TV News
8 Classic Comedy TV Shows That Need A Movie Remake

Published
2 years agoon

Have you ever thought that your favourite comedy TV show should have its own movie? Imagine seeing your favourite small screen characters on the big screen. Us too, so here are some classic comedy TV shows that need a movie remake.
8. Red Dwarf
This British space romp has had rumours of a big-screen remake or adaptation for years. Alas, nothing has yet to happen. The original BBC cast has managed to come together for an extended episode for TV and the show has now reached 12 seasons. Red Dwarf also had a failed pilot in the US and it’s possible that this is what put the stoppers on a trip to the big screen for the crew. Still, Lister, Rimmer and the gang continue to explore deep space and may well do so until they drop. It would surely feel odd to see these comedy characters portrayed by other actors in a movie remake, wouldn’t it?
7. Everybody Loves Raymond
Often described as the perfect American sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond originally ran from 1996 through to 2005. They’re a few reasons why it’s seen as one of the best, and it mostly has to do with the characters. Based around Ray, his wife, brother and parents, it’s the perfect combination that everyone can relate to. Ray Romano is a genius of character writing and dynamics. Not only does he nail it with some genuinely funny comedy, but there are also heartfelt moments that solidify the bonds of the characters. Sadly, Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle are no longer with us. But, if Ray could find suitably talented actors to play his parents, could it work? We could certainly do with a feel-good movie at the moment, and it would be great to see how the family are fifteen years on. Come on Ray, get writing.
6. Keeping Up Appearances
Keeping Up Appearances was a British comedy that aired from 1990 to 1995. Written by legendary British comedy writer Roy Clarke, it was the quintessential sitcom. There were many elements that made Keeping Up Appearances so good, but the key thing was the characters. It was based around Hyacinth Bucket; a lower-middle-class housewife who longed to climb the social class ladder. She’s rather eccentric and snobbish, insisting her surname be pronounced ‘Bouquet’. She was complemented by her long-suffering husband Richard. Her lower-class siblings Rose, Violet and Onslow, were also constant causes for embarrassment. Although Roy Clarke is in his nineties, as is Hyacinth actress Dame Patricia Routledge, maybe it could still happen? The premise is still relevant today, so why not make a movie about Hyacinth Bucket in the twenty-first century? It would certainly make my year.
5. 3rd Rock from the Sun
Aliens living on Earth trying to understand human behaviour is a well-worn concept. What makes a good one is great writing and great actors. 3rd Rock from the Sun had both. The show is based around a family of aliens who end up living in an attic in a fictional town in Ohio. The main protagonist is alien commander Dick Soloman, played by John Lithgow. Most of the humour (and episode titles) are based around Dick trying to understand how humans work. If you’ve never seen the show, think of it as a mix of Mork and Mindy and Data from Star Trek. There is a genuine longing to understand human behaviour, but with a large helping of humour on top.
The show ran from 1996 through to 2001 and lasted for six seasons, celebrating 25 years this year. It won numerous awards at the time and boasted some pretty impressive cameos. John Cleese, Kathy Bates and even William Shatner himself appeared. You can never have too much of a good thing so come on John, let’s have you back on the big screen.
4. Get a Life
This rather surreal black comedy was a bit misunderstood but might benefit from a movie remake. Written by and starring Chris Elliot amongst others, it took quite a bit of persuading before the network commissioned it in 1990. Sadly, it was cancelled by 1992. It’s a shame as it’s actually genius. Based around Chris, an immature thirty-year-old who still lives at home with his parents. The only job he has is a paper round, and as he can’t drive, gets around everywhere on his pushbike. That’s the normal bit. The stuff Chris gets up to is quite frankly bizarre, but hilarious. He dies about twelve times through the series; one of which involves him exploding. There is something special about the show that would have been a hit had it been made twenty years later. Unfortunately, audiences in 1990 just weren’t ready for that surreal dark humour. They are now, so make the movie Mr Elliot. Please?
3. Father Ted
Based around three Catholic priests and a housekeeper living on a remote Irish island, Father Ted was one of the funniest sitcoms from the 90s. The characters were superbly written. Ted is the more rounded one who just sees being a priest as a job. Father Dougal is a grown man who is childlike, much to the frustration of Ted. Finally, there is Father Jack. The alcoholic priest who just sits in his chair shouting obscenities.
The show ran through the latter half of the 90s before actor Dermot Morgan’s untimely death in 1998. Interestingly, there have been attempts made at remaking it for the American market. These have never materialised, but good writing and strong characters can reach through cultures, so there is still hope. The show won various awards in the UK and many of the show’s lines are now etched into the culture. And who can forget the scene where all the priests get lost in a retail female lingerie section? Comedy gold.
2. Black Books
We’re keeping with the Irish theme for Black Books. Not only is the show led by Irish comedian Dylan Moran, but it was co-created by Graham Lineham. He was responsible for creating Father Ted. So, we’re in good company. Airing from 2001 to 2004, it was based around a short-tempered book shop owner Bernard Black and his weird assistant. Not only is the writing sharp, but it has the brilliant Bill Bailey playing his assistant. The other main character is Fran, who tries to bring Barnard out of his chain-smoking cynical view of the world. Surreal and a bit dark, yes, but it’s a gem of a show that deserves a big-screen outing.
1. Fawlty Towers
Co-created by Monty Python legend John Cleese, Fawlty Towers was loosely based on a real hotel Cleese once visited in 1970. The show itself only ran for two seasons between 1975 and 1979 but it’s etched into comedy sitcom history. The show is based around hotel owner Basil Fawlty’s escapades, usually involving his foreign waiter, Manuel. He gets himself in regular trouble with his guests but is always subordinate to his wife Sybil. Most people can probably relate to staying in a hotel run by a Basil Fawlty character, so a movie would be relatable. Plus, there was only a handful of original episodes, so our palates are suitably whetted, Mr Cleese. Over to you.
And that’s our list of eight classic comedy shows that need a movie remake. Did you agree with our list? What shows would you like to see turned into a movie? Let us know in the comments below.
Read about what the Friends reunion should have been like HERE.

