Cable programming is inventive, creative and consistently pushing the limits of television. That's why we love it. But sometimes creativity isn't inventing something new, but re-imagining the past. There have been some unexpectedly powerful, chilling, and provocative TV series and movies in entertainment history. And since we're in the midst of a "Golden Age of Television", why not let cable take a crack and remake some of the best? We've put together a list of some of the remakes, adaptations, and inspired programs that we're most excited about. Which new adaptations are you most looking forward to?
ROOTS
The History Channel
The History Channel is planning an eight-hour miniseries remake of the 1977 cultural phenomenon, "Roots". History acquired the series from Mark Wolper (you might know him from A&E’s "Bates Motel"), who is currently signed on as executive producer of the new series. "Roots" was an unlikely hit, a provocative but culturally relevant TV series that reached 100 million viewers for the conclusion airing and garnered 36 Emmy nominations. If you enjoyed "Hatfields & McCoys", "The Bible" and "The Vikings" as much as we (and a lot of Americans) did then prepare yourselves for Roots. The History Channel is the perfect home for the new series consistently making history both accessible and impactful.
WESTWORLD
HBO
HBO is planning a remake based on the 1973 film "Westworld" with high-profile producers that include Jerry Weintraub (executive producer of HBO’s "Behind the Candelabra"), Jonathan Nolan and J.J. Abrams. With that level of pedigree behind the scenes, we’re even more excited for HBO’s take on this chilling and graphic novel-esque, cult classic. The premise of the original film was a Wild West-themed amusement park inhabited by robots that causes chaos to unsuspecting vacationers. HBO is going to take that storyline and develop “a dark odyssey about the dawn of artificial consciousness and the future of sin.” This series will surely scare you and your family away from those Wild West theme parks. Yes, they do exist.
THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE
ABC Family
ABC Family is developing an adaptation of the 1992 film, "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle." The original was an R-rated psychological thriller about a seductive nanny who loses her child and her husband, and then seeks vengeance on the woman she blames for everything. The tagline of the movie was, “Trust is her weapon. Innocence, her opportunity. Revenge, her only desire.” Now if that doesn’t sound like a storyline sure to intrigue and excite today’s teen audience, I don’t know what will. It’s like "American Horror Story" meets "Pretty Little Liars" meets "Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitters Dead!" We have definitely seen the trend towards darker, more thrilling and provocative entertainment, especially for the young adult audience, and we can’t wait to see ABC Family’s adaptation.
12 MONKEYS
SyFy
Bruce Willis? Brad Pitt? Bizarre time-travel abstractions? Yes, yes, and double-yes. "12 Monkeys", the 90s cult sci-fi classic, is being ported into an all-new TV show by SyFy. And while Bruce and Brad aren't expected to be part of it, those who know the movie know there's a lot more plot still to explore. In case you're unfamiliar with Terry Gillam's classic interpretation of Chris Marker's 1962 short film La Jetée, prepare yourself for post-apocalyptic prisoners being sent back in time to change the future, with disturbing mental institutions, society-ending viruses, and witnessing your own death. In other words, an awesome, chronic thriller.
FARGO
FX Network
We can’t believe the legendary Coen brothers are coming to television! The filmmaking duo are developing a 10-episode miniseries based on their Oscar-winning 1996 film "Fargo" and have already lined up stars Billy Bob Thornton, Bob Odenkirk and more. With televisions boundaries pushed more every year, FX’s "Fargo" promises to hold true to the dark comedy, true-crime, “Minnesota nice” philosophy, while telling new stories with brand new characters. Just keep an eye out for any wood chippers.
Finally, in a conversation about television remakes and movie ports, we would be remised not to briefly look backward and highlight one of our all-time favorite remakes.
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
SyFy
There have been some greats, but after deep deliberation, we’ve concluded that our favorite TV remake of the last 20 years is SyFy’s "Battlestar Galactica". You can call us nerds, or geeks, or even homer fan-boys, but you can’t say Battlestar wasn’t amazing. A trailblazing show built on solid acting and intelligent writing, it was in many ways the genetic predecessor to programming heavyweights like "Homeland" and "Breaking Bad". At once a thrilling science fiction fantasy, hyper-drama love story, and complex allegory for modern terrorism and multinational leadership, "Battlestar Galactica" was a rebirth for TV sci-fi and today defines a great remake. If you’ve never seen it, we assure you it’s worth your time. SyFy built a true evergreen winner.