Like their counterparts in the motion picture industry, television programming executives have often relied on reboots and revivals. For both forms of entertainment, the challenge has been to appeal to audiences who have a variety of viewing choices on cable or via streaming services. The track record for recapturing lightning in a bottle with TV reboots is not very good.
By reviving a hit series, television executives are drawing on nostalgia or the power of the brand of the show. That’s been the case with “The Twilight Zone,” the macabre masterpiece created by Rod Serling that ran from 1959 to 1964. The groundbreaking series has been revived three times. None of those reboots has approached the critical acclaim of the original. (These are the 25 best original episodes of “The Twilight Zone.”)
To determine the best and worst TV reboots and revivals, 24/7 Tempo reviewed user ratings from IMDb, an online movie and TV database owned by Amazon. Revivals of American television shows were ranked based on average IMDb user rating as of August 2022. In case of ties, the show with more user reviews was ranked higher. Only revivals that have IMDb entries separate from their original show were considered.
The teen drama “90210,” whose original run from 1990 to 2000 made stars out of Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Luke Perry, and Jennie Garth, has been rebooted twice. One of the revivals, “BH90210,” which (as with a number of other series on our list) starred some members of the original series cast, received a higher IMDb user rating than the original. It’s only one of the six shows listed here to top the original series in IMDb user ratings.
Click here to see every major TV revival ranked worst to best
Some of the revived series were animated, such as “The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder,” “The Powerpuff Girls,” and “Rugrats,” as TV execs bet that the next generation of kids will embrace the latest iteration of these beloved, and very long-running, series. (These are the 15 best animated sitcoms of all time.)
34. The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder (2022-present)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 2.4/10 (583 votes)
> Revival cast: Audrey Grace Marshall, Daran Norris, Susanne Blakeslee
> Original show run: The Fairly OddParents (2001-2017)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.2/10 (39,949 votes)
> Original show cast: Tara Strong, Susanne Blakeslee, Daran Norris
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33. Legends of the Hidden Temple (2021-present)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 3.3/10 (125 votes)
> Revival cast: Monica Rivera, Cristela Alonzo, Dee Bradley Baker
> Original show run: Legends of the Hidden Temple (1993-1995)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 8.1/10 (3,453 votes)
> Original show cast: Kirk Fogg, Dee Bradley Baker, Jennifer Holtz, Zachary Maxell
32. The Powerpuff Girls (2016-2019)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 3.4/10 (4,051 votes)
> Revival cast: Nicolas Cantu, Kyla Rae Kowalewski, Amanda Leighton, Natalie Palamides
> Original show run: The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2005)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.3/10 (40,417 votes)
> Original show cast: Cathy Cavadini, Elizabeth Daily, Tara Strong, Tom Kenny
31. ReBoot: The Guardian Code (2018-2018)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 3.8/10 (1,173 votes)
> Revival cast: Ty Wood, Ajay Friese, Gabriel Darku, Hannah Vandenbygaart
> Original show run: ReBoot (1994-2001)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.8/10 (5,327 votes)
> Original show cast: Michael Donovan, Kathleen Barr, Garry Chalk, Michael Benyaer
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30. Rugrats (2021-present)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 3.8/10 (1,237 votes)
> Revival cast: Nancy Cartwright, Elizabeth Daily, Kath Soucie
> Original show run: Rugrats (1993-2005)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.5/10 (35,303 votes)
> Original show cast: Elizabeth Daily, Christine Cavanaugh, Nancy Cartwright
29. Gossip Girl (2021-present)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 5.3/10 (10,993 votes)
> Revival cast: Eli Brown, Jordan Alexander, Whitney Peak
> Original show run: Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.4/10 (172,163 votes)
> Original show cast: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley
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28. Saved by the Bell (2020-2021)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 5.4/10 (3,042 votes)
> Revival cast: Haskiri Velazquez, Mitchell Hoog, Josie Totah, Alycia Pascual-Pena
> Original show run: Saved by the Bell (1989-1993)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.0/10 (34,270 votes)
> Original show cast: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Dustin Diamond, Lark Voorhies
27. The Conners (2018-present)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 5.4/10 (9,650 votes)
> Revival cast: John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, Alicia Goranson
> Original show run: Roseanne (1988-1997)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.0/10 (41,958 votes)
