IMDB Ratings Reveal The Ten Best and Worst TV Series Reboots 

IMDB Ratings Reveal The Ten Best and Worst TV Series Reboots

The beloved British TV Classic Waterloo Road is returning for 2022, as confirmed by the BBC.

What’s more – some of our favourite characters from the earlier seasons will be returning for the upcoming season.

Angela Griffin is set to return as Kim Cambell for the role of the school’s headteacher, whilst Adam Thomas will be returning as the iconic Donte Charles. Finally, Katie Griffiths is reprising her role as the legendary Chlo Charles.

However, despite the initial excitement, it is hard to get over those feelings of doubt, as previous reboots and revivals of classic TV shows have often failed to live up to the originals over the years. 

The team at Betway have done some digging into IMDB ratings to reveal the best and worst TV series reboots to date, to decide once and for all whether they think this year’s Waterloo Road will be a winner.

Starting from the best to the worst, here are the reboot rankings…

1. The Office 

Credit: The Office (American TV series) – Wikipedia

MDB Original Rating- 8.5

IMDB Reboot Rating- 8.9 

What’s the one thing scarier than a TV reboot? An American adaptation of a classic British show. 

Ricky Gervais’ 2001 original mockumentary classic The Office is considered one of the greatest British shows of all time, praised for its socially awkward satirical tone and receiving universal acclaim and success at the 2001 British Comedy Awards.  

Gervais’ role as David Brent was just as celebrated, earning Best TV Comedy Actor in the same year as well two more awards both in 2003, a Golden Globe and Peabody Award.

Despite the show’s glittering success, it has somehow been eclipsed by its American counterpart, which was nominated for 42 Primetime Emmy Awards – claiming five. 

Furthermore, Steve Carell’s portrayal of Michael Scott reached even more widespread acclaim than Brent, earning him 6 consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy nomination, as well as winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor- Television Series (Comedy) in 2006.

This iteration has very much reached cult classic status with how passing the test of time by infiltrating its way into internet humour and meme culture. How many of your favourite GIFs involve one if not all of this iconic cast of characters? 

 

2. House Of Cards 

Credit: House of Cards (American TV series) – Wikipedia

IMDB Original Rating- 8.5

IMDB Reboot Rating- 8.7

The original British, House of Cards was an incredibly well crafted political thriller filled with dynamic political intrigue, brittle alliances and conniving officials  – so much so that it was crowned winner of the 1991 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Miniseries or a Special. Ian Richardson’s portrayal of Francis Urquhart also earned him a BAFTA award for Best Actor in the same year  

The American iteration is just as revered, boasting many of the same qualities as the original. It became the first-ever online-only show to earn a Primetime Emmy and went on to win another six between 2013-2019 for multiple categories since. Furthermore, two Golden Globes were claimed by the now-disgraced actor, Kevin Spacey for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama in 2015, for his portrayal of the show’s protagonist, Frank Underwood.

It is safe to say that the House of Cards franchise has been both commercially and critically successful, to the point that fans still constantly debate over which version is the best.

 

3. Battlestar Galactica 

Credit: Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series) – Wikipedia

IMDB Original Rating- 7.2

IMDB Reboot Rating- 8.7

While the original Battlestar Galactica deserves some credit for being the foundation of the franchise, it is hard to argue that the show’s overly camp tone has not aged particularly well. It was mostly an addictive fun serial, which was probably more influenced by Star Wars than it would care to admit. 

The 2004 reboot, however, is very much a space drama odyssey for the ages – full of innovative twists and turns. Political drama, terrorism allegories and religious debates, you name it; the show felt much more palpable thanks to the more serious tone – plus the characters’ decisions felt far more consequential to the overarching plot. 

Its critical acclaim was clear as day, with 6 Saturn Awards won between 2006-2009. In particular, Kate Sackoff won the Saturn Award for Best Television Supporting Actress for her role as Kate Thrace, the reimagining of the original Lieutenant Starbuck.

