Critics have long derided the lack of originality on TV.  But just for fun, let’s look at some shows that are now officially in development for the small screen:

A new 90210 show.

A new Hawaii-Five-o.

A show based on the 1987 movie “The Witches of Eastwick.”

And a show based on the J. Lo movie “Maid in Manhattan.”

Here’s the thing: TV shows based on old properties CAN be awesome: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and though I’ve never seen it, I’ve heard good things about Friday Night Lights.  (Hell, I used to even like Alien Nation way back when…)  But it seems to me that there are way better properties that could be modernized and would have a better shot than say, last year’s quickly canceled Bionic Woman.  Here are my top five picks:

  1. goonies.jpg Goonies - There was talk about a sequel some years back, but why not just expand the franchise into a long running show?  A new group of kids, mentored by one or two of the original gang, have to save their families from foreclosure, unemployment, and those pesky rising gas prices by constantly seeking out all the rich stuff they can find.  One-Eyed Willie makes an appearance in the season finale in a flashback/dream sequence.
  2. quantum_leap.jpg Quantum Leap - The best show with the worst ending, a “next generation” thing would be perfect.  There have been talks about a big screen movie, or a made-for-TV movie, or even a new TV show going on forever, so what’s the hold up?  Sam’s daughter goes leaping around in time looking for her Dad.  Perfect.  Scott Bakula would totally be down for a cameo (I just volunteered him.)
  3. ash.jpg Evil Dead - Everyone loves Ash, and even though Bruce Campbell has moved on, the role could easily be recast with a new one-handed hero who cracks wise while battling the undead.  They could take it in a more serious Buffy-esque direction, but I think they should go for full on camp.  It’s been a while since kitschy was trendy - maybe it’s due for a comeback?
  4. tap.jpg Spinal Tap - A mockumentary on TV?  We know the concept can fly thanks to The Office, so why not bring back the guys who practically invented the concept?  It could be a limited series run, like the BBC Office/Extras, where Nigel, Derek, and David gear up for a big reunion album and tour.  But wouldn’t you know it, wackiness ensues along the way…
  5. kofk.jpg The King of Kong - A reality series that follows around nerd hero Steve Weibe in his quest to reclaim his Donkey Kong record.  Though Billy Mitchell and Mrs. Weibe might prefer to let this whole thing go, it would definitely rate high in the geek demographic.  Bonus: possible spin-off for Brian Kuh about his personal quest for glory, entitled: When’s MY Kill Screen Coming Up?

What do you think?  Any other ideas?