TV Shows That Race-Swapped Icons and Actually Gained More Fans

Modern television adaptations often reimagine classic stories to reflect the diverse world of the contemporary audience. Showrunners frequently update the racial backgrounds of iconic characters to bring fresh perspectives and new dynamics to established lore. These casting choices can spark initial debate but often result in richer storytelling and expanded viewership. The following series demonstrate how inclusive casting can elevate source material and resonate deeply with fans.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020–Present)

The creative team reimagined Regency London by integrating people of color into the highest levels of the aristocracy. Simon Basset enters the narrative as a complex and desirable bachelor who captures the attention of the social season. The undeniable chemistry between the Duke and Daphne became the driving force that made the first season a global hit. Viewers praised the series for its lavish production design and its willingness to break away from historical purism. This bold approach redefined the period romance genre for a new generation of television watchers.

‘House of the Dragon’ (2022–Present)

The showrunners made a distinct visual choice to portray the ancient and wealthy House Velaryon as Black seafarers. Corlys Velaryon commands the oceans with a gravitas that instantly establishes his immense power in Westeros. This creative decision allows for an immediate visual distinction between the Targaryen and Velaryon bloodlines during complex succession disputes. Fans quickly embraced the rich history and commanding presence the actors brought to these critical roles. The series successfully expanded the lore of the franchise while maintaining record-breaking viewership numbers.

‘The Sandman’ (2022–Present)

Kirby Howell-Baptiste portrays Death as a warm and empathetic figure rather than a terrifying grim reaper. She guides souls to the afterlife with a gentle kindness that contrasts sharply with the gloom of her brother Dream. This interpretation captured the emotional core of the original graphic novels while bringing a fresh energy to the screen. Critics and audiences alike highlighted her introduction episode as one of the emotional peaks of the entire season. Her performance proved that capturing the spirit of a character matters more than adhering to physical exactness.

‘Interview with the Vampire’ (2022–Present)

This adaptation shifts the setting to early twentieth-century New Orleans and casts Jacob Anderson as Louis de Pointe du Lac. The narrative explores racial power dynamics in the Jim Crow South to add layers of tragedy to the vampire existence. Louis struggles with his humanity and his relationship with Lestat in ways that feel entirely new yet faithful to the themes of the book. The chemistry between the leads received universal acclaim from critics and horror fans. This reinvention breathed new life into the franchise by grounding the supernatural horror in real historical tension.

‘Elementary’ (2012–2019)

Lucy Liu stepped into the role of Joan Watson and transformed the character into a former surgeon turned sober companion. Her dynamic with Sherlock Holmes evolved into a partnership of equals rather than a traditional detective and sidekick arrangement. The show ran for seven seasons and garnered a loyal fanbase that appreciated this modern twist on the Conan Doyle canon. Watson became a character with her own agency and distinct investigative skills. This series demonstrated that gender and race swaps can fundamentally improve character development.

‘The Boys’ (2019–Present)

Jessie T. Usher plays A-Train as a corporate-sponsored speedster desperate to maintain his status as the fastest man alive. The character grapples with the pressures of being a minority figure within a corrupt superhero conglomerate. His story arc highlights the exploitation of athletes and the personal cost of fame in a media-saturated world. Fans appreciate how the show uses his character to satirize real-world celebrity culture and corporate branding. The series has become a massive success by blending this social commentary with extreme action.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

Laurence Fishburne creates an imposing and authoritative version of Jack Crawford in this psychological thriller. He portrays the head of the Behavioral Science Unit as a man burdened by the horrors he witnesses daily. The relationship between Crawford and Hannibal Lecter becomes a tense game of cat and mouse that anchors the series. His performance brings a necessary emotional weight that grounds the surreal aesthetic of the show. This iteration of the character is widely considered one of the best in the franchise.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

The reboot of this sci-fi classic reimagined Colonel Saul Tigh as a white man and Boomer as an Asian woman to create a diverse military crew. Grace Park plays Boomer with a vulnerability that makes her eventual cylon revelation devastating for the audience. The show used these characters to explore themes of identity and loyalty during a time of war. These changes helped the series transcend its campy origins to become a critically acclaimed drama. The show is often cited as one of the greatest science fiction series ever made.