This change was once criticised even by Dirk Benedict, “I played an iconic character, but they turned him into a girl”, the original actor of the character. However, it is now recognised by many as being one of the most fulfilling and dynamic changes ever made to a television character.

 

4. Doctor Who

Credit: Doctor Who – Wikipedia

IMDB Original Rating- 8.4

IMDB Reboot Rating- 8.6

Our favourite Time Lords have been a staple of British TV for 59 years, crafting numerous iconic moments and memories that will last for generations. The BBC classic seems like such a constant presence in our lives that it is easy to forget the  16 year-long hiatus the show suffered after its original run ended in 1989. 

The original run was the foundation of establishing unforgettable sci-fi stereotypes such as the Daleks, the concept of regeneration and more. However, its otherworldly and admittedly dated, special effects often overshadowed the show’s narrative direction and character-building.

The 2005 revival of the series was a monumental reinvention. The Doctor and their companions became much more emotive characters, which proved a hit with fans, leading to once untaintable highs such as wins and nominations at the BAFTA Awards.

5. Star Trek: The Next Generation

Credit: Star Trek: The Next Generation – Wikipedia

IMDB Original Rating- 8.3

IMDB Reboot Rating- 8.6

Star Trek is a late bloomer, only reaching the current global impact thanks to broadcast syndication after it initially struggled with its first network, NBC. 

This allowed the series to reach its cult classic status, thanks to iconic performances from Leonard Nimoy as Spock and William Shanter as James T Kirk. However, the show still suffered tonal inconsistencies throughout its run, these issues being at their worst in its third and final season.

Its sequel, aptly named ‘The Next Generation’ is everything great about the original, but with a wider scope. The sequel invested more time into character development, more modern storylines, the technological advancements of setting and more. 

Patrick Stewart’s role as Jean-Luc Picard is considered a strong rival to Shatner, and it is often debated amongst fans and critics alike who is the better captain.

The show has created a legacy that rivals the original with19 Emmy Awards wins between 1989-1994.

 

6. And Just Like That

Credit: And Just Like That… – Wikipedia

IMDB Original Rating- 7.2

IMDB Reboot Rating- 5.4

Sex and The City is one of the most successful series of all time, having been nominated for over 50 Emmy Awards, winning seven of them across its six seasons.

It was considered progressive during its time since before then it was still a rare occurrence to have shows that depicted such well-rounded and developed female characters, let alone placing them at the heart of the show. 

Despite a now debated legacy, Sarah Jessica Parker’s role as Carrie Bradshaw remains one of the most iconic roles ever in television, earning her a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series in 1999.

As mentioned above, the characters and the show have had a much more contested legacy since heading into the 2010s and it seems its latest reboot, unfortunately, continues to add to that sentiment. In an attempt to ratify some of the original poorly-aged sensibilities, the reboot has lost the original’s comedic charm, and these changes feel undeniably disingenuous and forced.

7. Gossip Girl

Credit: Gossip Girl (2021 TV series) – Wikipedia

IMDB Original Rating- 7.4

IMDB Reboot Rating- 5.3

Some found Gossip Girl to be a detestable show, but that of course is what made it so brilliant. It revelled in the fact that its characters were superfluous, bratty individuals coming from an elite, privileged world. Plus it preyed on people’s innate desire to divulge in gossip and drama – especially since it was primarily marketed at a teen audience.

This method created a unique juxtaposition, offering up fans a fix for their drama addiction as well as a cautionary tale on its consequences. The show reached critical acclaim, earning a Teen Choice Award annually from 2008 till 2011, with Blake Lively notably winning 3 Best TV Actress for Drama awards for her role as Serena Van der Woodsen. 

The show’s recent reboot suffers from the overcorrection of its predecessor’s controversial choices. While it does make needed improvements, such as a more diverse cast, it fails to understand the original’s flaws were very much the main factor for the show’s appeal. It tries to tote the line between the original ironic embrace of its ills, while overtly pointing them out. By trying to hold the mirror against itself, it ironically fails at creating meaningful discussion, while its predecessor forced viewers to do that themselves.

