‘Dark Shadows’ Sequel Series Coming to The CW — Pros & Cons in the Age of Reboots and Revivals
Beloved 1960s cult classic gothic soap Dark Shadows is getting the sequel treatment — a slightly different approach than many other reboots and revivals announced within the past few years.
The show, Dark Shadows: Reincarnation, is in development at The CW, with Mark B. Perry (Revenge, Ghost Whisperer, Brothers & Sisters) helming the pilot as writer. He’ll also executive produce with Amasia Entertainment’s Michael Helfant, Bradley Gallo, Tracy Mercer as well as original series creator Dan Curtis’ daughters Tracy and Cathy Curtis, according to Deadline.
Described as a modern continuation to the original show which aired from 1966-1971, the sequel will be an hour-long gothic horror drama once again featuring the Collins family of Collinsport, Maine. The mysterious family hides a dark secret that they’ve harbored for hundreds of years — they’re under one strong supernatural curse.
“I’m beyond thrilled and humbled to be entrusted with this resurrection,” Perry told Deadline. “And while I could never hope to fill Dan Curtis’ very large shoes, I do aspire to carry them a little farther into the future.”
“I also want to reassure the fans of the original that this version will treat the show’s mythology with the same reverence given to Star Trek, but will also make the show accessible for audiences who aren’t yet familiar with the macabre world of the Collinses,” he continued.
“My plan is to take as few liberties as possible with the Dark Shadows canon, while bearing in mind a quote from a 1970s episode delivered by the inimitable Oscar-nominee Grayson Hall as Dr. Julia Hoffman: ‘The Collins family history is not particularly famous for its accuracy.'”
While not many other details have been given on the project, it should be known this isn’t the first time Dark Shadows has been given the sequel/reboot/revival treatment. In the ’90s, creator Curtis brought a revival series to viewers, while in 2005 he supported a made for TV film set in the universe that included cast members such as Jessica Chastain and Matt Czuchry.
Johnny Depp as Barnabas in the 2012 film Dark Shadows (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)
The most recent version of Dark Shadows was the 2012 Tim Burton film starring Johnny Depp as iconic vampire Barnabas Collins. Unlike the original series, Burton’s version of the famous TV family was met with mixed reactions and mid-level critical acclaim.
As viewers make way for the next chapter in the Collinses story, we’re taking a look at the pros and cons of a sequel series like this in the age of reboots and revivals.
Pros
1. Everyone loves a classic, and with CW’s long-running hit Supernatural coming to a close, Dark Shadows: Reincarnation could find some much-needed footing with viewers looking to fill the void left behind by the Winchester brothers.
2. Considering networks’ affinity for reboots and revivals as of late, this announcement is one among many, but branding it as a sequel series sets it apart from its fellow contenders which isn’t bad.
3. The CW may have plenty of original series, but have also shown success with their reboot series such as Charmed and Roswell, New Mexico. Since bringing these updated versions to fruition, it would seem that Shadows is destined for potential success if picked-up.
4. The new show’s connection to the past through Dan Curtis’ daughters Tracy and Cathy is a good sign. In a statement to Deadline, Tracy Curtis said of EP Mercer, “I knew Tracy was a die-hard fan of my father’s work and would protect his vision by bringing on someone who understood how special this property is. My expectations were surpassed when she introduced us to Mark and I heard his incredible take.”
“I felt my father was watching from above and smiling down on us,” Curtis continued. “Tracy and I couldn’t be happier to have Mark take viewers back to Collinwood. Mark has opened up our father’s universe with fresh storylines and new characters that will delight original fans even as they thrill younger viewers.”
Cons
1. Since the original series, fanfare around the following Dark Shadows projects have been mixed and who is to say it wouldn’t be the same this time around. Could a show that was at peak popularity in the ’60s reach similar heights in the 2020s?
2. Some viewers have become restless when it comes to the onslaught of updated classics. Perhaps a thirst for original content could work against the nostalgia associated with a show like Dark Shadows.
No matter the case, we want to hear from you. What do you think about the announcement of this Dark Shadows sequel series? Let us know in the comments below.
Conversation29 Comments
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Even though I was a young child when the original aired, I can still remember the music and the waves crashing against the rocks as the opening to the show. Most of all, I remember "my name is Victoria Winters". If this show is brought back, please don't mess it up by deviating too far from the original.