Cobra Kai season four is out now on Netflix and the All Valley is back and better than ever. Here’s our review.
SPOILERS: If you’re reading this then you’ve probably seen the show, but if not there are spoilers ahead.
It’s January, and new shows are popping up everywhere. This brings us to the show that I and my friends have been holding our breaths for: the fourth season of the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai! After three seasons, I wondered if there was anything left to mine from the Karate Kid lore or the Johnny/Daniel dynamic. I am happy to report that this might be my favourite season yet! It manages to not only expand upon the universe it has created, but to bring in a new villain, who is so bad that he threatens to outdo even John Kreese!
Alliance
Season four sets us off where the third left off, with Johnny and Daniel having joined forces to fight Cobra Kai. Their friendship arc is the glue that holds this season together. The story focuses largely on whether they will be able to pull it together and make their partnership work. As in previous seasons, their relationship has its ups and downs. The stakes are heightened, however, as the season leads up to the All-Valley Tournament. A bet between the three senseis – Kreese, Daniel, and Johnny – means that losing the All Valley is losing the title of sensei.
This season explores the ways that both Johnny and Daniel work with the kids. It also examines the kids’ struggles as they prepare for the All Valley while dealing with conflict within the ever-changing network of friends and enemies in the dojos. Robbie has left juvenile hall and decided to join up with Cobra Kai as a means of inflicting revenge on both his dad and Daniel. Tori and Sam continue their rivalry. And John Reese’s old friend Terry Silver (of Karate Kid 3 fame) shows up to kick Cobra Kai into high gear.
Daniel’s son, Anthony, who has largely been absent until now, faces his own dilemma when his friends begin bullying Kenny, the new kid in town. This soft-spoken middle school character brings us into the world of the younger kids, setting up yet another storyline. Kenny becomes the victim of a gang of kids (including Anthony), enduring round after round of bullying before Robbie takes him under his wing. After his induction into Cobra Kai, the formerly shy middle-schooler becomes a bully himself.
Shades of grey
This brings me to one of my favourite things about the show. The constant back and forth dynamic between characters makes us feel that anything is possible. There is no black and white in the world of Cobra Kai. Where the Karate Kid told us that Daniel was good, and Johnny was bad, this show gives us a very different point of view. It’s a world where we’re never sure who to root for. In this season, we even see Hawk make a return to the “good guys” side after giving up his spot at Cobra Kai.
With Eagle Fang (Johnny’s new dojo) and Miyagi-Do teaming up, the kids – and the adults – have to learn to work together. Of course, complications ensue. Johnny becomes jealous of what he perceives as Miguel’s preference for Daniel over him. Sam wants to learn both her dad’s karate style and Johnny’s, despite her father’s discouragement. Meanwhile, at Cobra Kai, Kreese is losing his grip on the dojo. His former war buddy, Terry Silver, puts off a rather benign appearance in episode one, growing more and more evil with each episode.
This season is lacking in many of the big fight scenes of the previous seasons, instead choosing to focus their energy on the characters. The All Valley Tournament features several great karate matches and offers a satisfying conclusion to Johnny and Daniel’s arc. In the end, Cobra Kai takes the tournament win, but Johnny and Daniel have reached an understanding.
New champions
Tori defeats Sam to take the women’s All Valley trophy but later overhears her sensei paying off one of the referees. It’s clear that Cobra Kai has pulled yet another fast one. But the season ends on an even more ominous – and unexpected – note. Terry Silver assaults the over-aged former Cobra Kai member, Stingray, sending him to the hospital. He then makes a deal with Stingray to blame the crime on Kreese. We end the season with Kreese in handcuffs, Terry Silver set to take over Cobra Kai, and the future of Eagle Fang and Miyagi-Do uncertain. In a last shocking twist, Miguel leaves town in search of his biological father.
Although some may miss the school hallway throw downs, I found this one satisfying in a different way. It just goes to show that the ever-expanding Cobra Kai universe can keep bringing surprises season after season.
CULTURE CROSSING SCORE 9/10
Thank you for reading our review of Cobra Kai season four. Do you agree or disagree with our points or have anything to add? If so, leave us a comment below.
Check out our Hawkeye episode one and two review HERE.
Read IMDB information about Spider-Man: No Way Home HERE.
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