TV Revivals That Fixed Original Series’ Diversity Shortcomings

Bringing classic TV shows back allows creators to tell familiar stories in a way that resonates with today’s viewers. Many older shows didn’t feature much diversity in terms of race, gender, or sexual orientation. Now, when shows are rebooted or reimagined, creators often make inclusivity a priority, better reflecting the world we live in. This means more diverse characters taking leading roles and storylines that tackle important social issues that were previously overlooked. The shows that follow are examples of how revisiting the past can help build a more inclusive future.

‘Queer Eye’ (2018–Present)

The original Queer Eye on Bravo featured five gay men transforming the lives of straight men. Netflix’s updated version broadened the scope with a more diverse team of experts – including Black and Pakistani-British stylists. This new “Fab Five” works with people of all genders and sexual orientations, and the show now delves into important discussions about acceptance and understanding different cultures, particularly in rural communities.

‘One Day at a Time’ (2017–2020)

Norman Lear updated one of his famous sitcoms by focusing on a Cuban-American family in Los Angeles. The show stars Justina Machado as a single mom and military veteran who’s raising her two kids with her mother’s help. It explores important issues like immigration and racism, all within the familiar sitcom style. A key storyline also follows Elena, the teenage daughter, as she comes out as a lesbian.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

This science fiction update of the classic 1978 series made a major change: it diversified the cast. The well-known character Starbuck was reimagined as a female pilot, played by Katee Sackhoff, and another key character, Boomer, was changed from a Black man to an Asian woman. These casting choices allowed the show to delve into issues of gender and identity within the military.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2021–2023)

The original show faced criticism for its lack of diversity, with a cast that was mostly white and heterosexual. The new series on HBO Max changed that by centering a group of friends who are Black and Mexican-American. It also made LGBTQ+ relationships a central part of the story, instead of just minor storylines. The goal was to better represent the diverse student bodies of New York City’s private schools.

‘Charmed’ (2018–2022)

The updated version of the original WB series features the Vera-Vaughn sisters, a new family of witches who replace the Halliwells. This diverse trio – comprised of Afro-Latina and Latina sisters – battles supernatural forces while also tackling everyday challenges. The show includes LGBTQ+ representation with one sister identifying as a lesbian, allowing for a prominent queer love story. Through magical storylines, the series often explores themes of feminism and the struggles faced by marginalized communities.

‘The Wonder Years’ (2021–2023)

This new version of the story follows the Black Williams family in 1968 Alabama, instead of a white suburban family. Don Cheadle narrates the story as 12-year-old Dean Williams grows up. The show keeps the warm, nostalgic feeling of the original, but also explores the challenges of the civil rights movement and segregation, offering a fresh look at a difficult time in American history.

‘Saved by the Bell’ (2020–2021)

The reboot brought students from less privileged backgrounds to the affluent Bayside High. The new version boasts a more diverse cast, including Black and Latina students, as well as Muslim characters. The show directly addresses issues of privilege and the economic differences between students. It also includes a transgender cheerleader portrayed by trans actress Josie Totah.

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

Disney has updated its popular animated series to appeal to today’s audiences. This new version includes a non-binary character named Michael, who openly expresses their gender identity, and a same-sex interracial couple who are introduced as new neighbors. The storylines also address relevant social topics like prejudice based on skin tone and activism that isn’t genuine.

‘DuckTales’ (2017–2021)

The new animated series gave Webby Vanderquack a much more proactive role and skillset compared to the original 1987 version. It also introduced Violet Sabrewing, a brilliant new Black character who is as smart as Huey. The show’s characters were redesigned to better represent different body types and ethnicities, and the idea of chosen family was broadened to showcase more diverse friendships.

‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’ (2018–2020)

As a critic, I was really impressed with DreamWorks’ reboot of this classic. They didn’t just update the visuals – they built a truly inclusive world. The cast reflects a wonderful range of body types and ethnicities, and what’s even more exciting is how seamlessly LGBTQ+ relationships are woven into the story, they aren’t side notes, but central to the plot! The connection between Adora and Catra is genuinely moving and forms the emotional core of the whole series. And it’s fantastic to see non-binary characters, like Double Trouble, treated with genuine respect and given roles that really matter. It’s a refreshing and thoughtful take on the original.

