13 TV Seasons That Race-Swapped the Entire Supporting Cast

TV shows are increasingly updating classic tales or exploring new cultures. This often leads to a more diverse cast, with writers and casting directors choosing actors from various backgrounds to bring fresh perspectives to the screen. You often see this when shows are rebooted or when anthology series move to a new location, as they’ll introduce a new group of characters to reflect a wider range of stories and experiences.

‘The Wonder Years’ (2021)

This updated take on a beloved sitcom moves the story from a white family in the suburbs to a Black family in Montgomery. We see the eventful late 1960s through the eyes of young Dean Williams, with Don Cheadle narrating as the grown-up version of him. The show keeps the warm, nostalgic feeling of the original, but focuses on the unique struggles the Williams family faces.

‘Love Life’ (2021)

Season two of this romance series introduces Marcus Watkins, played by William Jackson Harper, as the new central character. The story follows him as he deals with the challenges of dating again in New York City after a significant breakup. The entire cast has changed to reflect Marcus’s life as a Black man working in publishing, allowing the show to delve into new cultural experiences and relationship issues compared to the first season.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2021)

This new series updates the classic teen drama, following a fresh group of students at a New York private school. The show features a more diverse cast than the original, with characters from many different backgrounds and a wider range of identities. While social media is still a key part of the story, this version also offers a more realistic look at wealth and privilege today.

‘Charmed’ (2018)

This updated version of the supernatural series follows three sisters as they learn they have magical powers. The show features a Latinx cast playing the Vera sisters, which adds a new cultural perspective to the show’s magic system and family relationships. The diverse cast also allows the series to explore current social and political topics within the fantasy storyline.

‘Roswell, New Mexico’ (2019)

I’m really excited about this new show! It’s a fresh take on a classic teen series, but it tackles really important issues like immigration and what’s happening at the border. The main character is a brilliant scientist whose parents were undocumented immigrants, and she goes back to where she grew up. What I love most is that they’ve cast actors of color in roles that were previously played by white actors – it feels so much more representative. And the whole alien storyline? It’s not just about spaceships and stuff; it’s a really powerful way to explore what it feels like to be an outsider and to live in fear.

‘High Fidelity’ (2020)

Zoë Kravitz leads this reimagining of a popular novel and movie, now with a fresh perspective. The story is set in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights, allowing for a more diverse group of characters. The show looks back at the love life of a record store owner, but this time through a contemporary and multicultural viewpoint. While music is still central to the series, it draws on a much wider range of cultural influences than before.

‘Saved by the Bell’ (2020)

The new series brings back Bayside High, but with a twist: students from schools with limited funding are now attending. This mix of students – those who’ve always had advantages and those who haven’t – creates tension and plenty of funny moments. The show playfully points out how the original series lacked diversity, while also making sure the humor feels current. Beloved characters from the past make appearances to help a new, more representative group of students who truly reflect the diversity of Los Angeles.

‘The Equalizer’ (2021)

Queen Latifah stars as Robyn McCall in a fresh take on the popular 1980s action show. McCall is a divorced mom with a hidden past who dedicates herself to helping people when no one else will. She’s joined by a talented team, including a hacker and a sniper. This new version of the series explores themes of community justice and tackles larger social problems, all seen through the eyes of a Black woman.

‘Kung Fu’ (2021)

This new series puts a fresh spin on a classic 1970s western, starring Olivia Liang as a Chinese American woman who defends her San Francisco neighborhood using her martial arts expertise. The show boasts a largely Asian American cast and explores themes of family and the dangerous world of Triad criminal organizations. It blends the franchise’s supernatural side with the unique cultural background of the Shen family.

‘Magnum P.I.’ (2018)

The new Hawaii-based detective series updates the original with a more diverse team. Jay Hernandez stars as Thomas Magnum, and Perdita Weeks plays Higgins as a woman. The show also features a supporting cast that better represents the people of Hawaii. It keeps the exciting action and team spirit of the first series, but avoids some of its older, less relevant characterizations.

‘One Day at a Time’ (2017)

This series is a fresh take on a classic sitcom, created by Norman Lear and centered around a Cuban American family. Justina Machado plays a single mother and military veteran raising her children with the support of her own mother. The show blends humor with important issues like PTSD and the experiences of immigrants. By focusing on the Alvarez family’s unique culture, the show successfully updates the classic sitcom format for modern audiences.

‘Walker’ (2021)

Jared Padalecki leads this updated version of the classic action series, but this time, family relationships are a central focus. The show features a new partner for the main character – a Mexican American Ranger – and explores their working relationship and cultural differences. Alongside them, the series showcases the diverse community of Austin and the family of Walker’s late wife. Many episodes delve into the challenges faced by law enforcement and the issues surrounding the Texas border today.

‘Watchmen’ (2019)

Damon Lindelof’s series is a continuation of the original graphic novel, taking place in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It follows Angela Abar as she uncovers the truth behind the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Instead of focusing on Cold War fears like the original, the show delves into the issue of systemic racism in America, and features a predominantly Black cast as the new protagonists and crime fighters involved in a complicated mystery.

Tell us which of these transformed seasons you enjoyed the most in the comments.

2025-12-09 16:46