After the mostly glowing reactions and sky-high ratings for ABC’s live- re-creations of producer Norman Lear‘s classic sitcoms “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons” on Wednesday May 22, one might presume that such success might lead to more such revivals of beloved comedy series.
Judging from our poll, there seems to be an enthusiasm to see other TV oldies but goodies redone as a 90-minute package before a studio audience. Top on the list? A double bill of “Happy Days” and “Laverne & Shirley” got a Fonzie-like “Eyy!” by 23% of the participants in our poll. Right behind that ’70s duo was a pair of ’50s retro staples, “I Love Lucy” and “The Honeymooners.” Certainly, filling the shoes of such icons as Lucille Ball and Jackie Gleason would be daunting, but not impossible according 19% of voters.
Next are two female-led sitcom fantasy that relied on a suspension of disbelief, namely “Bewitched,” about a sorceress turned a nose-twitching suburban housewife, and “I Dream of Jeannie,” about a genie who helps her master, an astronaut. They drew support from 18% of the poll participants.
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Revivals of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and its spinoff, “Rhoda” tied with the dynamic duo of “Cheers” and “Frasier,” with 17 % of the votes each. In last place was the mating of ’80s sitcoms “Family Ties” and “Growing Pains,” with just 6% yearning to revisit the Keaton and Seaver clans.
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Beyond the poll, Gold Derby readers shared other thoughts on the subject, both pro and con:
Ugh. Remakes are bad enough bc while I can appreciate the intent, it more often than not shows a lack of creativity. That said, I liked the idea of these old sitcom live broadcasts. I did NOT care for the actors portraying the portrayal of other actors in these roles. What’s the point. “Hi. I’m Woody Harrelson and I’ll be playing Archie Bunker in the same vein/manner that Carol O’Connor played him” What?? Why?
The reboot of All in the Family and The Jeffersons ABC Network should bring it back as a weekly series the current events around the world these programs will be in the top 10
We watched but weren’t happy w/the remakes. Kevin Hart should have played George Jefferson. Anyway Sundance is having a marathon of the original series, taping & enjoying those.
I Love Lucy and Dick Van Dyke Show!
THE. GOLDEN. GIRLS. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
If this is done again, I hope the casting is better. I’m sorry, but Woody Harrelson was HORRIFIC as Archie Bunker. I really wanted the show to be good, but it was borderline unwatchable. Cringe inducing.
I thought it was great! I hope they do more of these. They should re-run both shows during the summer
Alice. Also a V remake. Whats Happening !!
I watched the original series way back when. This one is good. Would like to see more episodes of it. Would also like to see Maude brought back. I might start watching network television again.
My vote would be for The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Bob Newhart Show next.
Jane Lynch as Maude!!
M*A*S*H
WKRP In Cincinnati. Specifically the episode “Turkey’s Away” .
Maude and Good Times
Starring
Leah Remini as Maude
Tom Hanks as Walter
Jacqueline Macinnes Wood as Carol
Darrell Hammond as Arthur
Julia Roberts as Vivian
Jonathan Bennett as Chris
Tyler Perry as Henry/ James
Tracee Ellis Ross as Wilona
Brandon T. Jackson as JJ
Naturi Naughton as Thelma
Benjamin Flores, Jr. as Michael
Be sure to make your Emmy predictions today so that Hollywood insiders can see how their TV shows and performers are faring in our odds. You can keep changing your predictions as often as you like until just before nominations are announced on July 16. And join in the fun debate over the 2019 Emmy taking place right now with Hollywood insiders in our television forums. Read more Gold Derby entertainment news.