> Original show cast: Roseanne Barr, John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Michael Fishman
26. The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2022-present)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 5.8/10 (1,169 votes)
> Revival cast: Kyla Pratt, Tommy Davidson, Jo Marie Payton
> Original show run: The Proud Family (2001-2005)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 6.5/10 (6,959 votes)
> Original show cast: Kyla Pratt, Tommy Davidson, Jo Marie Payton, Paula Jai Parker
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25. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2021-present)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 5.8/10 (1,728 votes)
> Revival cast: Antony Del Rio, David Kaye, Kimberly Brooks
> Original show run: He Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983-1985)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.5/10 (18,593 votes)
> Original show cast: John Erwin, Alan Oppenheimer, Linda Gary
24. The Twilight Zone (2019-2020)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 5.8/10 (14,840 votes)
> Revival cast: Jordan Peele, David Epstein, Kelly Ann Woods, Mark Silverman
> Original show run: The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 9.0/10 (78,338 votes)
> Original show cast: Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts, Vaughn Taylor
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23. The New Leave It to Beaver (1983-1989)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 5.9/10 (475 votes)
> Revival cast: Barbara Billingsley, Tony Dow, Jerry Mathers
> Original show run: Leave It to Beaver (1957-1963)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.5/10 (7,681 votes)
> Original show cast: Jerry Mathers, Hugh Beaumont, Barbara Billingsley, Tony Dow
22. Melrose Place (2009-2010)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 6.0/10 (4,102 votes)
> Revival cast: Katie Cassidy, Stephany Jacobsen, Jessica Lucas, Michael Rady
> Original show run: Melrose Place (1992-1999)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 5.9/10 (11,833 votes)
> Original show cast: Heather Locklear, Andrew Shue, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Thomas Calabro
21. Bel-Air (2022-present)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 6.0/10 (9,149 votes)
> Revival cast: Jabari Banks, Cassandra Freeman, Jimmy Akingbola
> Original show run: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.9/10 (133,550 votes)
> Original show cast: Will Smith, James Avery, Alfonso Ribeiro
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20. 90210 (2008-2013)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 6.1/10 (43,857 votes)
> Revival cast: Shenae Grimes-Beech, Tristan Mack Wilds, AnnaLynne McCord, Jessica Stroup
> Original show run: Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 6.4/10 (33,296 votes)
> Original show cast: Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Luke Perry, Jennie Garth
19. The Suite Life on Deck (2008-2011)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 6.4/10 (17,962 votes)
> Revival cast: Dylan Sprouse, Cole Sprouse, Brenda Song, Debby Ryan
> Original show run: The Suite Life of Zack and Cody (2005-2008)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 6.6/10 (35,145 votes)
> Original show cast: Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse, Brenda Song, Ashley Tisdale
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18. Muppet Babies (2018-2022)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 6.5/10 (719 votes)
> Revival cast: Matt Danner, Dee Bradley Baker, Melanie Harrison
> Original show run: Muppet Babies (1984-1991)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.5/10 (5,110 votes)
> Original show cast: Greg Berg, Katie Leigh, Laurie O’Brien
17. iCarly (2021-present)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 6.5/10 (4,651 votes)
> Revival cast: Miranda Cosgrove, Jerry Trainor, Nathan Kress
> Original show run: iCarly (2007-2012)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 6.7/10 (37,167 votes)
> Original show cast: Miranda Cosgrove, Jerry Trainor, Jennette McCurdy, Nathan Kress
16. Xiaolin Chronicles (2013-2015)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 6.7/10 (1,009 votes)
> Revival cast: Eric Bauza, Michael Donovan, Jennifer Hale, David Kaye
> Original show run: Xiaolin Showdown (2003-2006)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.4/10 (6,959 votes)
> Original show cast: Jeff Bennett, Danny Cooksey, Grey Griffin, Tom Kenny
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15. Punky Brewster (2021-2021)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 6.7/10 (1,087 votes)
> Revival cast: Soleil Moon Frye, Cherie Johnson, Quinn Copeland
> Original show run: Punky Brewster (1984-1988)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 6.6/10 (5,437 votes)
> Original show cast: Soleil Moon Frye, George Gaynes, Cherie Johnson, Sandy
14. Heroes Reborn (2015-2016)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 6.7/10 (28,042 votes)
> Revival cast: Jack Coleman, Zachary Levi, Robbie Kay
> Original show run: Heroes (2006-2010)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.5/10 (8,373 votes)
> Original show cast: Jack Coleman, Hayden Panettiere, Milo Ventimiglia, Masi Oka
