TV Shows Where Aging Actors Passed Torches to Younger Diverse Casts

As a huge movie and TV fan, I’ve noticed a really smart trend lately. Networks are breathing new life into beloved shows and franchises by bringing in a fresh generation of actors. Often, you’ll see original cast members pop back in, not as the main characters anymore, but as mentors or to pass the torch to these new, often more diverse, leads. It’s a great way to keep these stories going, make them feel relevant to today’s audiences, and honestly, it’s exciting to see new faces take charge. I’ve put together a list of some of the best examples where established stars have made room for the next generation to shine.

‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ (2021)

After retiring at the end of the battle with Thanos, Steve Rogers passed his shield to Sam Wilson. The series follows Sam as he deals with the challenges and significance of becoming the new Captain America, especially as a Black man taking on the role. Anthony Mackie gives a compelling performance as he faces pressure from both the government and the public, and the story focuses on the passing of the Captain America title to a worthy successor.

‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–2025)

Ralph Macchio and William Zabka returned as their famous characters, Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence, bringing their karate competition back to life. The story soon expands to follow a new group of high school students, led by Xolo Maridueña as Miguel Diaz. The original characters become mentors, teaching martial arts to this new generation as they navigate issues like cyberbullying and first love. The show cleverly combines familiar, nostalgic elements with the relevant, modern challenges faced by Miguel and his friends.

‘Doctor Who’ (2005–Present)

For decades, this long-running British sci-fi show has famously reinvented its main character by using the idea of regeneration. The recent change from David Tennant to Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor was a landmark moment. Gatwa is the first Black actor to play the lead role, bringing a new and energetic approach to the series. This decision is a big step forward for the show, while still respecting its established history.

‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993–1999)

Patrick Stewart reprised his role as Jean-Luc Picard in the first episode to connect older and newer storylines within the Star Trek universe. He officially appointed Benjamin Sisko as the commander of the central space station featured in the new series. Avery Brooks made history as the first Black actor to star as the lead in a Star Trek show, bringing a serious and weighty presence to the franchise. This transition helped establish the series as a more mature and intricate look at the world Gene Roddenberry envisioned.

‘Hawkeye’ (2021)

Jeremy Renner reprised his role as Clint Barton, a seasoned archer grappling with his past as the masked vigilante Ronin. He unexpectedly teams up with Kate Bishop and crosses paths with Maya Lopez, a talented deaf fighter. The story paves the way for Maya to lead her own series, Echo, and establishes Kate as a capable and skilled archer. This allows Clint Barton, the original Avenger, to step back from the fight, knowing the city is now protected by a new generation of heroes.

‘Watchmen’ (2019)

I was completely blown away by Jean Smart as Laurie Blake – she played this older, really sharp character who brilliantly tied the story back to the original graphic novel, but in a way that felt totally modern. And seeing Regina King as Angela Abar? Incredible. This show isn’t just a remake; it takes the core ideas and applies them to today’s issues, like systemic racism and police brutality. Regina King’s performance is seriously award-worthy; she completely reimagines what a masked hero can be in America right now. It’s not about Cold War fears anymore, it’s about what’s happening now.

‘The Legend of Korra’ (2012–2014)

The story is set seventy years after the events of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and includes the now-grown children of Aang’s team. The Avatar spirit continues with Korra, a determined warrior from the Southern Water Tribe. She lives in a world that’s quickly becoming more industrialized, which clashes with the spiritual beliefs of the older generation. The series introduces new cultures and expands the rich world established in the original show through Korra’s journey.

‘Saved by the Bell’ (2020–2021)

Okay, so seeing Elizabeth Berkley and Mario Lopez back at Bayside as teachers was a total trip down memory lane! But this reboot isn’t just about nostalgia; it smartly introduces a fresh, diverse group of students – Haskiri Velazquez and Alycia Pascual-Pena really stood out to me. What I loved is how the new kids weren’t afraid to call out the privileged world of the original series, while still dealing with all the usual high school angst. The show does a great job of using the familiar faces to really emphasize how different things are for teenagers today. It’s a clever way to connect with older fans while also feeling relevant and modern.

‘Star Trek: Picard’ (2020–2023)

Patrick Stewart had one last adventure, bringing him back together with the classic crew of the USS Enterprise. The story ends with Seven of Nine and Raffi Musiker stepping up as leaders for the next generation of Starfleet, with Jeri Ryan and Michelle Hurd giving compelling performances as they carry on the show’s tradition of exploration. The finale clearly passes the baton to a new crew that represents the diversity of the galaxy.

