TV Revivals That Introduced New Diverse Storylines Successfully

Bringing back classic TV shows is now a popular trend with streaming services, giving creators a chance to reimagine old favorites for today’s viewers. Many revivals are using this opportunity to create more diverse casts and tell stories that focus on communities that haven’t been well-represented on television. By adding these fresh perspectives to familiar worlds, these shows are often finding new success with both critics and audiences. This list highlights thirty TV revivals that have successfully updated their stories with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

‘One Day at a Time’ (2017–2020)

This updated version of a beloved 1970s show centers on a Cuban-American family in Los Angeles. The series follows Penelope Alvarez, a nurse and Army veteran, as she balances family life with her mother and two children. It’s been widely praised for its honest depiction of LGBTQ+ experiences, particularly through the character of Elena, who comes out as a lesbian in the first season. The show also thoughtfully explores issues like mental health, immigration, and the unique experiences within the Latinx community.

‘Saved by the Bell’ (2020–2021)

The new ‘Saved by the Bell’ follows a fresh group of students at Bayside High, now including kids from a recently closed school with fewer resources. This change lets the show explore issues like class differences and unfair advantages in education, topics the original series didn’t really cover. The show boasts a diverse cast, including Josie Totah as Lexi, a witty transgender cheerleader, and blends humor with discussions about prejudice and what it means to be a teenager today.

‘The Wonder Years’ (2021–2023)

This new series, inspired by a show from 1988, tells the story of a Black family in Montgomery, Alabama, during the late 1960s. With Don Cheadle narrating, the show follows young Dean Williams as he comes of age during the Civil Rights Movement. It offers a unique look at the period by focusing on the everyday experiences, both good and bad, of a Black family. The series blends historical events with the heartwarming feel of a coming-of-age story, just like the original.

‘And Just Like That…’ (2021–Present)

This series picks up where ‘Sex and the City’ left off, following Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte as they deal with life and relationships in their 50s, in a New York City that’s changed a lot. The show has made a deliberate effort to be more inclusive, adding more diverse characters – including people of color and non-binary individuals – to better reflect the city today. Sara Ramirez plays Che Diaz, a non-binary podcaster and comedian who plays a key role in Miranda’s storyline. The show explores current issues like racial awareness and gender identity among its characters.

‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’ (2022–Present)

The show returns with more adventures of Penny Proud, but this time it reflects what life is like for kids today. We meet new characters, like Maya, whose parents, Barry and Randall, are a gay couple. The series tackles current topics such as social media, activism, and accepting everyone. It keeps the funny moments fans loved while also dealing with what’s happening in the world, which is why it appeals to both longtime viewers and a new generation.

‘Quantum Leap’ (2022–2024)

Picking up thirty years after the original, this new installment of the series follows a fresh team headed by Dr. Ben Song, a Korean-American physicist. The show now takes a more worldwide approach, featuring a diverse group of scientists and military experts. Mason Alexander Park plays Ian Wright, the team’s lead programmer, who is a non-binary character. Using time travel as a central idea, the series examines different points in history from the viewpoints of those who have been historically overlooked.

‘The L Word: Generation Q’ (2019–2023)

I’m really excited to be back in the world of West Hollywood with this new season! It’s great to see some familiar faces alongside a really diverse group of new LGBTQ+ characters. What I especially love is how the show is tackling important issues like being trans, non-binary, and the experiences of people of color – putting those stories front and center. It’s not just about entertainment; they’re diving into things like queer politics, getting good healthcare, and how our community spaces are changing. It feels like a fresh take on the original, and I think it’s going to connect with a whole new generation of viewers.

‘Queer Eye’ (2018–Present)

The new Queer Eye on Netflix isn’t just a remake of the early 2000s show – it’s become a worldwide hit. The team, known as the Fab Five, gives people lifestyle overhauls while also tackling important conversations about things like race, religion, and identity. They often go to more traditional communities to help bridge divides and encourage understanding. By emphasizing honesty and empathy, the show has taken the original idea and made it much more meaningful.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2021–2023)

The new ‘Gossip Girl’ returns to Constance Billard St. Jude’s, but this time with a much more diverse group of students. The characters represent a wider variety of racial and sexual identities than the original series from 2007. The show explores how wealth, social media, and being LGBTQ+ intersect in today’s New York City. Unlike the original, this version actively examines the advantages and privileges it portrays.

‘A League of Their Own’ (2022)

Inspired by the 1992 movie, this series tells a more complete story of World War II by including the perspectives of Black women and LGBTQ+ athletes. It centers on Max Chapman, a talented Black pitcher prevented from playing in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League because of racial discrimination. The show also explores the hidden LGBTQ+ community of the 1940s and the pervasive racial segregation of the time, offering a richer historical understanding than the original film.

