The late Ralph Edwards and his magic “This Is Your Life” book. (File)
It’s a cliche now when the TV screen goes all wavy, usually accompanied by a strumming harp — it’s a flashback! And coming TV seasons might be full of that effect. In recent weeks (amid a season that already includes a new “Knight Rider” and a new “90210”), the TV news has been dominated by announcements of one remake after another.
We’ve already reported on the new, “hip” take on “The Partridge Family” (quick, reach for your spit-up cups) and a new U.S. version of the hit Britcom “Absolutely Fabulous.”
Other new/old announcements:
Reality-TV kingpin Mark Burnett is fashioning a remake of the classic TV show ”This Is Your Life.” The show, which surprises celebrity guests with people from their past, launched as a radio program in 1948. It aired as a TV series on NBC from 1952-61, then had a brief revival in 1972.
ABC Family has picked a pilot of ”10 Things I Hate About You,” based on the film. Gil Junger, who directed the ”10 Things” feature, is on board to direct the pilot as well as the untitled movie. ”10 Things” revolves around two sisters — a strong-willed feminist and a social butterfly — facing the challenges of starting out in a new high school.
If you watched the “Fame” TV series decades ago — which was based on a feature film — they’re remaking the film. Can talk of another series be far behind?
AMC will be bringing back the cult TV series “The Prisoner.”
And, last we heard, a remake of “The Green Acres” is still in the works, with a pilot episode picking up right after the original’s finale in 1971.
Here, too, are some suggestions for shows that should be remade, in a column at TV Week.
