20 Worst Rated TV Show Reboots Ever

Reboots are supposed to bring familiar stories back with a fresh spark, yet plenty have stumbled the moment they hit the screen. Some changed the tone so sharply that longtime fans felt lost. Others arrived with big names and bigger expectations only to run into low ratings and quick cancellations.

This list looks at TV reboots, remakes, and revivals that struggled the most once they premiered. You will see short runs, swift schedule shuffles, and projects that never found a steady audience despite recognizable brands and heavy promotion.

‘Velma’ (2023– )

This animated reimagining for Max focuses on Velma Dinkley before the Mystery Inc era and centers on a new origin for the gang. The series introduced a different visual style and a more adult approach to the humor compared to earlier entries in the ‘Scooby Doo’ franchise.

The rollout sparked immediate debate among viewers and franchise fans, and the conversation often centered on the tonal shift from earlier ‘Scooby Doo’ shows. The series continued beyond its debut season but remained defined by polarized reception and social media scrutiny.

‘Charlie’s Angels’ (2011)

ABC brought back the iconic detectives with a new trio operating out of Miami under the guidance of the unseen Charlie. The production leaned on glossy action, fast cars, and South Florida locations in an effort to update the brand for a weekly network audience.

The series was pulled from the schedule soon after launch due to low ratings. Only a handful of episodes aired in prime time before the network closed the case on this iteration.

‘Ironside’ (2013)

NBC revived the classic detective format with Blair Underwood as Robert Ironside, a brilliant investigator who uses a wheelchair and leads a team through high pressure cases. The new production tried a grittier look and leaned on flashbacks to fill in character history.

The network canceled the show within weeks of its premiere as ratings fell quickly. Several completed episodes did not air in the original run, and the time slot was reassigned before midseason.

‘Bionic Woman’ (2007)

This NBC reboot cast Michelle Ryan as Jaime Sommers, a bartender whose life changes after cutting edge implants give her extraordinary abilities. The series arrived with heavy promotion and modern visual effects to showcase high powered action sequences.

Production was hampered by the writers strike that year, and the show never recovered its early momentum. It ended during its first season after consistent week to week declines.

‘Knight Rider’ (2008–2009)

The franchise returned to NBC with a new driver and a next generation KITT that could transform and connect with advanced systems. A TV movie served as a launch pad, then the weekly series introduced a new mission framework and supporting cast.

Ratings softened through the fall, leading to a midseason retool and a reduced episode order. NBC wrapped the run after one season, and the brand was parked again on television.

‘The Inbetweeners’ (2012)

MTV remade the British coming of age comedy for American audiences with a new cast and updated cultural references. The setup kept the familiar quartet of awkward friends navigating school, family, and weekend plans.

The adaptation struggled to translate the tone that defined the original series. It ran for one season before the network opted not to continue, and no second season was ordered.

‘Skins’ (2011)

MTV adapted the British teen drama with a stateside cast and storylines located in an American city. The show mirrored the format of the original with episodes centered on specific characters and a rotating ensemble.

The series faced advertiser pushback and persistent controversy during its initial weeks. It concluded after its first season as sponsors and ratings fell away.

‘Gracepoint’ (2014)

Fox produced this remake of the British crime drama ‘Broadchurch’ with David Tennant returning to investigate a murder in a small coastal town. The miniseries replicated many plot beats from the original while altering some details near the end.

Audiences compared it closely to ‘Broadchurch’ and the side by side reception was unfavorable. The event series did not continue beyond its planned run and no follow up season was developed.

‘Utopia’ (2020)

Amazon brought over the British conspiracy thriller with a new cast that included John Cusack and Rainn Wilson. The story followed a group of comic book fans who discover hidden warnings about real world threats.

The series premiered during a crowded streaming season and struggled to build sustained viewership. Amazon canceled it after one season and no additional episodes were produced.