‘DuckTales’ (2017–2021)

The recent ‘DuckTales’ reboot took the original Disney series and made it more modern with deeper characters and stories that included a wider range of people. A key change was the introduction of Violet Sabrewing, one of the triplets’ friends, who has two dads. This was a first for LGBTQ+ representation on Disney Channel animation. The show also featured stronger female characters and drew inspiration from many different cultures and myths when creating its world.

‘X-Men ’97’ (2024–Present)

‘X-Men ’97’ picks up the story of the beloved 1990s cartoon, continuing its tradition of using the X-Men’s struggles as a metaphor for the fight for civil rights. This new series tackles current social issues, notably featuring a non-binary character named Morph and exploring the political challenges faced by mutants as an outcast group. It examines themes of unfair systems, the difficulties of getting along in a troubled world, and the price of peace. Critics have applauded the show for honoring the original while making its message about social justice more direct.

‘Night Court’ (2023–Present)

This new version of the beloved 1980s sitcom follows Abby Stone, the daughter of the original show’s Judge Harry Stone, played by Melissa Rauch. The show boasts a diverse cast, including Lacretta as bailiff Donna “Gurgs” Gurganous and Kapil Talwalkar in its first season. Filmed in the classic multicam style, the revival updates the series to reflect the diverse legal landscape of modern New York City, cleverly blending familiar moments with a fresh, contemporary cast.

‘iCarly’ (2021–2023)

The new ‘iCarly’ follows Carly Shay and her friends as they deal with life in their late 20s. This version is made for adults, unlike the original Nickelodeon show, and features new characters to offer a wider range of stories. Laci Mosley plays Harper, Carly’s roommate and best friend, who is a queer woman of color. The show tackles grown-up topics like dating, work challenges, and exploring queer identity, all while keeping the funny, quirky style fans loved.

‘The Conners’ (2018–Present)

‘The Conners’ began as a continuation of the popular show ‘Roseanne’ and follows the everyday lives of a working-class family in Lanford, Illinois. The series tackles relevant issues like race, addiction, and LGBTQ+ relationships, and often focuses on the experiences of Mark, the family’s openly gay grandson growing up in a small town. While still portraying the financial struggles of many American families, the show also strives to be more inclusive and represent a wider range of experiences.

‘Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock’ (2022–Present)

The new version of Jim Henson’s classic puppet show keeps the original’s heartwarming message about how everything is connected and taking care of our planet. It also adds fresh characters and music that celebrate different cultures and address important social issues. The stories highlight the value of diverse communities and working together to tackle environmental problems. By bringing these themes up to date, the show continues to be a great way to teach kids about acceptance and inclusion.

‘Charmed’ (2018–2022)

This new take on the classic series follows three Latina sisters who learn they have magical powers. The show is now set in a college town and tackles important social issues as part of the story. Through a character named Mel Vera, it looks at topics like immigrant rights, women’s strength, and LGBTQ+ love. The goal of this version is to offer a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to supernatural storytelling.

‘Dexter: New Blood’ (2021–2022)

‘Dexter: New Blood’ brings back the iconic character years after the original series ended, this time living in a small town in upstate New York. A key part of the new series focuses on the Seneca Nation community and the serious issue of missing Indigenous women. This storyline highlights a real-life crisis and weaves it into the show’s suspenseful plot. The series also includes several Indigenous actors and delves into the cultural conflicts within the town.

‘Clone High’ (2023–Present)

After being off the air for twenty years, ‘Clone High’ is back! The show reimagines historical figures as high school students, and now includes new characters like Frida Kahlo and Harriet Tubman, making the cast more diverse. The new episodes poke fun at things like social media, ‘cancel culture,’ and current social issues. This lets the show keep its signature edgy comedy while also recognizing how much things have changed since it first aired in 2002.

‘Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head’ (2022–Present)

Mike Judge brought back his famous characters in a new movie and TV series set in today’s world. While the characters are still the same, the show uses them to playfully criticize current social issues like privilege and gender roles. In one episode, they accidentally join a social justice group, which allows the show to humorously comment on different modern perspectives. The revival cleverly connects the laid-back attitude of the 90s with the challenges of today.

‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ (2022–Present)

As a long-time fan, I’m really enjoying the ‘Criminal Minds’ revival on Paramount+. It feels different – less ‘case-of-the-week’ and more like a continuous story with a darker edge. They’ve kept the fantastic team dynamic we all love, but they’re really digging into the profilers’ personal lives, showing more realistic family situations and backgrounds. What’s especially interesting is how they’re tackling the impact of the pandemic on both criminals and how the FBI investigates. It’s letting them explore the emotional weight of the job on these characters in a way that feels fresh, modern, and much more inclusive.

‘Party Down’ (2023–Present)

The popular comedy ‘Party Down’ is back, with most of the original actors and some exciting new additions like Zoë Chao and Tyrel Jackson Williams. These new cast members bring a fresh and diverse energy to the show. The series still uses its unique format of featuring a different event and group of people each week to satirize various aspects of Los Angeles culture. By adding new characters and storylines, the show stays funny and relevant, reflecting the challenges of today’s economy.

‘Frasier’ (2023–Present)

Kelsey Grammer is back as Frasier Crane in a new series! This time, Frasier has moved back to Boston to reconnect with his son, Freddy. The show introduces a fresh group of characters, including a coworker played by Toks Olagundoye and Frasier’s nephew, played by Anders Keith. A key theme is the relationship between Frasier and Freddy, who come from different backgrounds and have different views on life. This allows the show to explore a variety of perspectives while still keeping the clever humor fans loved in the original series.

‘Animaniacs’ (2020–2023)

The Warner siblings – Warner and Wakko, along with their sister Dot – were brought back for a three-season reboot that playfully poked fun at current events in politics and technology. The new version of the show featured fresh characters and segments, reflecting a more diverse and connected world. Using its trademark self-aware humor, it addressed topics like online culture, the power of corporations, and various social issues. Ultimately, the revival demonstrated that the show’s wild and unpredictable style still worked well when applied to the challenges and trends of today.

‘Degrassi: Next Class’ (2016–2017)

This latest version of the popular Canadian show kept up the tradition of tackling tough issues faced by teenagers with understanding and relevance. It especially highlighted a variety of backgrounds and experiences, with storylines covering topics like gender identity, the challenges faced by Syrian refugees, and the Black Lives Matter movement. Characters like Yael Baron, who identifies as non-binary, offered groundbreaking representation on teen TV. The series continued to be an important space for showing the complex lives of high school students.

‘Will & Grace’ (2017–2020)

When ‘Will & Grace’ returned to television, it reunited the beloved characters just as society was going through big changes. The show kept its original stars but modernized its comedy to reflect current LGBTQ+ issues and political conversations. It showed how LGBTQ+ rights had progressed since the first series and followed the characters as they navigated life as older gay men and women. The show also did a great job of including diverse guest stars, adding more racial and cultural representation to its New York City setting.

‘Veronica Mars’ (2019)

The new season of ‘Veronica Mars’ on Hulu revisited the town of Neptune, but with a darker and more realistic feel. This time around, the show delved into the economic struggles of the town, highlighting the gap between the rich and the working class, particularly people of color. With a more diverse cast of characters, the series explored issues like gentrification and widespread corruption, moving beyond its original teen mystery roots to offer a deeper look at social problems.

‘Fuller House’ (2016–2020)

As a fan of the original ‘Full House,’ I really enjoyed watching the sequel series! It was fun seeing D.J. Tanner-Fuller raise her own kids in the same house we all knew and loved. What I especially liked was how they updated the show with more diverse characters – D.J.’s work life brought in some great new faces and potential romances. They weren’t afraid to tackle things like intercultural relationships and the struggles of being a parent today, which were pretty different from what families dealt with back in the ’80s. It still had that warm, feel-good vibe of the original, but it felt more like a modern American family.

‘Anne with an E’ (2017–2019)

This new take on the beloved ‘Anne of Green Gables’ stories broadened the original narrative to include a wider range of experiences and viewpoints. It introduced Sebastian “Bash” Lacroix, shedding light on the history of Black communities in 19th-century Nova Scotia. The series also powerfully depicted the story of Ka’kwet, a young Mi’kmaq girl, and the devastating impact of residential schools. Additionally, it explored LGBTQ+ themes through the character of Aunt Josephine Barry and her hidden life.

‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ (2020–2021)

This updated version of the beloved book series and 90s TV show features characters that better represent the diversity of today’s young people. The new series includes a more racially diverse cast and explores important themes like social activism and LGBTQ+ identity. A particularly well-received episode shows Mary Anne babysitting Bailey, a transgender child, and was celebrated for its thoughtful and informative portrayal. Ultimately, the revival successfully shares the original series’ messages of friendship and responsibility with a new and more inclusive audience.

Please share your favorite TV revival and how you felt about its modern updates in the comments.

2026-01-21 04:18