TV Revivals That Fixed Original Series’ Diversity Shortcomings

Television revivals offer creators a unique opportunity to update beloved stories for modern audiences. Many classic shows suffered from a lack of representation regarding race, gender, and sexual orientation during their initial runs. Recent reboots and reimaginings frequently prioritize inclusivity to reflect the real world more accurately. These series often introduce diverse leads and explore complex social issues that were previously ignored. The following programs demonstrate how revisiting the past can lead to a more inclusive future.

‘Queer Eye’ (2018–Present)

The original Bravo series focused on five gay men giving makeovers to straight men. Netflix revamped the concept by casting a more diverse “Fab Five” that includes Black and Pakistani-British experts. The new team helps “heroes” of all genders and sexual orientations rather than just straight men. This iteration explores deeper conversations about acceptance and cultural differences in rural America.

‘One Day at a Time’ (2017–2020)

Norman Lear reimagined his classic sitcom by centering it on a Cuban-American family living in Los Angeles. Justina Machado stars as a single mother and veteran raising her two children with the help of her mother. The series tackles significant topics such as immigration and racism within the sitcom format. It also features a prominent storyline involving the teenage daughter Elena coming out as a lesbian.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

This sci-fi reimagining took the premise of the 1978 original and significantly altered the demographics of its cast. The iconic character Starbuck was gender-swapped to be a woman played by Katee Sackhoff. Another lead character named Boomer was changed from a Black man to an Asian woman. The series used these changes to explore gender dynamics in the military and complex identity politics.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2021–2023)

The original series was criticized for its predominantly white heterosexual cast on the Upper East Side. The HBO Max sequel series introduced a friend group featuring Black and Mexican-American leads. It placed queer relationships at the forefront of the narrative rather than relegating them to the sidelines. The show aimed to reflect the actual diversity of modern New York City private schools.

‘Charmed’ (2018–2022)

The reboot of the WB series replaced the white Halliwell sisters with the Vera-Vaughn sisters. The new trio consists of Afro-Latina and Latina witches who face supernatural threats alongside real-world issues. One sister is a lesbian which allows the show to explore queer romance as a central plot point. The series frequently addresses feminism and institutional marginalization through its magical metaphors.

‘The Wonder Years’ (2021–2023)

This retelling shifts the focus from a white suburban family to the Black Williams family in 1968 Alabama. Don Cheadle narrates the coming-of-age story of 12-year-old Dean Williams. The show maintains the nostalgic tone of the original while addressing the civil rights movement and segregation. It provides a new perspective on a turbulent era of American history.

‘Saved by the Bell’ (2020–2021)

This revival brought students from underfunded schools into the wealthy halls of Bayside High. The new cast features racially diverse leads including Afro-Latina and Muslim students. The series explicitly discusses privilege and the economic disparities between the different student groups. It also features a popular transgender cheerleader played by trans actress Josie Totah.

‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’ (2022–Present)

Disney refreshed its animated hit by updating the characters for a modern generation. The revival introduces a non-binary character named Michael who is openly gender-nonconforming. It also features a mixed-race couple consisting of two men as new neighbors. The storylines tackle current social issues such as colorism and performative activism.

‘DuckTales’ (2017–2021)

The animated reboot gave the female character Webby Vanderquack significantly more agency and skills than her 1987 counterpart. It introduced Violet Sabrewing as a new Black female character who rivals Huey in intelligence. The showrunners updated the character designs to reflect a wider variety of body types and backgrounds. Themes of found family are expanded to include more diverse friendships.

‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’ (2018–2020)

DreamWorks updated the 1980s property to include a cast with varied body types and ethnicities. The series establishes a world where LGBTQ+ relationships are normalized and central to the plot. The romance between Adora and Catra serves as the emotional anchor of the entire show. Non-binary characters like Double Trouble are treated with respect and given significant roles.

‘And Just Like That…’ (2021–Present)

The sequel to ‘Sex and the City’ attempted to correct the original’s lack of women of color. The writers introduced four new main characters of diverse backgrounds to interact with the original trio. Non-binary comedian Che Diaz plays a major role in Carrie’s life. The show explores the complexities of interracial friendships in a way the original series avoided.

‘The L Word: Generation Q’ (2019–2023)

Showtime brought back its groundbreaking lesbian drama with a focus on correcting past trans exclusion. The new cast includes trans men played by trans actors such as Leo Sheng. The series features a more racially diverse group of friends than the original West Hollywood crew. It addresses the evolution of language and identity within the LGBTQ+ community.

‘Party of Five’ (2020)

The reboot reimagined the Salinger orphans as the Acosta children. The parents are not killed but are deported to Mexico which forces the eldest son to raise his siblings. This premise shift places immigration policy and systemic struggles at the heart of the drama. The show highlights the resilience of a Latinx family separated by borders.

