TV shows are being resurrected from the past as entertainment networks are cashing in on current trends of TV series binge watching.
“Fuller House” is such a show brought back by Netflix. The new series picks up years after “Full House” left off. “Full House” aired from 1987 to 1995, making eight seasons.
The show returns with almost the full cast except for Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen who played the role of Michelle Tanner. Non-retuning actors can be the downfall of any returning series, but “Fuller House” navigates the issue well. Michelle’s absence is explained away by her plight in the New York fashion industry, followed by a cheesy, knowing look from all the Tanner clan straight into the eye of the camera.
However, the show received low ratings and bad reviews from critics and fans alike.
When asked of her reaction to “Fuller House,” Katelyn Bales senior business administration major, said, “Ehhhhhhhhhh.”
Bales described the show as having terrible acting and being cliché and awkward.
“I don’t like the way they have kids act on TV these days—all dramatic,” Bales said.
On a more positive note, Rayna Downing, junior business administration major, didn’t have high expectations for “Fuller House,” but after watching six episodes so far, she approves of the show overall.
“You couldn’t ever compare it to the original, but they did a good job of bringing the show into the 21st century like when they Snapchat—that definitely didn’t happen in the 90’s,” said Downing.
Downing also appreciates that the show is kid-friendly while also appealing to adult humor.
However, some don’t even give the new show a chance. Elizabeth Messina, junior business administration major, said she still hasn’t watched “Fuller House” because she is afraid that the new show will ruin the sentimental ideas she has of the old series.
The underlying factor behind the show’s disappointment and group of boycotters is based on the nostalgia that the public has for the original series. It can be hard for TV shows to make a successful comeback due to set ideals that are created in the fans’ mind.
Attempting to rekindle popularity from its heyday, “X-Files” made a comeback. The science-fiction drama created by Chris Carter ran nine seasons, 1993 to 2002, on Fox. The series was turned into two different movies, the first in 1998 the second in 2008. The longest running science-fiction series in U.S. TV history, the show became a pop-culture phenomenon and drew on the public’s mistrust of the government and tendency toward conspiracy theories.
“X-Files” returned for a 10th season in 2016. Carter returned for the new season as executive producer and writer along with the main stars of the series David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. The plot and character roles remain consistent with the older seasons.
But does the 10th season live up to the memory of the original series run? Critics and fans are mixed in opinions about the revival season. However, many agree that the first episode of the 10thseason suffers from attempting to accomplish too much and is heavy on exposition. According to some fans, by the second episode the show brushed off the cobwebs and began to bring back feelings reminiscent of the old “X-Files.”
Downing used to watch “X-Files,” so she checked out the first episode of the new season over winter break, but was let down.
“I enjoyed watching the actors reprise their roles. But it didn’t keep me engaged and the plot line was weak,” said Downing.
Another show that made a resurgence is “Arrested Development.” The show stars Jason Bateman, Michael Cera and many other familiar faces. The series originally aired on Fox from 2003 to 2006 for three seasons. Seven years later, Netflix renewed the program, and season four screened on that platform in 2013. Netflix currently features seasons one through four. Rumors have been circulating of an “Arrested Development” movie and season five—but nothing has been official released.
“Gilmore Girls” is being resurrected from the 00s grave this year on Netflix. The series’ run was from 2000 to 2007 with seven seasons in Stars Hollow. Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel will be returning for the new season along with Rory’s dreamboats, the actors that played Dean, Jess and Logan.
Mai Isidro, junior nursing major, is excited about the new “Gilmore Girls.” But Bales, jaded by the “Fuller House” failure, remains skeptical about the gal pals Lorelei and Rory rallying back.
Also be looking out for the revival of “Xena: Warrior Princess” set to debut sometime in 2016.
Bad TV resurrections have put a nasty taste in the mouths of the public, as the new seasons are not able to live up to their original genuineness such as “Fuller House” and “X-Files.”
“TV remakes are opposite of movie remakes—there is a bad stigma,” said Devin Bolen, junior business administration major.
But hope is on the horizon for “Gilmore Girls,” “Arrested Development” and “Xena” to turn the reputation around.