‘The Returned’ (2015)

A and E adapted the French supernatural drama ‘Les Revenants’ with a version set in a small American town. The plot followed deceased residents who mysteriously reappeared, forcing families to confront unresolved pasts.

Despite a faithful premise and atmospheric approach, the remake never matched the impact of the original. It ended after a single season as ratings declined across its run.

‘Prime Suspect’ (2011–2012)

NBC reimagined the acclaimed British crime series with Maria Bello as Detective Jane Timoney working cases in New York City. The series emphasized office politics, procedure, and the personal cost of front line police work.

The lead performance earned notice, yet the show could not find a stable audience in a tough time slot. NBC canceled it during its first season and pulled remaining episodes from primetime rotation.

‘Melrose Place’ (2009–2010)

The CW revived the famous apartment complex with a new group of residents and occasional appearances from original cast members. Storylines mixed mystery with romance while the show tried to link past and present eras.

The revival opened with curiosity but saw week to week erosion. It wrapped after one season and the network shifted attention to other young adult dramas.

‘Gossip Girl’ (2021–2023)

HBO Max updated the Upper East Side saga with a new generation and a social media twist on the anonymous narrator. The show returned to familiar locations and themes while expanding the ensemble and modernizing the setting.

After an early burst of interest, engagement trended downward across two seasons. The streamer canceled the series and announced no continuation for the new class.

‘The Muppets’ (2015–2016)

ABC introduced a workplace mockumentary for Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the gang, framing their lives around a late night talk show. The format placed the characters in a contemporary office environment with documentary style interviews.

The creative pivot drew curiosity but did not sustain family audience turnout on a weekly schedule. ABC ended the show after its first season and the characters returned to specials and other formats.

‘Fantasy Island’ (1998–1999)

ABC attempted a darker revival with Malcolm McDowell as Mr Roarke overseeing wishes that came with unexpected consequences. The production updated the island setting and leaned into moral twists.

The reinvention did not resonate with viewers who remembered the earlier tone. The network canceled the series within its first season and the property went back on the shelf for many years.

‘Dragnet’ (2003–2004)

Producer Dick Wolf brought ‘Dragnet’ back with Ed O Neill leading a modern Los Angeles detective unit. The show initially presented case of the week stories with a stripped down procedural style.

Midway through the run the series was retooled and marketed as ‘L A Dragnet’ with cast changes and a revised focus. The overhaul did not reverse the trend and the network ended the program during its second year.

‘The Fugitive’ (2020)

Quibi launched a short form reboot starring Boyd Holbrook as a wrongfully accused man pursued by a determined investigator played by Kiefer Sutherland. Episodes were released in bite sized chapters tailored for mobile viewing.

The show arrived shortly before the platform itself shut down. With the service closure the series ended the same year and did not transition to a traditional streaming home.

‘The Twilight Zone’ (2019–2020)

CBS All Access revived the anthology with Jordan Peele as host and producer, presenting contemporary morality tales and science fiction twists. The production attracted notable guest stars and used high end effects across its two seasons.

Viewer response varied widely from episode to episode and overall momentum remained uneven. The platform decided not to proceed with a third season and the revival concluded without renewal.

‘Heroes Reborn’ (2015–2016)

NBC returned to the world of ‘Heroes’ with a limited series that followed new characters alongside familiar faces. The storyline picked up years after the original finale and aimed to close lingering threads while opening new ones.

The event format ended with its planned season and did not continue into an ongoing series. NBC treated the project as a wrap up for the franchise rather than a long term return.

‘ThunderCats Roar’ (2020–2021)

Cartoon Network offered a comedic take on the classic ‘ThunderCats’ mythos with a simplified art style and a focus on lighthearted adventures. The series was positioned for younger viewers with self contained stories.

The tonal pivot contrasted sharply with earlier versions that emphasized action and serialized stakes. The network did not renew the show and the brand moved on to other projects and appearances.

Share which reboots you think missed the mark the most in the comments.