8. Charmed 

Credit: Charmed (2018 TV series) – Wikipedia

IMDB Original Rating- 7.1

IMDB Reboot Rating- 4.7

The late 1990s was an amazing time for developed female-led TV series between the likes of Alias, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Xena: Warrior Princess and more. Charmed was a key contributor to this cultural phenomenon, not only holding 3 female leads, but from 2006 it was the longest-running hour-long TV series featuring all female leads, up until 2012.

The Halliwell sisters (Alyssa Milano, Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs and Rose McGowan) all had magnetic chemistry together and a tangible sense of sisterhood. While the wizardly setting was undeniably engaging,  filled with its history and ethos, the intrigue of discovering it at the same time as the sisters made it all the more enthralling. Not to mention the surprisingly tense action scenes, Charmed has earned its cult classic legacy. It was ranked the 44th best cult show of all time in Cult TV’s list of 100 Best TV shows, published in the year 2000.  

Despite receiving critical praise, the reboot has created much more of a divide in opinion amongst fans and original cast members alike. 

Combs detailed how she felt slighted for her and original cast members not having the slightest input in the reboot. Both she and the show’s die-hard fans took offence to the new take on the show being branded as a ” feminist” show as if the original did not promote these values in the first place.

Many also noted that this reboot did not understand that it was the core sisterhood that was key in amplifying the plot, the magical setting was a supplement not the other way around.

9. Charlie’s Angels 

Credit: Charlie’s Angels (2011 TV series) – Wikipedia

IMDB Original Rating- 6.5

IMDB Reboot Rating- 4.4

Charlie’s Angels have an interesting legacy, often dismissed as “jiggle television” by critics and simply an excuse for over-sexualisation. The original 1976 show was a major success, with its first 2 seasons ranking in the Nielsen TV rating’s top 10 most-watched. Many praised the show for its campy and fun nature, as well portraying strong female leads got to be in complete control of their sexuality. 

Furthermore, its narrative was often praised for intriguing viewers with enticing espionage, particularly in its first 2 seasons. The show quickly became a cultural icon in embodying women’s empowerment.

The reboot is unfortunately not looked at so fondly, succumbing to cancellation after just 7 episodes. The reboot is widely considered a complete failure, that not only failed to recapture the campy charm of the original but also lacked its gripping espionage intrigue. Plus there was all the laughable acting, bad writing and clunky action sequences. You might say that the reboot sent  Charlie’s Angels to hell.

10. Skins 

Credit: Skins (American TV series) – Wikipedia

IMDB Original Rating- 8.2

IMDB Reboot Rating- 3.9

There is a reason why The Office (US) is considered one of the greatest exceptions to the rule, as most American adaptations of classic British shows do not have a positive reception – Skins (US) is a prime example of this. 

The American remake simply feels like a cheap imitation of the UK original, having similar controversial subject matters and depictions, but without the nuances, extreme consequences and dry, British humour that the original relied so heavily upon.

Its inspiration is very much a cult classic, noted for its honesty in displaying the day in a life of a British teenager coming from all different walks of life, helped in part by its regularly rotating cast. The original Skins reached such critical acclaim that it won a BAFTA award in 2008.

Many of the original’s cast members have gone on to build illustrious acting careers, which have only bolstered the show’s legacy, such as Daniel Kaluuya, Kaya Scodelario and Dev Patel – to name but a few.

From everything we have learned from this list, the team at Betway are opting to take the optimistic route for the Waterloo Road reboot, as the return of familiar faces – plus producer Cameron Roach – does bode well for the show to remain faithful to the reasons fans loved the original. 

So, fingers crossed that the new series of Waterloo Road is more than simple nostalgia bait, and adds to the conversation started by the earlier series. 

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