Top 10 Failed TV Character Reboots That Fans Hated

From Iconic to Unwatchable: 10 Failed TV Character Reboots

Rebooting a beloved TV character is a risky business. Get it right, and you introduce a classic to a whole new generation. Get it wrong? Well, you create some of the most cringeworthy, unwatchable versions of iconic characters to ever grace the screen. Some of these attempts were doomed from the start, while others had potential but completely missed the essence of the original.

Here are 10 TV character reboots that flopped HARD, leaving fans shaking their heads in disappointment.

10. Thomas Magnum – Magnum P.I. (2018)

What Went Wrong?
The original Magnum P.I. (1980) was legendary, thanks in part to Tom Selleck’s effortless charisma, humor, and, of course, his glorious mustache. Jay Hernandez took over in 2018’s reboot, and while he brought his own charm, it wasn’t enough to make up for the character’s lack of wit, depth, and signature style.

Fans missed Magnum’s laid-back yet intense energy, and without that mustache, something just felt off. Even Magnum’s best friend Rick was reimagined as a total buzzkill, stripping the show of its original chemistry.

Verdict: The show ran for five seasons, but Hernandez’s version of Magnum never escaped the shadow of Selleck’s iconic portrayal.

9. Carlton Banks – Bel-Air (2022)

What Went Wrong?
Carlton Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was hilariously uptight, but he had a heart of gold beneath all that sweater-vest snobbery. His dynamic with Will Smith made him one of the most entertaining characters of the ‘90s.

The Bel-Air reboot decided to turn Carlton into a brooding, anxiety-ridden, power-hungry villain. Not only did he lack the humor and charm of the original, but his rivalry with Will felt forced and mean-spirited. Instead of fun dance moves, this Carlton had… a cocaine habit.

Verdict: Bel-Air’s take on Carlton felt joyless and uninspired, proving that not every character needs a gritty, dramatic reinvention.

8. Cordell Walker – Walker (2021)

What Went Wrong?
The name Walker, Texas Ranger is synonymous with Chuck Norris, and the 2021 reboot tried to tone down the over-the-top action hero for a more grounded take. Big mistake.

Jared Padalecki gave it his best shot, but without Norris’s legendary roundhouse kicks and action-packed justice, this Walker just wasn’t the same. The reboot lacked the charm, campy action, and sheer intensity that made the original a cult classic.

Verdict: The show wasn’t bad, but it failed to capture what made the original a guilty pleasure favorite.

7. Fallon Carrington – Dynasty (2017)

What Went Wrong?
The original Fallon Carrington was a cunning underdog, constantly underestimated but always coming out on top. She was the perfect mix of glamour, attitude, and scheming brilliance.

The rebooted Fallon, however, lost her underdog appeal. Instead of fighting for her place in the world, she started out on top, rich, powerful, and untouchable, making it hard for audiences to root for her.

Verdict: Reimagining Fallon as a spoiled brat rather than a strategic queen robbed the show of its original intrigue.

6. Shaggy & Scooby – Velma (2023)

What Went Wrong?
Velma was already doomed from the start for trying too hard to be edgy, but the treatment of Shaggy and Scooby was next level disastrous.

For starters, Shaggy wasn’t even called Shaggy—he went by Norville instead. Worse, they completely stripped him of his stoner/slacker charm, making him just another generic, awkward teenager.

And Scooby? Completely erased from existence.

Verdict: No Scooby-Doo? No thanks.

5. The Upper East Side Kids – Gossip Girl (2021)

What Went Wrong?
The original Gossip Girl had an elite, stylish, and scandalous cast that made it the ultimate guilty pleasure. So when the 2021 reboot introduced a bland, uninspired new group, fans weren’t impressed.

The new show lacked the sharp writing, high-stakes drama, and character chemistry that made the original a hit. Instead, it felt like a watered-down, social media-obsessed knockoff.

Verdict: The show got canceled after just two seasons—XOXO, goodbye.

4. Jamie Sommers – Bionic Woman (2007)

What Went Wrong?
The original Jamie Sommers balanced crime-fighting with a desire to live a normal life, making her one of the most relatable heroines of the ‘70s.

The 2007 reboot, though? Zero personality. They stripped away her emotional depth, leaving behind just another tough action hero with no heart.

Verdict: It only lasted eight episodes before being scrapped—yikes.

3. The Charmed Sisters – Charmed (2018)

What Went Wrong?
The original Charmed series thrived on the strong bond between three sisters, blending supernatural drama with relatable family dynamics.

The reboot, though? Zero chemistry. The new trio felt forced and generic, lacking the warmth, sisterly love, and depth that made the OG series a fan favorite.

Verdict: The CW’s Charmed felt like a shallow imitation, rather than a fresh take.

2. Angus "Mac" MacGyver – MacGyver (2016)

What Went Wrong?
The OG MacGyver could escape any dangerous situation using just a paperclip, duct tape, and a stroke of genius. His resourcefulness and quick thinking made him a legend.

The rebooted MacGyver? More action, less brains. Instead of a genius problem-solver, the new Mac was a reckless, impulsive risk-taker, completely missing the point of the character.

Verdict: MacGyver without MacGyver-ing is just another generic action show.

1. The Angels – Charlie's Angels (2011)

What Went Wrong?
Charlie’s Angels has always been about fun, action-packed espionage, with badass female leads and campy charm.

The 2011 TV reboot, though? A cringe-fest. It took itself way too seriously, lacked any fun, and had zero chemistry between the leads. Even with big-name backing, the show flopped after just eight episodes.

Verdict: Some reboots should just stay in the past.

Some Legends Shouldn't Be Touched

Reboots can work, but only if they respect the heart of the original characters. These 10 failed attempts prove that bad writing, poor casting, and forced changes can turn fan favorites into forgettable flops.

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