‘Watchmen’ (2019)

The series reveals that the original vigilante Hooded Justice was actually a Black man named Will Reeves. This revelation recontextualizes the entire history of superheroes within the universe of the show. The narrative links his origin story to the Tulsa Race Massacre and explores the concept of generational trauma. Audiences praised the show for its bold storytelling and its ability to expand on the legendary graphic novel. This twist added a profound layer of social commentary that resonated deeply with viewers.

‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2024)

Allison Hargreeves uses her reality-altering powers while navigating life as a Black woman in various time periods. Emmy Raver-Lampman brings strength and complexity to a character who must often suppress her abilities to survive. The second season specifically places her in the Civil Rights movement to explore the intersection of her powers and history. Fans connected with her struggle to balance her family responsibilities with her desire for justice. The ensemble cast chemistry is a primary reason for the enduring popularity of the series.

‘Castlevania’ (2017–2021)

The animated series reimagines the character of Isaac as a Black Sufi Muslim forge master loyal to Dracula. His philosophical conversations and personal journey create one of the most compelling character arcs in the show. Isaac evolves from a vengeful servant into a man seeking his own purpose in a chaotic world. Viewers cited his storyline as a highlight of the later seasons due to the writing and voice acting. This change turned a secondary game villain into a complex and beloved protagonist.

‘Invincible’ (2021–Present)

The animated adaptation updates the character of Amber Bennett to be a Black teenager with a sharp wit and strong will. Her relationship with Mark Grayson explores the difficulties of dating a superhero while trying to maintain a normal life. The show gives her more agency and personality than she possessed in the original comic run. This change sparked discussion but ultimately resulted in a more fully realized character. The series has become a major hit for its mature take on the superhero genre.

‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021–2023)

Jessie Mei Li portrays Alina Starkov as a half-Shu orphan who faces prejudice from her own countrymen. This background adds a layer of isolation to the protagonist that justifies her desire to belong. The change allows the story to touch on themes of biracial identity within a fantasy setting. Fans of the books praised the actress for embodying the resilience and vulnerability of the Sun Summoner. The series successfully merged multiple book plotlines to create a cohesive and diverse world.

‘The Witcher’ (2019–Present)

The casting directors chose Anya Chalotra to play the powerful sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg. She delivers a performance that captures the transformation from an abused outcast to a mage of immense power. Her backstory is expanded significantly in the show to give the audience a deeper understanding of her motivations. The series became a massive viewership success for the streaming platform despite initial skepticism. Her portrayal adds a raw emotional intensity that balances the stoic nature of the protagonist.

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017–Present)

Samira Wiley plays Moira as a fierce symbol of resistance within the dystopian regime of Gilead. The show updates the source material to include a diverse range of women subjected to the same oppressive system. Her friendship with June serves as the emotional anchor of the series during its darkest moments. Viewers have championed her character for her survival instincts and unwavering loyalty. The series remains a cultural touchstone by adapting the novel to reflect modern societal fears.

‘Lost in Space’ (2018–2021)

Taylor Russell plays Judy Robinson in this modern update of the classic family sci-fi adventure. The Robinson family is portrayed as a blended unit that works together to survive on alien planets. Judy serves as the intrepid doctor of the mission who often risks her life for her siblings. The dynamic between the family members feels grounded and realistic thanks to the strong performances. This iteration introduced the franchise to a younger audience who embraced the diverse casting.

‘Preacher’ (2016–2019)

Ruth Negga brings a chaotic and charismatic energy to the role of Tulip O’Hare. Her portrayal balances violent tendencies with a deep love for the protagonist Jesse Custer. The chemistry between the leads drives the narrative forward through bizarre and supernatural situations. Critics praised her performance for elevating the character beyond a simple love interest. The show garnered a cult following for its unique blend of dark humor and western tropes.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

Camila Mendes plays Veronica Lodge as a sophisticated Latina teen who moves to a small town. The show updates the classic comic characters to reflect a more diverse and modern high school environment. Veronica deals with her criminal father and complex family legacy throughout the series. Her character became a fashion icon and a central figure in the mystery plots. The show maintained a massive social media following throughout its run due to these updated character dynamics.

‘The Flash’ (2014–2023)

Candice Patton portrays Iris West as the intrepid reporter and emotional lightning rod for Barry Allen. Her character moves from a love interest to the leader of Team Flash over the course of the series. The relationship between Barry and Iris became the central romance that grounded the multiverse adventures. Fans celebrated the chemistry and the prominence given to her character in the overarching plot. The show ran for nine seasons and defined the Arrowverse for nearly a decade.

