The television landscape in 2026 is set for a major wave of nostalgia. Streaming services and broadcast networks are reviving a long list of classic shows, bringing back beloved characters and familiar worlds for both original fans and a new generation of viewers. From iconic medical comedies to dramatic cult favorites, here are the Hollywood TV shows confirmed for a reboot or revival in 2026.
Returning Favorites and Fresh Starts
The list of returning shows includes a mix of direct continuations and brand-new stories set within established universes. Key original cast members are returning for many of these projects, often alongside new characters designed to bring a fresh perspective.
The table below summarizes the major reboots and revivals scheduled for 2026:
| Show Title | New Platform/Network | Key Returning Cast/Creators | Type of Revival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scrubs | ABC | Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, Bill Lawrence | Sequel/Reboot |
| Malcolm in the Middle | Disney+ | Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek | Sequel |
| Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Hulu | Sarah Michelle Gellar (supporting role) | Sequel/New Slayer |
| Prison Break | Hulu | New cast, original universe | Reboot |
| Baywatch | Fox | New cast, original creators involved | Reboot |
| White Collar | TBD | Matt Bomer, Tim DeKay (story continuation) | Sequel |
| Desperate Housewives | Hulu | Kerry Washington (Executive Producer) | Reboot |
| A Different World | Netflix | Debbie Allen | Reboot/New Cast |
| Friday Night Lights | Peacock | Original creative team, new cast | Reboot |
| One Tree Hill | Netflix | Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton Morgan | Sequel Series |
| Legally Blonde (Elle) | Prime Video | Reese Witherspoon (Producer), new cast | Prequel Series |
Classic Comedies Return
Several beloved comedies are making a comeback, revisiting their characters years later.
Scrubs
The doctors of Sacred Heart are returning. The Scrubs reboot at ABC will see John “J.D.” Dorian (Zach Braff) and Christopher Turk (Donald Faison) back in the hospital setting. The show aims to blend its signature surreal and comedic style with a new era of medicine, showing where the fan-favorite characters have ended up.
Malcolm in the Middle
Disney+ is reviving the chaotic Wilkerson family with Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair. The limited series will center on an adult Malcolm (Frankie Muniz), who is now a dad. He returns home for his parents’ anniversary and gets pulled back into the family’s antics. The key cast, including Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek, is set to return.
Drama and Action Get a Second Life
Iconic dramas from the past are being resurrected with new stories and characters.
Prison Break
Hulu is developing a full Prison Break reboot with a completely new cast and a fresh story. While it will be set in the same high-risk universe as the original series starring Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell, this new take will introduce a different narrative.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival on Hulu is not a direct reboot but an extension of the world. Sarah Michelle Gellar will return in a supporting, mentor role. The series will co-star Ryan Kiera Armstrong as a new slayer named Nova, who will face new threats with Buffy’s guidance.
White Collar
The popular USA Network series White Collar is getting a revival that will continue the original story. While a platform has not been officially announced yet, the project is moving forward and will bring back the story of con man Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) and FBI agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay).
Iconic Worlds Reimagined
Some reboots are taking beloved concepts and introducing them to a new generation.
Baywatch
Fox has ordered a new Baywatch series for the 2026-27 season. This update will feature an entirely new cast but keep the core elements of adrenaline-fueled rescues and beachside drama that made the original a global phenomenon. The original series’ creators are involved as executive producers.
A Different World
Netflix is rebooting the classic sitcom A Different World. The revival will see a new class of students arriving at Hillman College, building on the legacy of the original series. Debbie Allen is returning to help create a blend of old and new.
Desperate Housewives
The suburban mystery soap Desperate Housewives is being rebooted on Hulu. With Kerry Washington executive producing, the new series will tell fresh stories on the iconic Wisteria Lane cul-de-sac.
New Stories from Beloved Universes
Other projects are expanding on popular franchises with sequels and prequels.
Friday Night Lights
A Friday Night Lights reboot is in the works at Peacock. The original creative team, including showrunner Jason Katims and director Peter Berg, will return. However, the show will feature an entirely new cast and setting, focusing on a modern Texas town recovering from a devastating hurricane.
One Tree Hill
Netflix is developing a One Tree Hill sequel series set roughly 20 years after the original ended. Sophia Bush and Hilarie Burton Morgan are set to reprise their roles as Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer, navigating the challenges of parenting teenagers.
Elle (Legally Blonde Prequel)
Prime Video is bringing a prequel series, Elle, which will explore Elle Woods’ life as a high school student years before she attended Harvard Law. Newcomer Lexi Minetree will play the young Elle, with Reese Witherspoon serving as an executive producer.
Also Read: Zendaya Reportedly Distances Herself From Sydney Sweeney Amid Political Tensions
Also Read: Cha Seung Won and Kim Do Hoon Consider New Spy Drama โRetired Agent Management Teamโ
