TV Reboots That Erased Original Black Characters

Television reboots often aim to modernize classic stories for a new generation of viewers. While many updates prioritize diversity and inclusion, some reimagined series have notably omitted or altered characters who were originally portrayed by Black actors. These changes can range from removing supporting cast members entirely to replacing them with characters of different backgrounds. This list explores several high-profile television reboots and revivals that shifted or erased the presence of original Black characters from their narratives.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

The reimagined science fiction series featured a significant change for the character of Boomer. In the 1978 original, Lieutenant Boomer was played by Herbert Jefferson Jr. as a Black man. The 2004 version cast Grace Park as a female pilot named Sharon Valerii who uses the call sign Boomer. This casting choice shifted the character’s racial identity from Black to Asian. The change was part of a larger effort to update the ensemble for a modern audience.

‘Charmed’ (2018–2022)

Darryl Morris served as a key ally and police contact for the Halliwell sisters in the original ‘Charmed’ series. Dorian Gregory played the detective who risked his career and life to help the magical trio for seven seasons. The 2018 reboot ‘Charmed’ introduced a new set of sisters and a different supporting cast. Darryl was not included in the updated series and the police connection was handled by different characters. His removal meant that a longtime Black character from the original lore was missing from the reboot.

‘MacGyver’ (2016–2021)

The original ‘MacGyver’ featured the Colton family as recurring bounty hunters who crossed paths with the titular hero. Billy Colton was played by Cuba Gooding Jr. in several memorable episodes during the show’s initial run. The 2016 reboot of ‘MacGyver’ did not include Billy or the rest of the Colton family in its five seasons. The series opted for a different team dynamic that excluded these established Black characters. This decision moved the show away from supporting cast members who had been popular favorites in the eighties.

‘Melrose Place’ (2009–2010)

Rhonda Blair was a core member of the original 1992 ‘Melrose Place’ cast. Vanessa A. Williams played the character who represented the show’s only Black series regular during its debut season. When the network launched a reboot of the soap opera in 2009, Rhonda was completely absent from the new lineup. The updated series focused on a different group of tenants without a direct equivalent for her character. This omission left a gap where the original series had initially established its early diversity.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2021–2023)

Vanessa Abrams was a main character in the original ‘Gossip Girl’ series from 2007 to 2011. Jessica Szohr played the aspiring filmmaker who often clashed with the wealthy socialites of the Upper East Side. The 2021 reboot ‘Gossip Girl’ introduced an entirely new group of students for a different generation. Vanessa did not appear in the new show and was not replaced by a direct counterpart with her name or background. This effectively ended her character’s presence in the franchise’s new continuity.

‘Saved by the Bell’ (2020–2021)

Lisa Turtle was a foundational character in ‘Saved by the Bell’ throughout its original run. Lark Voorhies played the stylish student who was a series regular and a member of the central group of friends. In the 2020 revival, Lisa was the only original teen lead who was not brought back as a regular or recurring cast member. She appeared only as a guest in a few episodes through video calls and brief cameos. This reduced her presence significantly compared to her white costars who returned in larger roles.

‘V’ (2009–2011)

In the original 1983 miniseries and subsequent 1984 show ‘V’, Elias Taylor was a vital member of the human resistance. Michael Wright played the former criminal turned hero who fought against the alien Visitors. The 2009 reboot of ‘V’ did not feature Elias or a character that mirrored his specific journey. The resistance in the newer version consisted of a different ensemble that did not carry over his legacy. This omission removed a prominent Black voice from the struggle against the extraterrestrial threat.

‘Knight Rider’ (2008–2009)

The original ‘Knight Rider’ series introduced Reginald Cornelius III, also known as RC3, in its fourth season. Peter Parros played the character who assisted Michael Knight and helped maintain the advanced vehicle known as KITT. When the show was rebooted in 2008, RC3 was not included in the new cast or mentioned in the story. The reboot focused on a new generation of characters and a different organizational structure. This resulted in the erasure of the show’s primary Black team member from the eighties.

‘The Tomorrow People’ (2013–2014)

The 1992 iteration of ‘The Tomorrow People’ featured a prominent Black lead character named Ami. Naomie Harris portrayed the young woman who possessed telepathic and telekinetic abilities. However, the 2013 reboot on The CW did not include Ami or a character inspired by her role. The new version centered on a different group of evolved humans with a revised cast. Fans of the earlier British series noted the absence of the significant representation Ami provided.

‘90210’ (2008–2013)

The character of Jordan Bonner appeared in the original ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ as a recurring figure played by Vivica A. Fox. She was an important part of the narrative during the second season as a love interest for one of the main characters. The 2008 reboot ‘90210’ did not feature Jordan or any legacy characters from her family line. The new series established a fresh set of students and parents for the modern era. Her absence meant that a notable Black character from the original show’s history was not represented in the continuation.

‘S.W.A.T.’ (2017–Present)

The 2003 film adaptation of ‘S.W.A.T.’ featured LL Cool J as Deacon Deke Kay. When the story was rebooted as a television series in 2017, the role of Deacon Kay was taken over by Jay Harrington. This transition changed the character from a Black man to a white man. While the show retained other diverse elements, this specific character’s heritage was altered between the film and television versions. The character continues to serve as a senior member of the tactical unit.

‘Training Day’ (2017)

The 2001 film ‘Training Day’ famously featured Denzel Washington as the corrupt detective Alonzo Harris. His performance earned him an Academy Award and established the character as a cinematic icon. The 2017 television reboot changed the dynamic by making the lead corrupt detective a white man named Frank Roarke. Bill Paxton played this reimagined version of the character while the rookie partner was played by a Black actor. This swap fundamentally altered the racial dynamic that was central to the original film’s story.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (2012–2016)

The 1987 television series ‘Beauty and the Beast’ featured a character named Edie played by Ren Woods. She was a recurring member of the community living in the tunnels beneath the city. When the concept was rebooted in 2012, the show moved away from the underground society depicted in the original. As a result, Parlow and other supporting characters from that world were not included. The series focused more on a procedural format and a different version of the lead characters.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

Colonel Tigh was originally portrayed by Terry Carter in the 1978 series as a Black officer. The 2004 reboot reimagined the character as Saul Tigh, a grizzled and cynical executive officer played by Michael Hogan. This change replaced the original Black character with a white actor. The new version of Tigh became a central figure in the fleet’s struggle for survival across four seasons. This casting shift significantly altered the visual representation of the colonial leadership.

‘The Fugitive’ (2020)

The 2000 television series ‘The Fugitive’ featured Mykelti Williamson as Lieutenant Philip Gerard. This role was a reimagining of the classic lawman character who relentlessly hunts the protagonist. In the 2020 reboot, the primary antagonist was Agent Clay Bryce played by Kiefer Sutherland. This casting change replaced the Black lead antagonist from the previous television version with a white actor. The new series focused on a modern manhunt with a different set of law enforcement officials.

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