‘Supergirl’ (2015–2021)

Mehcad Brooks plays James Olsen as a confident and accomplished photojournalist and media executive. This version of the character steps out of the shadow of Superman to become a hero in his own right. He eventually takes on the mantle of Guardian to protect National City alongside the protagonist. The show used his character to explore the responsibilities of the press and the definition of heroism. This casting choice updated a silver age sidekick into a leading man with agency.

‘Titans’ (2018–2023)

Anna Diop plays Starfire with a regal presence and a mysterious past that unfolds throughout the series. Initial backlash to the casting quickly evaporated once fans saw her commanding performance and chemistry with the team. She portrays the alien princess as a powerful warrior who is fiercely protective of her found family. The visual effects and costume design evolved to honor the comic origins while fitting the gritty tone of the show. Her character became a standout favorite for her strength and emotional depth.

‘Doctor Who’ (2005–Present)

Ncuti Gatwa took on the role of the Fifteenth Doctor and brought a vibrant energy to the long-running sci-fi institution. His incarnation of the Time Lord is charismatic and fashion-forward while retaining the ancient wisdom of the character. The show continues to evolve by casting diverse actors in the lead role to reflect modern Britain. Early reception has been enthusiastic regarding his screen presence and emotional range. This casting ensures the show remains relevant and progressive after sixty years on air.

‘Merlin’ (2008–2012)

Angel Coulby portrays Guinevere as a humble servant who eventually rises to become the Queen of Camelot. Her romance with Arthur is built on years of friendship and mutual respect rather than courtly arrangement. The series focuses on her kindness and wisdom as essential qualities for a future ruler. Fans of the fantasy genre embraced this retelling of the Arthurian legend for its heart and character development. The show remains a beloved classic with a dedicated fanbase years after its conclusion.

‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (2023–Present)

Leah Sava Jeffries plays Annabeth Chase as a brilliant strategist and warrior in training. The author of the book series personally defended the casting choice and praised her ability to embody the character. Her performance captures the intelligence and toughness that defines the daughter of Athena. Viewers noted the strong camaraderie between the young leads as a highlight of the adaptation. The series premiered to record numbers and successfully launched a new franchise.

‘High Fidelity’ (2020)

Zoë Kravitz stars as Rob in this gender and race-swapped adaptation of the classic novel and film. She plays a record store owner who revisits her past relationships through music and breaking the fourth wall. The series was praised for its cool aesthetic and the authentic performance of its lead. Critics felt this version brought a necessary modern perspective to the story of romantic obsession. Despite a short run the show developed a passionate following who loved its soundtrack and style.

‘Nancy Drew’ (2019–2023)

Tunji Kasim plays Ned Nickerson as a former football star and mechanic who joins the mystery-solving team. The show reinvents the classic characters with new backstories and supernatural elements. His relationship with Nancy is complicated by secrets and the trauma of their haunted town. The diverse cast allowed the writers to explore different perspectives within the horror-mystery genre. The series successfully ran for four seasons by updating the books for a CW audience.

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–Present)

The casting of the Emond’s Field Five includes actors like Madeleine Madden and Marcus Rutherford to represent a diverse fantasy world. Egwene and Perrin represent the heart and strength of the group as they face apocalyptic threats. The show visualizes the world as a melting pot of cultures left over from the Breaking of the World. Fans have praised the performances for capturing the essence of the beloved book characters. The series has become a flagship fantasy drama with high engagement globally.

‘Foundation’ (2021–Present)

Leah Harvey plays Salvor Hardin as a guardian of Terminus with a unique connection to the future. The character is reimagined from a male politician in the books to a female action hero in the series. Her storyline provides the physical action that balances the cerebral political maneuvering of the Empire. Visuals and performances in the show have been lauded for their cinematic quality. The adaptation uses these changes to make the dense source material more accessible and character-driven.

‘The Equalizer’ (2021–Present)

Queen Latifah steps into the role of Robyn McCall to play a former operative who uses her skills to help those with nowhere else to turn. The show updates the concept to focus on a working mother who balances vigilante justice with raising a teenager. Her charisma anchors the procedural elements and draws in a massive weekly audience. The series consistently ranks as one of the most-watched dramas on network television. This reboot proves that the core concept of the franchise transcends gender and race.

