

#1: “Cheers” (1982-93)

In the annals of great TV sitcoms, few are as beloved as “Cheers.” The eponymous bar welcomes not just its regulars and staff, but also viewers, giving everyone a place to relax and enjoy themselves. Bar culture today just isn’t the same as it was when the show was made. The characters have moved on, as seen in the spinoff “Frasier,” meaning a revival series wouldn’t make sense. And we can’t imagine anyone else playing Sam, Carla, Norm, or any other character in a reboot. You can return to “Cheers” any time, and they’ll always be glad you came.