Reboots and revivals have a bit of a reputation for being unnecessary cash grabs, but every now and then, a familiar series gets a second life that proves there’s still plenty of value in revisiting an old favorite. Netflix has had its fair share of successful revivals, bringing back beloved franchises for the longtime fans and a new generation. From nostalgic sequels to fresh takes on classic shows, some of these reboots have managed to capture what made the originals so special.
Of course, not every revival gets it right. Striking a balance between honoring the source material and introducing something new is no easy feat, especially when audiences already have strong feelings about the original. Still, a handful of Netflix’s reboots have shown just how well the formula can work. Whether it’s reigniting an iconic rivalry, reimagining a sci-fi classic, or updating a reality TV favorite, these shows prove that going back to the past doesn’t always mean repeating old mistakes.
Cobra Kai
One of the most successful reboots ever
Some might not know this, but Cobra Kai actually started out as a series on YouTube Red (later renamed YouTube Premium). Its first two seasons debuted on YouTube before Netflix acquired the show. Alongside re-releasing seasons one and two, Netflix also premiered the following seasons up until last year, when the show ended. Over its run, it achieved some pretty stellar viewership numbers, putting it among the most watched shows on the platform.
Cobra Kaiis a sequel to The Karate Kid, taking place 34 years after the All Valley Karate Tournament, where Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) emerged victorious. Seeking redemption, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) reopens the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting his rivalry with LaRusso. The return of iconic cast members, as well as the fantastic new, younger cast members, is what makes the show work so well. It really captures the original essence of The Karate Kid.
Queer Eye
Iconic in a fresh new way
Some of the newer generations don’t even know that Queer Eyeis actually a reboot of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, which ran from 2003 to 2007. The original series ran for five seasons and was truly trailblazing. It broke down barriers by putting five openly gay men in the mainstream limelight at a time when LGBTQ+ visibility was much lower than it is now. The 2018 version of the show picks up where the older show left off, but with a new fab five and a focus on mental health issues and self-acceptance.
The 2018 Queer Eye ran for a whopping ten seasons, making it one of the longest running unscripted shows on Netflix. Over the course of its run, it received 37 Emmy nominations and won six consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Structured Reality Program from 2018 to 2023. It has definitely done the original show justice, doing a lot for the visibility and acceptance of the gay community. It is a fantastic comfort show.
Lost in Space
Changing things is a dangerous game
This is one of the rare cases where a show was reinvented but remained generally loved. Changing the965 Lost in Space, is pretty risky. Nerdy fans are some of the harshest critics. This didn’t stop the reboot from being a very successful show for the platform. The choice to adapt it to modern audiences actually worked in its favor, rather than working against it
The general premise in the reboot is the same as that of the original, with the Robinson family being space colonists who veer off course and get stranded in an unknown part of the universe. Instead of following the same campy, monster-of-the-week formula from the 1965 show, the 2018 series takes a slightly grittier approach, being more of a serialized drama. While some miss the playfulness of the old Lost in Space, the new show does a lot to show respect to its roots.
The Mole
A fantastically entertaining premise for a reality show
The premise of The Mole, both the original and the reboot, is pretty simple. A group of contestants compete in a series of physical and mental challenges, working together to build a growing prize pool. At the same time, another contestant, hired by the producers to act as the mole, works against the contestants, with the aim of draining or limiting the prize pool. Players take periodic tests to test their knowledge of the mole, with the lowest-scoring player being eliminated. Survive to the end, and score higher than other players on the final test, and you win the prize money.
The game show titled The Moleis actually an adaptation of a Belgian series called Del Mol. In 2022, Netflix rebooted the series, creating two new seasons.
Not all reboots are bad
Rebooting a popular show is difficult. Fans of the original are always going to be particularly critical of the new show. You have to walk a fine line between creating something different enough from the original that it is worth a watch while still staying true enough to the of examples of shows that have done this poorly, Netflix has a couple of gems that truly capture the essence of what made the original shows so good
