15 cult classic TV shows that deserve a reboot 

'Cult-favorite' is often used colloquially to mean different things. The term originally referred to shows or movies that were obscure before but gained popularity, later. These shows and movies went under the radar during their release but gained a loyal fan following in the following years. However, some already popular shows and movies with a committed fan following are also given the term. Here are 15 such cult classic TV shows that deserve a reboot.

1. Rectify

Created by Ray McKinnon and starring Aden Young, this drama series follows the life of Daniel Holden (Young) who was wrongfully convicted of a crime and is finally released after 20 years on death row. Even though Holden’s conviction is deemed dubious, he finds it difficult to settle into his hometown as society still sees him as a predator. The show had fully-fleshed characters and emotional substance, which makes it apt for a reboot.

2. The IT Crowd

Starring Katherine Parkinson, Richard Ayoade, and others, Graham Linehan created this British sitcom that revolved around a fictional Reynholm Industries in London. The show followed the adventures of the IT staff of the company. It used black comedy, slapstick, and surreal humor to create comic moments. The series gained a cult following over the years and deserves a revival.

3. Fringe

This sci-fi series was about an FBI agent, a genius but messy scientist, and his son who has secrets. Together, they formed the Fringe division of the FBI and used quirky methods to investigate paranormal occurrences. The show was set in Boston, Massachusetts, and starred Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, and others. From exploring parallel universes and mythology, the show was a blend of fantasy and procedural drama. It developed a cult following and surely needs a reboot.

4. Battlestar Galactica

A re-imagining of the 1978 TV show, this military sci-fi series featured Tricia Helfer, Edward James Olmos, and others. The show is set in a distant space where humans were destroyed by androids. Only those humans who were aboard spaceships survived. Out of this, the titular spaceship is the only surviving military ship and its crew must lead the survivors to a new colony, Earth. The show was acclaimed for its visual effects and costumes and deserves a reboot.

5. Summer Heights High

Starring Chris Lilley, David Lennie, and others, this Australian mockumentary sitcom was created by Chris Lilley and followed the high school adventures of a director, an exchange student, and a rowdy Tongan-Australian student. The show is set in the fictional Summer Heights High School in Sydney and is a satire on high-school life. The show was immensely popular in Australia and deserves a reboot.

6. Firefly

Created by Joss Whedon and starring Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, and others, this space Western drama is set in the future in the year 2517, when humans arrive in a new star system. The show revolves around the crew of a spaceship, Serenity, and each member has a different backstory. The series became a cult hit and even inspired a film, a comic, and role-playing games. Its sci-fi and fantastical elements surely deserve a reboot.

7. Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, this supernatural drama from the late nineties and early aughts was created by Joss Whedon. The show revolves around Buffy (Gellar) a young woman who is destined to fight against vampires and other evil entities. Even though Buffy craves a normal life, she accepts her destiny and along with her friends and a guide, learns how to banish evil. The show was immensely popular and spawned comics and video games.

8. Married…With Children

This sitcom from the 1980s and 1990s was created by Michael G. Moye and Ron Leavitt, the show revolves around the Bundy family which comprises Al (Ed O’Neill), a shoe salesman who is also a misogynist, his wife Peggy (Katey Sagal), who is lazy, and his two children. The show gained popularity for its humor around taboo topics and the representation of a less-than-perfect family, which contrasted with the other sitcoms of the era.

9. Hannibal

Starring Mads Mikkelsen, Hugh Dancy, and others, this psychological thriller was based on the novels by Thomas Harris and is also inspired by the movie, The Silence of the Lambs. Created by Bryan Fuller, the show revolves around Dr. Hannibal (Mads), who is a talented forensic psychiatrist with a penchant for cannibalism. The show has a massive cult following and deserves a reboot.

10. Six Feet Under

Created by Alan Ball, this drama series was about the members of the Fisher family in Los Angeles who run a funeral home. Starring Peter Krause, Frances Conroy, and others, the show blended family drama and topics like infidelity, religion, and relationships, with its more philosophical bearings on death. The show gained critical acclaim for its writing and has a cult following.

11. The Wire

Starring Dominic West, Lance Reddick, and others, this crime drama is based on the writings and experiences of author and former police reporter, David Simon. The show offered a gritty and realistic look at the relationship between the major institutions of the city and law enforcement. Subjects tackled in this police procedural included drug trade, bureaucracy, and journalism. The show garnered a cult following only after its airing and deserves a modern reboot.

12. My Name is Earl

Starring Ethan Suplee, this sitcom was created by Greg Garcia and revolved around a small-time thief, Earl Hickey (Lee), who is never able to enjoy anything good. He learns about karma and decides to set right every wrong that he has done to others. The series ended on a cliffhanger, which annoyed its loyal fanbase. Therefore, this one definitely needs a revival.

13. Jericho

Created by Stephen Chbosky, Josh Schaer, and Jonathan E. Steinberg, this post-apocalyptic action drama follows a group of residents of the fictional city of Jericho in Kansas, who must band together as they are one of the few survivors post a nuclear attack. The show offered a realistic portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world and gained a dedicated cult following.

14. Veronica Mars

Starring Kristen Bell, this noir mystery drama was created by Rob Thomas and follows the adventures of the titular character (Bell) who is a high school student and helps her dad as a private investigator. The series had a loyal fan following and Thomas even fundraised and made a film. Even though Hulu brought back the series for one season, it was canceled again.

15. One Tree Hill

Created by Mark Schwahn and starring Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty, Sophia Bush, and others, this drama series from the early aughts was immensely popular. Set in the fictional titular town in North Carolina, the story revolves around two half-brothers, who compete for the school’s basketball team. The show added other storylines as the series progressed.