‘And Just Like That…’ (2021–Present)

The follow-up to ‘Sex and the City’ aimed to address the original show’s lack of diversity. It did this by adding four new main characters from different backgrounds who interact with the original characters. One of these new characters, a non-binary comedian named Che Diaz, becomes a significant part of Carrie’s story. The new series also delves into the challenges and rewards of friendships between people of different races, something the original show largely didn’t explore.

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

Showtime revived its popular series about lesbian life, making a conscious effort to be more inclusive of transgender people. The updated cast now includes transgender men played by transgender actors, like Leo Sheng. The show also features a more diverse group of friends, reflecting a wider range of backgrounds than the original. It explores how language and understanding of identity are changing within the LGBTQ+ community.

‘Party of Five’ (2020)

This new version of the story replaces the Salinger orphans with the Acosta children. Instead of losing their parents in an accident, the Acosta children’s parents are deported to Mexico, leaving the oldest son to care for his siblings. This change focuses the story on the challenges faced by immigrant families and the impact of immigration policies. The show celebrates the strength and perseverance of a Latinx family dealing with separation and hardship.

‘Roswell, New Mexico’ (2019–2022)

The CW’s reboot of the teen alien drama features a new lead, Liz Ortecho, whose parents are undocumented immigrants. The show blends science fiction with real-world issues like the fear of deportation. It also includes an openly gay alien character who experiences a complicated relationship with a human. Through its alien storyline, the series explores what it feels like to be an outsider in America.

‘High Fidelity’ (2020)

This new version of the story, originally a novel by Nick Hornby and a 2000 film, stars Zoë Kravitz as the owner of a record store. By making the main character a queer Black woman instead of a white man, the show offers a completely different look at love and relationships. The series dives into the protagonist’s past relationships with people of all genders, and it also provides a unique, female perspective on the world of music and who gets to be a part of it.

‘Magnum P.I.’ (2018–2024)

As a big fan of the original, I was really intrigued by the reboot of Magnum P.I. I loved that they cast Jay Hernandez as Magnum – it felt fresh to see a Latino lead in that role. And honestly, Perdita Weeks as Higgins was a brilliant move! They completely flipped the script on the classic dynamic, moving away from the bachelor-and-manservant setup to a genuinely equal partnership. Plus, the supporting cast felt much more representative of Hawaii’s real diversity than the show did back in the eighties. It just felt more authentic and modern.

‘Dynasty’ (2017–2022)

The updated version of this classic drama expanded the stories of the wealthy Carrington and Colby families. Cristal Flores is now a Latina woman who marries into the white Carrington family, and the Colbys are depicted as a successful Black family with their own business empire. Steven Carrington is openly gay, and the show portrays his sexuality without the prejudice seen in the original series.

‘Lost in Space’ (2018–2021)

Netflix modernized the classic Robinson family in its reboot, making them a mixed-race family. Taylor Russell plays Judy Robinson, and Parker Posey takes on the role of the villainous Dr. Smith. The character of Don West has also been updated, now portrayed as a Latino mechanic instead of a white military pilot.

‘The Equalizer’ (2021–Present)

Queen Latifah now stars in the show, taking over from Edward Woodward. The series features a Black woman who is a highly capable crime fighter, juggling her family with risky assignments. Unlike the original, it tackles important issues like police misconduct and community justice. The show is also notable for having an older woman of color as the lead in an action-focused police procedural – something rarely seen on television.

‘Kung Fu’ (2021–2023)

This new series addressed concerns about the original show’s casting from the 1970s by choosing an Asian-American actor as the main character. Olivia Liang plays a skilled martial artist who defends her San Francisco neighborhood. The show boasts a largely Asian cast and writing team, and delves into the unique experiences and traditions of a Chinese-American family.

‘Walker’ (2021–2024)

Jared Padalecki leads this new take on the classic action series. The show features Micki Ramirez, a groundbreaking character as one of the first Mexican-American female Texas Rangers. Walker’s brother is also a key part of the story, navigating family life as a gay man. The series aims to challenge traditional Western tropes and explore current issues facing law enforcement.

‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ (2018–2020)

This reimagining of the Archie Comics story centers on the witch Sabrina and features a diverse group of characters around her. Sabrina’s cousin Ambrose is a Black warlock who is pansexual and confined to the house. The show also includes a storyline about Sabrina’s friend Susie becoming Theo, and explores themes of gender identity and the challenges faced by women through the dynamics within the witches’ group.

‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ (2020–2021)

The new Netflix series updated the characters to better represent today’s society. Mary Anne Spier is now depicted as a biracial girl with a white father, and Dawn Schafer has Latinx heritage and a gay father. The show also thoughtfully addresses important issues like transgender rights and the gap between rich and poor in a way that’s suitable for its audience.

‘Interview with the Vampire’ (2022–Present)

The AMC series reimagines Louis de Pointe du Lac as a Black Creole man living in New Orleans during the 1910s. This casting choice introduces complex issues of race and power into his relationship with the vampire Lestat. The show also openly portrays the romantic connection between the two characters, making it a central part of the story. It further examines how being immortal and one’s place in society are affected by race across different time periods.

‘A League of Their Own’ (2022)

The new Amazon series builds on the story of the 1992 film by sharing the experiences of Black women who played professional baseball. Starring Chanté Adams as a talented pitcher, the show follows her struggle to compete despite facing discrimination from the all-white leagues. It also openly portrays the romantic relationships between players, and sheds light on both the racial segregation and the hidden LGBTQ+ communities of the 1940s.

‘Perry Mason’ (2020–2023)

This HBO series offers a fresh take on the beginnings of the well-known lawyer’s career. It updates the character of Paul Drake, now a Black police officer facing racism within the force, and reimagines Della Street as a lesbian in a secret relationship. Through these changes, the show reveals the widespread corruption that plagued Los Angeles in the 1930s.

‘Quantum Leap’ (2022–2024)

The new series features Raymond Lee as Dr. Ben Song, making him the show’s main character and providing Asian-American representation. The team helping him includes Mason Alexander Park, who plays a non-binary character. Like the original show, the series explores empathy by putting characters in different lives, but it now focuses on modern ideas about identity. The diverse cast brings a variety of cultural viewpoints to the time travel stories.

‘Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.’ (2021–2023)

Disney has updated the classic show ‘Doogie Howser,’ centering the story around Native Hawaiian culture. This new version features a teenage doctor who is of mixed heritage and is learning to balance her medical training with her family’s traditions and the rich culture of Hawaii. Filmed on location in Hawaii, the show boasts a diverse cast that represents the islands’ people, blending medical storylines with themes of family and cultural identity.

‘Dead Ringers’ (2023)

This series, starring Rachel Weisz, offers a fresh take on David Cronenberg’s film with a gender swap. Instead of male twins, the story centers on female gynecologists who are challenging the accepted rules of medical practice. The show explores issues in women’s healthcare, including how childbirth is often treated as a business. It offers a critical look at the medical world, specifically from a woman’s point of view.

‘Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies’ (2023)

This new series takes place in the 1950s at Rydell High and shows a much more diverse group of students than the original movie. Unlike the film, it includes Black, Latinx, and Asian-American students and directly addresses the racism and sexism common during that time. The show also features LGBTQ+ stories, highlighting the challenges people faced then.

‘Rugrats’ (2021–Present)

The recent update to the classic Nickelodeon cartoon features a revamped adult cast. One notable change is the character Betty DeVille, who is now depicted as an openly lesbian single mother. The show’s creators intend to showcase diverse family types to its young viewers, all while keeping the same sense of adventure and updating the setting for a modern audience.

‘Bel-Air’ (2022–Present)

This reimagining of ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ tackles complex issues of class and race with more depth than the original sitcom. It focuses on the challenges a Black teenager faces when he moves from West Philadelphia to a privileged, mostly white community. The series also honestly portrays mental health struggles and the unique pressures faced by young Black men, giving the characters more realistic and complex stories.

