What’s the Best Reboot or Revival of 2021 So Far? (POLL)
2021 has seen many shows, both on cable and streaming, receive the reboot or revival treatment. With many more on the way — And Just Like That…, The Many Saints of Newark, The Wonder Years, Dexter — we’re taking a look at some of the year’s best reboots and revivals, so far.
Read through and vote in the poll for your favorite reboot/revival of 2021 below!
Karolina Wojtasik/HBO Max
Gossip Girl
After 6 drama and fashion-filled seasons, Gossip Girl returned this year with a new batch of Upper East Siders. The HBO Max revival premiered on July 8 and follows the story of half-sisters Julien (Jordan Alexander) and Zoya (Whitney Peak). Just as the two begin to connect, everyone’s favorite gossip blog returns to stir up some drama. With Gossip Girl’s identity revealed in the first episode, the revival is sure to take viewers on a wild ride. Plus, who doesn’t love hearing Kristen Bell return as the titular voice-over?
Rebecca Brenneman/The CW
Walker
Jared Padalecki returns to The CW after the end of Supernatural with a crime drama reboot, Walker. Based on the nineties series Walker, Texas Ranger starring Chuck Norris, the show follows widower Cordell Walker as he returns to his family after spending a year undercover, all while growing suspicious about the circumstances of his wife’s death. The show premiered earlier this year on January 21.
Evans Vestal Ward/Peacock
Punky Brewster
Soleil Moon Frye is back as her iconic titular role in Peacock’s Punky Brewster revival. Once an abandoned child herself, the reboot sees Punky as a divorced mother of three who takes in a young girl in the foster care system who reminds her of her young self. Cherie Johnson returns as Punky’s best friend along with Freddie Prinze Jr. as Punky’s ex-husband. The Peacock series premiered on February 25.
Kailey Schwerman/The CW
Kung Fu
Inspired by the 1972 series of the same name, The CW’s Kung Fu reboot premiered on April 7. The martial arts show follows Nicky Shen (Olivia Liang), a Chinese American girl who fights crime on the streets of San Francisco after returning from a trip to China. Featuring a predominantly Asian cast, the action-packed show is sure to get you hooked.
Lisa Rose/Paramount+
iCarly
10 years after the show’s finale on Nickelodeon, iCarly is back with a revival on Paramount+. The show, which premiered on June 17, follows Carly (Miranda Cosgrove), Freddie (Nathan Kress), and Spencer (Jerry Trainor) as they revive the titular web show. Despite one-third of the show’s original teen trio not making an appearance (Jennette McCurdy’s Sam), the show makes up for her absence with some new faces, including Carly’s roommate Harper (Laci Mosley) and Freddie’s stepdaughter Millicent (Jaidyn Triplett). The show premiered to much success and was recently picked up for a second season.
Nickelodeon/Paramount+
Rugrats
Paramount+ premiered another revival of a Nickelodeon favorite, Rugrats, on May 27. While the animation style differs from the original, everyone’s favorite babies are back for more crazy and colorful adventures. The babies’ original voice cast returns for the series, along with several new additions to the cast, including Tony Hale, Natalie Morales, and Nicole Byer, among others.
Amazon Studios
Leverage: Redemption
The TNT crime drama Leverage has been brought back to life on IMDb TV with Leverage: Redemption. Similar to the original, the show follows a group of “Robin Hood” reformed criminals who help people fight back against governmental and corporate injustices. The show premiered on July 9 and features many of the show’s original cast, including Noah Wyle, Beth Riesgraf, Gina Bellman, Aldis Hodge, and Christian Kane.
Conversation52 Comments
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M
Leverage: Redemption gets my vote! We have been waiting 9 long years for it and it was worth the wait.
38 2
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R
Leverage Redemption is a excellent show cast and story lines. Best chemostry as a cast I have ever seen. Even with the new characters excellent . Well done Dean Devlin.
37 2
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C
Leverage Redemption is the show that hits the hardest in these times. Every ep is fun but relevant & the cast is phenomenal. It's such a joy to have our grifters back & the new cast members fit in with more unique characters that hit the ground running. Brilliant stories & writing.
32 2
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C
I think Leverage Redemption is GREAT so far. I was a big fan of the original series and got instantly hooked. After only 3 days, this show has ALREADY become a LANDMARK series on IMBD TV. IT'S A MASSIVE HIT!! Dean Devlin has done it again!!
30 2
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O
I was over the moon when I read that Redemption was coming back! And it has not disappointed. You know they're going to win in the end but they still can keep you in suspense. Beth Riesgraf is so much fun.
30 2
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G
Leverage Redemption absolutely gets my vote. We waited so long for it and it has been absolutely worth it!
29 2
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G
Walker is so much more than a re-boot. This show addresses the issues that a Texas Ranger faces in 2021. Jared Padalecki is Cordell Walker. He describes the show being about a family man who happens to be a Texas Ranger. In the first episode his wife is murdered while delivering water. The show is filmed in Austin, Texas. Only 2 more episodes in Season 1…watch on CW Thursday at 8:00. You will not be disappointed.
32 5
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J
Actually, in the first episode- of Walker, it's been six months or so since his wife was killed. We see what happened in flashbacks.
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R
I was incredibly disappointed. I waited 6 episodes for something...anything...to happen. Slow, dull, with no likeable characters.
