13 TV Seasons That Race-Swapped the Entire Supporting Cast

Television producers often reimagine classic stories or shift the focus of anthology series to explore different cultural perspectives. This creative choice can result in a significant demographic change within the ensemble of a show. Writers and casting directors sometimes replace a predominantly white cast with actors from diverse backgrounds to tell a fresh story. These changes frequently occur during reboots or when an anthology series moves to a new setting. The following television seasons utilized a new roster of supporting characters to reflect a broader range of experiences.

‘The Wonder Years’ (2021)

This reimagining of the classic coming-of-age sitcom shifts the perspective from a white suburban family to a Black family living in Montgomery. The narrative explores the turbulent late 1960s through the eyes of young Dean Williams. Narrator Don Cheadle provides the adult voice for the protagonist as he navigates adolescence and social change. The show maintains the nostalgic tone of the original while highlighting the specific challenges faced by the Williams family.

‘Love Life’ (2021)

The second season of this romantic anthology series moves its focus from Darby Carter to a new protagonist named Marcus Watkins. William Jackson Harper plays the lead character as he navigates the complexities of dating in New York City after a long relationship ends. The supporting cast transforms completely to reflect the world of a Black man working in the publishing industry. This creative pivot allowed the show to explore different cultural nuances and relationship dynamics compared to the first season.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2021)

This continuation of the popular teen drama introduces a new generation of private school students in New York. The creators made a conscious effort to diversify the cast compared to the original series from the early 2000s. The new social circle includes characters from various ethnic backgrounds and explores more fluid expressions of identity. Social media remains a central theme but the lens widens to include a more representative look at modern wealth and privilege.

‘Charmed’ (2018)

The reboot of the supernatural series centers on three sisters who discover they are powerful witches. The production updated the premise by casting Latinx actresses to play the Vera sisters. This cultural shift influences the magical lore and the family dynamics presented throughout the episodes. The show uses its diverse ensemble to address contemporary political and social issues alongside the fantasy elements.

‘Roswell, New Mexico’ (2019)

This science fiction drama reimagines the original teen series with an emphasis on immigration and border politics. The protagonist is a biomedical researcher and daughter of undocumented immigrants who returns to her hometown. The show casts actors of color in lead roles that were previously played by white actors. The alien mythology serves as an allegory for the feeling of alienation and the fear of persecution.

‘High Fidelity’ (2020)

Zoë Kravitz stars in this gender-flipped adaptation of the Nick Hornby novel and the subsequent film. The setting moves to the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn which necessitates a more diverse supporting cast. The show explores the romantic history of a record store owner through a modern and multicultural lens. Music remains the heartbeat of the series but the cultural references expand significantly beyond the original scope.

‘Saved by the Bell’ (2020)

This revival series returns to Bayside High with a fresh premise involving students transferring from underfunded schools. The influx of new characters creates a clash between the privileged incumbents and the diverse newcomers. The show uses this setup to satirize the lack of diversity in the original sitcom while updating the humor for a modern audience. Old favorites return to support a young cast that reflects the true demographics of Los Angeles.

‘The Equalizer’ (2021)

Queen Latifah steps into the role of Robyn McCall in this reboot of the classic 1980s action series. The character is a divorced single mother with a mysterious background who uses her skills to help those with nowhere else to turn. The show surrounds her with a diverse team of allies including a hacker and a sniper. This iteration focuses on community justice and systemic issues through the perspective of a Black woman.

‘Kung Fu’ (2021)

This modern update reimagines the 1970s western drama with a Chinese American female lead. Olivia Liang plays a young woman who uses her martial arts skills to protect her community in San Francisco. The series features a predominantly Asian American cast and delves into family traditions and Triad crime syndicates. The writers ground the mystical elements of the franchise in the specific cultural experience of the Shen family.

‘Magnum P.I.’ (2018)

The reboot of the Hawaii-based procedural updates the team dynamics to be more inclusive. Jay Hernandez takes on the title role of Thomas Magnum and Perdita Weeks plays a female version of Higgins. The supporting cast includes characters that better reflect the actual population of the islands. The series retains the action and camaraderie of the original while removing some of the dated stereotypes.

‘One Day at a Time’ (2017)

Norman Lear produced this reimagining of his own classic sitcom by focusing on a Cuban American family. Justina Machado stars as a single veteran raising her two children with the help of her mother. The show tackles serious topics like PTSD and immigration while maintaining the format of a traditional multi-camera comedy. The cultural specificity of the Alvarez family revitalized the familiar structure of the show for a new generation.

‘Walker’ (2021)

Jared Padalecki stars in this reboot of the chuck Norris action series which places a heavier emphasis on family drama. The show introduces a Mexican American partner for the Ranger and focuses deeply on their cross-cultural partnership. The supporting cast includes the diverse residents of Austin and the family of Walker’s deceased wife. The storylines frequently address the complexities of law enforcement and border issues in modern Texas.

‘Watchmen’ (2019)

Damon Lindelof created this “remix” of the graphic novel which acts as a sequel set in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The narrative centers on Angela Abar and explores the legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The show replaces the Cold War anxieties of the source material with a deep examination of systemic racism in America. This thematic pivot required a largely Black cast to play the new heroes and vigilantes navigating a complex conspiracy.

Tell us which of these transformed seasons you enjoyed the most in the comments.