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I am totally excited at the news. I was a big fan of the original and the 90's version. The Johnny Depp version was a total abomination,
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Can’t wait for it. Hope it’s a huge hit!
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I was terribly excited about the Johnny Depp reboot. He said he was a fan of the original series but apparently that just meant putting in vampire teeth and chasing his little sister around. He must not have spent much time following the elegant, classic story that was Dark Shadows.
This new reboot sounds great!
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If I were producing this, I would go all out to get Nancy Barrett to return as Carolyn Stoddard. She could play the present day matriarch of Collinwood, Just like Joan Bennett did over 50 years ago. I would also try to get David Henesy to return as David. Since he is Carolyn's sister, his role would mirror Roger Collins from the original. Getting Kathryn Leigh Scott back as Maggie Evans would also add to connecting this sequel to the original. I really believe if done right, the return Dark Shadows could be as successful as the return of Twin Peaks was.
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Yes, please! I love that the promise is to stay close to the original. It is the first television show I remember watching and although it terrified me, it was my favorite.
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I loved the original series, especially Barnabas Collins. I remember rushing home from school to watch it evrry day. I am (hesitantly) anxious to see how they handle the reincarnation. I hope they stay true to the history of the family and the flavor of the original.
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Hope it has the classic spooky music from Robert Cobert, who scored the original Dark Shadows.
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I watched the original DS in the 60's and am very much looking forward to a new show that honors the original. It would be great if they could use some of the original actors for supporting roles or even cameo's. I am hoping they will bring back some characters like Chris and Amy Jennings since Chris's werewolf storyline was left in limbo and bring back Adam for the same reason, since he disappeared from the show after hiding in one of Prof Stokes' back rooms.😲
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Will work if sticking to the genre and believability. Won’t work if they change they aim the shows toward social issues like politics, sexual preference, and other topics that interfere with so many tv series these days.
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Just started re-watching the original. Such an incredible cast. If they don't make it a teen soap (and I did like Vampire Diaries) and keep the original mythology, I think starved vamp fans will watch.
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I would love a reboot of DS and I agree, if you could bring back a few of the originals that would be great. I'm sure it would be of interest to young and old because it never really died.
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Please extend an invite to the original actors. In my opinion, the revival never caught on simply because there were no original cast members involved! Loved DS but it was mostly because of the cast of the original series! They made the show! David Selby, James Storm, Chris Pennock, Lara Parker, Kathryn Lee Scott, Jerry Lacy to name a few would be a great asset to the show!
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I am a big fan of Dark Shadows and I am very excited
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there izz, so much more to explore in Collinwood area... there must be a lighthouse near by... the fishing fleet and canery must be addressed... perhaps the sighting of a mermaid or two... I know there are plenty of ghosts that will show up... I'm excited, I'm excited, I'm excited...
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Please don't go full woke with this and politics just give us a good show we can love not many of them these days
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It would be amazing to see how things could be for the Collins Family.
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Thats my thoughts donot stray too much from the flavor of the origonal show . Thats what doomed the Tim Burton film .
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They have to use characters such as Laura Collins, David's fiery Phoenix mother, and Quentin the werewolf cursed womanizer ne'er do well! Rich characters from the past show would work today if done right. If they use the Victoria Winters character, they would do well to explore the real reason she accepted the job as David's governess, to find out if she could find her real mother there. Rich storylines, should be resolved in this new interpretation. This new incarnation has a lot to live up to.
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I've enjoyed all of the CW's Supernatural series. I can't wait to see the Dark Shadows reboot. I think it's going to be they're good. I look forward to watching it.
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I can’t wait
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Can’t wait love this show
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I love Dark Shadows. Johnny Depp's was to much of a comedy. i hope it is scary beyond belief. The love the cemetary scenes.. so scary. looking forward to april on the cw.
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Very happy, when will it happen, late 2020?
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Yes!!! It is way past due love Dark Shadows❤️
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I’ve been a fan since the early 70’s watching the original series after school. I can’t wait to see this new “reincarnation.” It’s been far too long in the waiting.
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I'm totally for the next go round of DARK SHADOWS!!!! Was a favorite of my family back in the 60 And 70s. Then I watched it in the 90s. I've always loved Barnabas and Quintin Collins... Please bring it back
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I am a big fan of darkshadow back in the60 please don,t mess my show up I love Barnabas Collins
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Let Dark Shadows rest in peace.....
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