One of the most popular US sitcoms of all time could be about to return nearly two decades after its final episode aired. My Name is Earl, which first hit screens in 2005 and ran for 96 episodes across four seasons, may be getting a reboot, according to industry insiders.
The show centred on Earl Hickey, a petty thief who has a near-death experience after winning $100,000 on the lottery. He makes a full recovery and dedicates his life to rebuilding relationships with people he has wronged.
Talks Underway for a Comeback
Sources close to the production have claimed that talks are now underway to bring the show back. Should the move go ahead, it would be the latest in a series of hit 2000s comedies making their way back to the screen.
According to The Sun, sources working within the TV industry claimed that no clear direction has been made on how the show will progress from its final episode. However, with rebooted shows from 20 years ago proving to be a hit with audiences, bosses are keen to cash in.
“It’s not clear if this would be a continuation of the original story or a total reboot,” the source said. “But essentially they will be tapping into the spirit of the show’s first outing for this comeback.”
Nostalgia Boom Sparks Interest
The move comes after the revival of Malcolm In The Middle, another classic from the Noughties, which returned earlier this year on Disney with the spin-off Life’s Still Unfair. That saw the show’s leading man, Frankie Muniz, reprise his central role, much to the delight of fans.
The insider finished: “Now execs are assessing just how successful that show has been before going ahead with any similar projects.”
Enduring Popularity and Streaming Success
Despite there being no new episodes since May 14, 2009, fans are still loving the show, with it regularly pulling in thousands on streaming services. In the UK, the show was aired on Channel 4 during its original run, first airing in January 2006. However, in the age of streaming, it is currently available to watch on Disney+ and ITVX.
The premise of the original series saw Earl realise just how close he was to death, so he decides to make up for his crimes by dedicating his life to rebuilding relationships with people. In the middle of his endeavour, he ends up discovering his old lottery ticket.
Now cashing the ticket in, Earl uses the money he now has to continue his work in turning his life around. Fans and critics alike were big fans of My Name is Earl during its original run, with the show scooping five Emmy Awards, as well as nominations at the BAFTAs and the Golden Globes.