‘Quantum Leap’ (2022–2024)

Ernie Hudson plays Magic Williams, linking the show’s original storyline to this new season. Raymond Lee stars as Dr. Ben Song, a time traveler trying to fix problems in the past. Meanwhile, a team in the present day helps Ben navigate his jumps through time and solve the secrets behind the time machine. The series pays tribute to Scott Bakula’s work while also forging a fresh path for the future.

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

Justin Bartha returns as Riley Poole, helping Jess Valenzuela, a gifted puzzle solver played by Lisette Olivera. Jess discovers secrets about her family and lost historical treasures from across the Americas. The show features appearances from the original movies, establishing Jess as the next great adventurer. Her story brings a new and diverse viewpoint to the franchise’s familiar historical puzzles.

‘Willow’ (2022–2023)

Warwick Davis reprised his role as the wizard Willow to guide a new team of young heroes on a dangerous quest. Among them were Ruby Cruz and Ellie Bamber, who played key roles in the fight against evil. The show followed these young women as they developed their magical abilities and combat skills with Willow’s help, while also exploring a wider fantasy world with richer stories and characters.

‘Mayans M.C.’ (2018–2023)

Mayans M.C., a spin-off of Sons of Anarchy, followed a Latino motorcycle club operating along the California border. Emilio Rivera returned as Marcus Alvarez, connecting the new series to the original and acting as a guide. The show starred JD Pardo as EZ Reyes, who dealt with the club’s dangerous power struggles and his complicated family life. Like its predecessor, Mayans M.C. told a story inspired by Shakespearean tragedy, but within a unique cultural setting.

‘Power Book II: Ghost’ (2020–2024)

After James St. Patrick’s death, his son Tariq stepped into the spotlight. The new series, starring Michael Rainey Jr., follows Tariq as he balances a life of crime with the demands of college. It keeps the dark and realistic feel of the original show, but centers on a younger generation, and examines how a father’s past actions impact his son’s tough decisions.

‘Raven’s Home’ (2017–2023)

Raven-Symoné is back as Raven Baxter, but this time she’s a single mom raising twins. Her son, Booker, has also inherited her ability to have visions, and she helps him understand and control them. Issac Ryan Brown is fantastic as Booker, bringing a lot of humor to the show. It’s a series that appeals to both longtime fans of the original and a new audience.

‘Leverage: Redemption’ (2021–Present)

The show’s original team of reformed criminals is back, now joined by Noah Wyle as a new member hoping to make amends for his past. Aleyse Shannon steps into the role of tech expert, replacing her on-screen brother, and brings a fresh perspective with her modern hacking abilities and awareness of social issues. The series smoothly incorporates her into the group’s established family-like bond, while also recognizing that time has passed.

‘The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers’ (2021–2022)

Emilio Estevez returned as Gordon Bombay to coach a new hockey team made up of kids who didn’t fit in with the now highly competitive Ducks organization. Led by Maxwell Simkins and Sway Bhatia, these players rediscover their love for the game. Bombay shares his knowledge and passion for hockey, helping these underdogs fight against the negative aspects of competitive youth sports. The series brings back the heart of the original movies for today’s families.

‘Gen V’ (2023–Present)

This new series, a spin-off of The Boys, is set at a college specifically for superheroes, where students compete to be the best. The show follows a diverse group of young heroes, led by Jaz Sinclair, who plays a character with the power to control blood and a difficult history. While focusing on life at this college, the series also connects to the larger story of The Boys and the corrupt corporation, Vought International. Ultimately, it uses the world of superheroes to examine the challenges and moral choices faced by young people.

‘Wednesday’ (2022–Present)

Christina Ricci made a cameo as a teacher at Nevermore Academy, essentially passing the role of Wednesday Addams to the next generation. Jenna Ortega brilliantly embodies Wednesday, paying tribute to the character’s history while also bringing her own unique depth. The show’s mystery storyline gives Ortega a chance to shine, showcasing her talent for both dry humor and physical comedy. Her casting has successfully reintroduced the Addams Family to a worldwide audience through streaming.

‘Ahsoka’ (2023)

Ahsoka Tano carries the weight of the past experiences of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi while searching for Grand Admiral Thrawn. Rosario Dawson plays Ahsoka, and she takes on the role of a mentor to a young Mandalorian warrior named Sabine Wren. Their connection echoes the classic teacher-student relationships seen throughout the Star Wars saga. This show highlights strong, diverse female fighters as they lead the fight to save the galaxy.

‘Bel-Air’ (2022–Present)

This new series is a dramatic update to the classic sitcom, with Will Smith as an executive producer and his approval. Jabari Banks plays the lead role, offering a more realistic and heartfelt portrayal of a young man moving from West Philadelphia. Some original cast members make appearances, lending their support to this fresh take on the Banks family. Unlike the original comedy, this version dives into important topics like race and class with greater depth.