‘Roswell, New Mexico’ (2019–2022)

The CW updated the teen alien drama by making the lead character Liz Ortecho the daughter of undocumented immigrants. The series tackles the fear of deportation alongside its sci-fi elements. One of the alien leads is openly gay and navigates a complex romance with a human man. The show uses the alien metaphor to discuss the feeling of being an outsider in America.

‘High Fidelity’ (2020)

This adaptation of the Nick Hornby novel and 2000 film cast Zoë Kravitz as the record store owner. Switching the lead from a white man to a queer Black woman fundamentally changed the perspective on relationships. The show explores the protagonist’s dating history with both men and women. It offers a fresh take on music culture and gatekeeping through a female lens.

‘Magnum P.I.’ (2018–2024)

The action reboot cast Jay Hernandez as a Latino Thomas Magnum. The character of Higgins was gender-swapped to be a woman played by Perdita Weeks. This change eliminated the original’s bachelor dynamic and introduced a partnership based on equality. The supporting cast reflects the actual diversity of Hawaii more accurately than the 1980s version.

‘Dynasty’ (2017–2022)

The modern version of the prime-time soap opera diversified the wealthy Carrington and Colby families. Cristal Flores is reimagined as a Latina woman marrying into the white Carrington family. The Colbys are portrayed as a wealthy Black family with their own empire. Steven Carrington is openly gay and his sexuality is accepted without the homophobia present in the original.

‘Lost in Space’ (2018–2021)

Netflix updated the Robinson family to be a mixed-race family. Judy Robinson is played by Black actress Taylor Russell. The antagonistic character Dr. Smith was reimagined as a woman portrayed by Parker Posey. Don West is portrayed as a Latino mechanic rather than a white military pilot.

‘The Equalizer’ (2021–Present)

Queen Latifah took over the role originally played by Edward Woodward. The show presents a Black woman as a highly skilled vigilante balancing family life with dangerous missions. It addresses issues of police brutality and community justice that were not present in the original. The series provides a rare example of an older woman of color leading an action procedural.

‘Kung Fu’ (2021–2023)

This series corrected the casting controversy of the 1970s original by casting an Asian-American lead. Olivia Liang stars as a woman who uses her martial arts skills to protect her community in San Francisco. The show features a predominantly Asian cast and writers room. It explores the specific cultural dynamics of a Chinese-American family.

‘Walker’ (2021–2024)

Jared Padalecki stars in this reimagining of the Chuck Norris action series. The show introduces Micki Ramirez as one of the first female Mexican-American Texas Rangers in history. Walker’s brother is a gay man who holds a prominent role in the family drama. The series attempts to deconstruct the cowboy mythos and address modern law enforcement issues.

‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ (2018–2020)

This dark adaptation of the Archie Comic introduced a diverse supporting cast around the titular witch. Sabrina’s cousin Ambrose is a pansexual Black warlock under house arrest. The show features a storyline where Sabrina’s friend Susie transitions to Theo. The series explores gender identity and patriarchal oppression through its coven politics.

‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ (2020–2021)

The Netflix adaptation updated the backgrounds of the club members to reflect modern demographics. Mary Anne Spier is portrayed as a mixed-race girl raised by her white father. Dawn Schafer has a Latinx background and an openly gay father. The series handles topics like transgender rights and income inequality with age-appropriate sensitivity.

‘Interview with the Vampire’ (2022–Present)

The AMC series reinvents the character of Louis de Pointe du Lac as a Black Creole man in 1910s New Orleans. This change adds layers of racial power dynamics to his relationship with the vampire Lestat. The show makes the queer romance between the two leads explicit rather than subtextual. It explores how race impacts immortality and social standing in different eras.

‘A League of Their Own’ (2022)

The Amazon series expands the scope of the 1992 film to include the stories of Black female ballplayers. Chanté Adams stars as a pitcher who fights to play despite being barred from the white league. The show explicitly depicts the queer relationships that existed among the players. It highlights the segregation of the era and the underground LGBTQ+ communities of the 1940s.

‘Perry Mason’ (2020–2023)

The HBO prequel reimagines the origin story of the famous defense attorney. The character Paul Drake is changed from a white detective to a Black police officer navigating a racist department. Della Street is portrayed as a closeted lesbian living with her girlfriend. The show uses these characters to expose the systemic corruption of 1930s Los Angeles.

‘Quantum Leap’ (2022–2024)

The sequel series stars Raymond Lee as Dr. Ben Song which gives the show an Asian-American lead. The team supporting the leaper includes a non-binary character named Mason Alexander Park. The storylines continue the original’s mission of walking in others’ shoes but with a modern lens on identity. The diverse cast allows for different cultural perspectives on the time travel missions.

‘Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.’ (2021–2023)

Disney reimagined ‘Doogie Howser’ with a focus on Native Hawaiian culture. The teenage doctor is a mixed-race girl juggling her medical career with local traditions. The show is filmed in Hawaii and features a cast that reflects the island’s population. It balances the medical drama with stories about family expectations and cultural heritage.