2 2
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R
You’re probably just a Jared hater.
2 1
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G
Telling me that a major plot point of the pilot involves fridging a female character (a very old, very tired cliche) doesn't do much to sell me on the show, tbh.
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R
Really like Walker but Leverage Redemption gets my vote hands down. Love the plot, the character development and the throwbacks to the original Leverage and other shows the characters have been in.
25 2
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O
I am really enjoying Walker and Leverage: Redemption.
21
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G
Leverage Redemption all the way.
18 2
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O
Leverage:Redemption! We've waited and begged for years for this show and finally it's here! Not disappointed at all. I love the characters and the story lines.
17 2
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O
Walker and Leverage redemption are the best out of all the shows on the new gossip girl its like they are tring so hard but it seems really rushed and forced
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J
What about The- Equalizer??
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R
Leverage Redemption!!!
12 2
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O
Wait, Leverage is back??? Until I see that, I will say Walker is surprisingly good, and the cast is good too, even the kids.
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M
Yes, Leverage: Redemption is a Revival of the original series.. They pick up as if it 8 years later.. It is on IMDb TV free streaming .
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O
I believe that leverage redemption is not a reboot but a continuation of the original
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G
From that list I would say icarly and Leverage: Redemption. I was plesently surprised by iCarly. Not surprised that Leverage: redemption is good.
9 2
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R
Walker, hands down.
7 1
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C
Haven't seen Leverage: Redemption, but after seeing everyone's comments, I'll have to move it higher on my to-watch list. One note, though: Noah Wiley is not an original cast member, as stated in this article, though he co-starred with Christian Kane in The Librarians.
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G
Definitely Leverage Redemption!! Dean Devlin and cast have done it again!!
7 2
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O
Los guionistas han enlazado tan bien leverage con leverage redemption que es como si no hubiera habido interrupción, sigue siendo mi serie favorita,nunca me canso de ver los capitulos
5
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G
Gotta Go With Leverage! The original was great, and this one is also. Congrats Dean Devlin and Christian Kane!!
6 2
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G
Leverage Redemption
6 2
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G
Leverage Redemption! Great Cast! Great Story lines! 😍
4 1
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P
Leverage Redemption, I have been watching Walker but can't get into it.
5 2
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G
Kaniacs for ever
2
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O
Walker is best
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O
Definitely #leverageredemption!! Loving the show, so much fun to watch, great cast & great stories of doing things we would all love to do!! I enjoy every minute of it!!
4 2
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C
Looks like this has become a 2 horse race between Walker and Leverage: Redemption. I love both but went with Walker because Leverage is more a revival than a reboot.
3 1
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M
The title of this poll does say reboot or revival 😉
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M
Tv Insider, When does this poll end? Is it one vote only? Thanks!
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C
I'm so happy Leverage Redemption is on. I have truly missed the Grifter, Hitter, Hacker, Thief , and Mastermind. It's edgy, funny and relevant to the times. Let's go steal several more seasons!
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O
Best show ever is back! Couldn't be more excited! Taking down the bad guys helps me feel better; They rarely get knocked down in reality! And having #ChristianKane back on my TV is AMAZING!
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G
Leverage: Redemption is so good. Such good characters and such great stories. Loved it!
2 1
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B
I was concerned what Leverage Redemption would be like without Timothy Hutton and for most episodes, Aldis Hodge, but my worries were soon allayed. It's so good to have this show back. The new characters have been great and Gina Bellman has taken Sophie to another level.
Can't wait for the next batch of episodes and fingers crossed it gets greenlit for a second series because it deserves it.
If you haven't watched it, give it a go!
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O
Leverage Redemption is outstanding! Can't wait for more! Love, love, love!!
Sonia Aranda LOVES!!!
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G
Leverage Redemption!!!!! Absolutely fantastic!!!
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O
Excellent show. Love all the characters great to see most of the original cast.
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O
Kung Fu has been a wonderful revelation. I never saw the original (though I'm pretty sure there is no resemblance!) but the new show has a cast of well-drawn and likeable characters, with a believable friend/family dynamic from the first episode - a rare feat in a brand new show. I have come to adore several of them, and greatly appreciate the show's willingness to address real, current issues.
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C
Leverage Redemption would be much better without Noah Wyle. He's boring and brings nothing to the show. At this point, I prefer the new Walker. Fresh show and fresh characters.
3 3
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G
I like the Walker Reboot, but other than the lead Character sharing the same name it has absolutely nothing in common with the Chuck Norris led original. It is really not the same show at all. I do enjoy watching it though.
I also enjoy watching the Kung Fu reboot, but that has more in common with Mulan then the original Kung Fu series.
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C
Kung Fu is my favorite but I've watched Walker, Punky Brewster and Leverage Redemption. I look forward to more seasons of each.
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C
But, you forgot the Equalizer.
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O
Walker is the best in my opinion. But also it's a re imagination than a reboot. They completely let go of Chuck Norris' Walker. Created a new character in 2021 that deals with issues like dirty cops, police brutality, racism, deportation, the problems at the borders and so much more.
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G
Thank you for bringing the best group of characters back. Leverage Redemption, has been my dream come true.
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G
Following.
2
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O
None of the above!!!!!!
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