‘Station Eleven’ (2021–2022)

Himesh Patel plays Jeevan Chaudhary as he navigates the initial collapse of civilization with a young girl. His character serves as the audience surrogate during the panic and confusion of the pandemic onset. The relationship he builds with young Kirsten forms the emotional backbone of the entire miniseries. Critics hailed the show for its beautiful cinematography and hopeful tone amidst disaster. His performance was singled out for its warmth and relatable humanity.

‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ (2017–2019)

K. Todd Freeman plays Mr. Poe as the well-meaning but incompetent executor of the Baudelaire estate. His comedic timing adds a layer of absurdity to the grim situations the orphans face. The show embraces a theatrical style that allows for diverse casting in various eccentric roles. Fans enjoyed his oblivious nature which stayed true to the spirit of the books. The adaptation is regarded as a faithful and creative translation of the source material.

‘Roswell, New Mexico’ (2019–2022)

Jeanine Mason stars as Liz Ortecho in a reboot that returns the character to her Latin roots from the original book series. The show uses the alien premise to explore real-world issues of immigration and belonging. Her chemistry with the alien Max Evans drives the central romantic conflict. The series developed a strong fanbase by mixing sci-fi mystery with political commentary. This version corrected the whitewashing of the previous television adaptation.

‘Charmed’ (2018–2022)

The reboot centers on the Vera sisters who are Afro-Latina witches discovering their heritage. The show incorporates their cultural background into the magical lore and spellcasting. This update allowed the writers to explore themes of sisterhood within a different cultural context. The series ran for four seasons and established its own distinct identity separate from the original. Fans appreciated the representation and the modern take on the Power of Three.

‘American Gods’ (2017–2021)

Ricky Whittle plays Shadow Moon as a man caught in a war between old mythological deities and new technology. The casting clarifies the racial ambiguity of the book character to explore the Black experience in America. His journey is one of self-discovery as he interacts with gods from various African and global pantheons. The visual style of the show complements his stoic and physical performance. The series was praised for its bold visual storytelling and mythological depth.

‘Lupin’ (2021–Present)

Omar Sy stars as Assane Diop who is inspired by the classic literary thief Arsène Lupin. While not a direct race-swap of Lupin himself the character assumes the mantle and style of the gentleman burglar. The show became a massive international hit for its clever heists and the charm of its lead actor. It explores class and race in modern Paris while delivering high-octane entertainment. The series remains one of the most successful non-English language shows on streaming.

‘Twisted Metal’ (2023–Present)

Anthony Mackie plays John Doe as a motor-mouthed amnesiac delivery driver in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The character is fleshed out from a generic video game avatar into a charming and funny protagonist. His banter with the murderous clown Sweet Tooth provides the comedic highlight of the series. The show became a surprise hit for its blend of vehicular combat and character-driven humor. Viewers praised the energy and wit Mackie brought to the chaotic world.

‘Halo’ (2022–2024)

Danny Sapani plays Captain Jacob Keyes as a dedicated military strategist and father figure. The casting updates the Keyes family to be multiracial and central to the plot of the war against the Covenant. His authoritative presence grounds the military aspects of the science fiction epic. The show expands on his backstory and his relationship with the Spartan super-soldiers. This version of the character adds emotional weight to the political machinations of the UNSC.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ (2022–Present)

Sophia Nomvete portrays Princess Disa as the first female Dwarf depicted in a major Tolkien adaptation. Her character brings warmth, humor, and a powerful singing voice to the subterranean kingdom of Khazad-dûm. The show explores the culture of the Dwarves through her relationship with Durin and Elrond. Fans instantly fell in love with her charismatic performance and the depth she added to Dwarven society. She stands out as one of the most memorable new additions to Middle-earth lore.

‘Wednesday’ (2022–Present)

Joy Sunday plays Bianca Barclay as a popular siren and the initial rival to the titular character. The role expands the world of the Addams Family to include diverse cliques of supernatural students. Her character arc moves from antagonism to a begrudging respect and alliance with Wednesday. The performance was praised for its poise and the complexity it brought to a high school archetype. The show became a cultural phenomenon with Bianca as a fan-favorite character.

‘The Expanse’ (2015–2022)

Dominique Tipper plays Naomi Nagata as a brilliant Belter engineer with a complex revolutionary past. The show embraces the book description of Belters as a distinct mixed-race culture evolved from diverse Earth populations. Her performance anchors the moral center of the Rocinante crew during intergalactic conflicts. Fans and critics alike consider the series a masterpiece of modern science fiction. Her portrayal is central to the themes of tribalism and family found in the show.

Which of these reimagined characters is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!