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13. BH90210 (2019-2019)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 6.8/10 (4,133 votes)
> Revival cast: Gabrielle Carteris, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Brian Austin Green
> Original show run: Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 6.4/10 (33,296 votes)
> Original show cast: Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Luke Perry, Jennie Garth
12. Girl Meets World (2014-2017)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 7.1/10 (14,054 votes)
> Revival cast: Rowan Blanchard, Sabrina Carpenter, Ben Savage, Danielle Fishel
> Original show run: Boy Meets World (1993-2000)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 8.0/10 (41,238 votes)
> Original show cast: Ben Savage, Rider Strong, William Daniels, Betsy Randle
11. The Golden Palace (1992-1993)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 7.2/10 (1,595 votes)
> Revival cast: Betty White, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty, Don Cheadle
> Original show run: The Golden Girls (1985-1992)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 8.0/10 (37,215 votes)
> Original show cast: Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty
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10. The Twilight Zone (2002-2003)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 7.2/10 (5,881 votes)
> Revival cast: Forest Whitaker, June B. Wilde, Chris Shields, Tangi Miller
> Original show run: The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 9.0/10 (78,338 votes)
> Original show cast: Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts, Vaughn Taylor
9. Dallas (2012-2014)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 7.2/10 (10,400 votes)
> Revival cast: Josh Henderson, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Julie Gonzalo
> Original show run: Dallas (1978-1991)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.1/10 (14,112 votes)
> Original show cast: Larry Hagman, Ken Kercheval, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray
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8. Raven’s Home (2017-present)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 7.3/10 (2,896 votes)
> Revival cast: Raven-Symoné, Issac Ryan Brown, Navia Ziraili Robinson, Jason Maybaum
> Original show run: That’s So Raven (2003-2007)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 6.6/10 (19,269 votes)
> Original show cast: Raven-Symoné, Orlando Brown, Anneliese van der Pol, Kyle Massey
7. Mission: Impossible (1988-1990)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 7.6/10 (3,763 votes)
> Revival cast: Peter Graves, Thaao Penghlis, Antony Hamilton, Phil Morris
> Original show run: Mission: Impossible (1966-1973)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.9/10 (9,134 votes)
> Original show cast: Peter Graves, Barbara Bain, Greg Morris, Peter Lupus
6. The Outer Limits (1995-2002)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 7.7/10 (12,231 votes)
> Revival cast: Kevin Conway, Alex Diakun, Eric Schneider, Garvin Cross
> Original show run: The Outer Limits (1963-1965)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 8.2/10 (7,914 votes)
> Original show cast: Bob Johnson, Ben Wright, William Douglas, Robert Culp
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5. Animaniacs (2020-present)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 7.8/10 (2,819 votes)
> Revival cast: Jess Harnell, Maurice LaMarche, Tress MacNeille, Rob Paulsen
> Original show run: Animaniacs (1993-1998)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 7.9/10 (22,944 votes)
> Original show cast: Rob Paulsen, Jess Harnell, Tress MacNeille, Frank Welker
4. The Twilight Zone (1985-1989)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 7.8/10 (11,001 votes)
> Revival cast: Robin Ward, Charles Aidman, Richard Mulligan, William Atherton
> Original show run: The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 9.0/10 (78,338 votes)
> Original show cast: Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts, Vaughn Taylor
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3. Dexter: New Blood (2021-2022)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 8.1/10 (84,810 votes)
> Revival cast: Michael C. Hall, Jack Alcott, Julia Jones
> Original show run: Dexter (2006-2013)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 8.6/10 (697,258 votes)
> Original show cast: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, James Remar
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2. DuckTales (2017-2021)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 8.2/10 (8,815 votes)
> Revival cast: David Tennant, Ben Schwartz, Danny Pudi, Bobby Moynihan
> Original show run: DuckTales (1987-1990)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 8.1/10 (31,172 votes)
> Original show cast: Alan Young, Russi Taylor, Terence McGovern, Chuck McCann
1. Whose Line Is It Anyway? (2013-present)
> Revival IMDb user rating: 8.4/10 (8,043 votes)
> Revival cast: Colin Mochrie, Aisha Tyler, Ryan Stiles, Wayne Brady
> Original show run: Whose Line Is It Anyway? (1998-2007)
> Original show IMDb user rating: 8.5/10 (42,062 votes)
> Original show cast: Drew Carey, Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles, Laura Hall
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