‘Dead Ringers’ (2023)

Rachel Weisz stars in this gender-flipped adaptation of the David Cronenberg film. The Mantle twins are reimagined as female gynecologists pushing the boundaries of medical ethics. The series examines women’s healthcare and the commodification of childbirth. It critiques the medical industry through a specifically female perspective.

‘Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies’ (2023)

This prequel series populates 1950s Rydell High with a much more diverse student body than the film. The cast includes Black, Latinx, and Asian-American students who were largely invisible in the original. It explores the racism and sexism of the era rather than just the nostalgia. The show features queer storylines that highlight the difficulties of the time period.

‘Rugrats’ (2021–Present)

The CGI revival of the Nickelodeon cartoon made changes to the adult cast. Betty DeVille is portrayed as an openly lesbian single mother. The show aims to represent different types of family structures to its young audience. It maintains the adventurous spirit of the toddlers while modernizing the world they inhabit.

‘Bel-Air’ (2022–Present)

This dramatic retelling of ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ dives deeper into class and race than the sitcom could. The show explores the culture shock of a Black teen moving from West Philadelphia to a wealthy white enclave. It addresses mental health and the pressure placed on young Black men. The characters are given more nuance and darker storylines regarding their identity.

‘Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin’ (2022–Present)

The slasher spinoff features a diverse group of girls facing a new villain. The core group includes Black and Filipino leads who deal with specific cultural pressures. One of the main characters is a trans girl whose identity is treated with validation. The show balances horror tropes with modern conversations about bullying and assault.

‘S.W.A.T.’ (2017–Present)

Shemar Moore leads this update of the 1970s series as a Black sergeant raised in Los Angeles. The show frequently centers on the tension between the Black community and the police force. Hondo serves as a bridge trying to bring reform from the inside. It tackles issues like racial profiling and community policing directly.

‘MacGyver’ (2016–2021)

The reboot surrounded the resourceful agent with a diverse team of experts. Lucas Till’s MacGyver works alongside a Black best friend named Bozer who becomes a skilled agent. The hacker Riley Davis is a Black woman who plays a crucial role in every mission. The casting breaks away from the “lone wolf” format of the original series.

‘Hawaii Five-0’ (2010–2020)

The modern procedural updated the classic team to include Asian actors in lead roles. Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park played Chin Ho Kelly and Kono Kalakaua respectively. This provided significant visibility for Asian-American actors on primetime television. The show showcased the landscape and culture of Hawaii to a global audience.

‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?’ (2019–2022)

The revival of the horror anthology series features a diverse Midnight Society. The kids gathering around the campfire come from various ethnic backgrounds. The stories they tell often feature diverse protagonists facing supernatural threats. It updates the classic scares for a generation accustomed to more inclusive storytelling.

‘National Treasure: Edge of History’ (2022–2023)

This series expansion of the film franchise centers on a young Latina DREAMer. Lisette Olivera plays Jess Valenzuela who uncovers truths about her family’s past. The show weaves themes of immigration and history into the treasure-hunting adventure. It shifts the focus from American founding father mythology to Pan-American history.

‘Fantasy Island’ (2021–2023)

Roselyn Sánchez stars as Elena Roarke and takes over the role of the island’s steward. The show places a woman in charge of the mysterious resort. The guests who arrive reflect a wide spectrum of backgrounds and desires. The series explores emotional healing and personal growth through a female-led perspective.

’24: Legacy’ (2017)

This spinoff of the real-time thriller franchise cast Corey Hawkins as the lead hero. Replacing Kiefer Sutherland with a Black lead shifted the optics of the lone hero fighting terrorism. The character Eric Carter deals with issues specific to his background as an Army Ranger returning home. It attempted to broaden the scope of the franchise beyond Jack Bauer.

‘The Twilight Zone’ (2019–2020)

Jordan Peele hosted and produced this revival of the sci-fi anthology. The episodes frequently starred actors of color in lead roles dealing with surreal situations. Stories addressed modern racism and immigration through allegorical horror. The series used the genre to comment on the current socio-political climate.

‘Tales of the City’ (2019)

Netflix returned to 28 Barbary Lane with a focus on intergenerational LGBTQ+ stories. The revival features trans actress Garcia as a young trans man living in the house. It addresses the generational divide between older gay men and the modern queer community. The show continues the legacy of the original by celebrating chosen families.

‘Night Court’ (2023–Present)

Melissa Rauch stars as the daughter of the original judge Harry Stone. The reboot populates the Manhattan municipal court with a diverse staff. Lacretta plays the bailiff Gurgs and India de Beaufort plays the assistant district attorney. The show maintains the wacky humor of the original while reflecting the diversity of New York City.

‘Frasier’ (2023–Present)

The revival moves Frasier Crane back to Boston and introduces a more diverse ensemble. Toks Olagundoye plays the head of the psychology department where Frasier teaches. The show casts a Black actress as the neighbor and friend of Frasier’s son. It attempts to correct the criticism that the original Seattle-based series was unrealistically white.

Share your thoughts on which revival handled representation best in the comments.