‘Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin’ (2022–Present)

This horror spinoff centers around a group of young women confronting a new threat. The main characters are diverse, including Black and Filipino leads who grapple with unique cultural challenges. Notably, one of the central figures is a transgender girl, and the show portrays her identity respectfully. The series blends classic horror elements with relevant discussions about bullying and assault.

‘S.W.A.T.’ (2017–Present)

Shemar Moore stars in this modern take on the classic 1970s show, playing a Los Angeles-raised sergeant. The series often explores the complex relationship between the Black community and the police. His character, Hondo, works to create positive change within the system. The show directly addresses important issues like racial profiling and how police interact with the communities they serve.

‘MacGyver’ (2016–2021)

The updated series features a team dynamic, surrounding the clever MacGyver with a group of skilled experts. Alongside Lucas Till’s MacGyver is Bozer, his Black best friend who develops into a capable agent, and Riley Davis, a Black woman and talented hacker essential to every operation. This new approach moves away from the solitary hero style of the original show.

‘Hawaii Five-0’ (2010–2020)

The updated version of Hawaii Five-O broadened the cast to feature Asian actors in prominent roles, with Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park playing key characters. This gave much-needed exposure to Asian-American actors on network television, and the show also shared the beauty and culture of Hawaii with viewers around the world.

‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?’ (2019–2022)

The new season of the horror anthology series showcases a more diverse group of friends – the Midnight Society – sharing scary stories around the campfire. These stories now feature characters from a wider range of backgrounds, facing supernatural dangers. It’s a fresh take on classic horror, designed for viewers who expect to see themselves represented in the stories they watch.

‘National Treasure: Edge of History’ (2022–2023)

This new show, based on the film series, follows Jess Valenzuela, a young Latina DREAMer, as she learns about her family’s history. It’s a treasure-hunting adventure that also explores themes of immigration and history, moving away from traditional stories about America’s founders and instead focusing on the broader history of the Americas. Lisette Olivera stars as Jess Valenzuela.

‘Fantasy Island’ (2021–2023)

Roselyn Sánchez plays Elena Roarke, the new caretaker of a secluded and enigmatic resort. The show features a diverse group of guests, each with their own unique stories and motivations. Through Elena’s eyes, the series focuses on the journeys of self-discovery and emotional recovery these guests experience.

’24: Legacy’ (2017)

This new series, part of the popular ’24’ thriller universe, stars Corey Hawkins as the main character. By casting a Black actor in the traditionally white lead role, the show offered a fresh perspective on the classic ‘lone hero battling terrorists’ storyline. Hawkins plays Eric Carter, a former Army Ranger whose experiences shape his challenges as he readjusts to life at home. The series aimed to expand the franchise’s focus beyond the original protagonist, Jack Bauer.

‘The Twilight Zone’ (2019–2020)

Jordan Peele brought back the classic sci-fi anthology series, serving as host and producer. The show featured diverse casts, with actors of color often taking center stage in bizarre and unsettling stories. Each episode tackled contemporary issues like racism and immigration using symbolic horror, offering a commentary on today’s social and political landscape.

‘Tales of the City’ (2019)

Netflix brought back the show ’28 Barbary Lane,’ now centering on LGBTQ+ stories that span different generations. The new version stars trans actress Garcia as a young transgender man who lives there, and explores the different perspectives of older gay men and today’s queer community. Like the original, the show emphasizes the importance of found families – the families we choose for ourselves.

‘Night Court’ (2023–Present)

Melissa Rauch takes on the role of the daughter of the beloved Judge Harry Stone in this new version of the classic show. The updated series features a diverse group of characters working in a Manhattan courtroom, with Lacretta as the bailiff Gurgs and India de Beaufort as the assistant district attorney. It keeps the original’s lighthearted and funny style while showcasing the vibrant diversity of New York City.

‘Frasier’ (2023–Present)

The new Frasier series brings the character back to Boston and features a more diverse group of characters. Toks Olagundoye plays the chair of the psychology department where Frasier now works. The show also includes a Black actress as a neighbor and friend to Frasier’s son, aiming to address concerns that the original series lacked diversity.

Share your thoughts on which revival handled representation best in the comments.

2026-01-23 20:50