‘CSI: Vegas’ (2021–2024)

William Petersen and Jorja Fox rejoined the crime lab to mentor a new group of forensic investigators. Paula Newsome stepped in as the team’s leader, Maxine Roby, bringing a new approach to the high-tech lab. The returning veterans helped wrap up a major case before passing the torch to the new, diverse team. This update successfully refreshed the show’s format, which had been popular on television in the early 2000s.

’24: Legacy’ (2017)

After Jack Bauer’s story ended, the series continued with a new lead character, Eric Carter, played by Corey Hawkins. A former Army Ranger, Carter faces a desperate race against time to prevent a terrorist attack in the United States. Familiar faces like Tony Almeida returned to help guide the new agent and maintain a connection to the original show. The series aimed to update the fast-paced, real-time style for a new generation with a more diverse hero.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2021–2023)

The anonymous blogger who started it all disappeared for almost ten years, until a new group of privileged high school students discovered her site. The show stars Jordan Alexander and Whitney Peak, and features a cast that truly represents the diversity of present-day New York City. While acknowledging the original story, this version focuses on how social media and constant online scrutiny affect the characters. It examines how wealth and public scandal play out in the age of Instagram.

‘Heroes Reborn’ (2015–2016)

Jack Coleman reprised his role as Noah Bennet to uncover a plot against people with special powers. This new series featured a diverse, international group of evolved humans who had to work together to prevent a global catastrophe caused by a solar flare. The original heroes shared their experience and passed the torch to this next generation, emphasizing that the events of Heroes had a worldwide impact.

‘Girl Meets World’ (2014–2017)

Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel returned as Cory and Topanga, now parents raising their daughter Riley and her best friend Maya. The show centered on the girls’ friendship as they dealt with the challenges of middle school in New York City. Characters from the original Boy Meets World often appeared to offer guidance to Riley and her diverse group of friends. It effectively brought the valuable lessons of the 90s show to a new generation on Disney Channel.

‘Fuller House’ (2016–2020)

The Fuller family continued the story from the original series, with D.J. and Stephanie now taking on the roles of parents. Familiar faces from the past often appeared to help them navigate the challenges of work and raising children. The show also featured a wider range of friends and neighbors who felt like family. It kept the same warm and positive feeling as the original, but updated the storylines to reflect modern life.

‘Vikings: Valhalla’ (2022–2024)

A century after the events of the original Vikings series, this new show follows a fresh group of Viking heroes. The cast includes talented actors like Caroline Henderson, who plays Jarl Haakon, the ruler of Kattegat. The stories of Ragnar Lothbrok continue to influence these warriors as they struggle for survival and seek fame. This series also broadens the Viking world, showcasing encounters with various cultures and religions.

‘Chucky’ (2021–Present)

As a horror fan, I’m really enjoying how they’re continuing the Chucky story! Brad Dourif is still absolutely perfect as the voice of the killer doll, and this time around, the story centers on a teen named Jake Wheeler, played by Zackary Arthur, who’s just trying to navigate life when Chucky shows up and throws everything into chaos. It’s awesome seeing some familiar faces return too – Jennifer Tilly and Fiona Dourif are back, helping a new group of teens fight Chucky. What I love most is that it feels like a classic slasher film, but with a really engaging coming-of-age story woven in.

‘Station 19’ (2018–2024)

Jason George reprised his role as Ben Warren, moving from Grey’s Anatomy to this new show about firefighters. He joined a team of diverse first responders led by Jaina Lee Ortiz, who plays Andy Herrera. While the show sometimes features characters from Grey’s Anatomy, it’s also developed its own unique feel and strong team dynamic. Bringing a familiar face along helped connect the new series to its predecessor and immerse viewers in the dangerous world of firefighting.

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

The latest installment of the series follows a new group of teenage girls in a different town, who are haunted by a shadowy attacker. Led by Bailee Madison and Chandler Kinney, these girls are forced to confront the consequences of their mothers’ past mistakes. The show is scarier than the original, but still keeps the core mystery, and updates the story with fears and secrets that resonate with today’s younger audiences.

‘Batwoman’ (2019–2022)

When the original Batwoman left the show, a new hero, Ryan Wilder, played by Javicia Leslie, stepped into the role. This made history as Leslie became the first Black woman to portray Batwoman in a live-action series. The story followed Ryan’s transformation from a young woman struggling with homelessness into a strong protector of Gotham. This change in lead characters also opened up opportunities to explore new and important social issues.

Please share your favorite examples of TV torch-passing in the comments.

2026-01-26 22:18