Television's Nostalgic Renaissance: Major Reboots Arriving in 2026
Television viewers seeking comfort in nostalgia are poised for a significant treat, as numerous high-profile reboots are scheduled to launch across screens this year. Whether featuring returning original casts or complete reimaginings, fans will soon witness the revival of cherished favourites. This trend extends beyond ITV and BBC staples, with multiple American series also making comebacks in the very near future. Let us explore the former shows being resurrected for 2026.
Dalziel and Pascoe: A Female-Led Reimagining
Dalziel and Pascoe originally aired on the BBC for twelve series, but ITV is now preparing to launch a substantially reimagined version. Starring Warren Clarke and Colin Buchanan, this acclaimed crime drama ran from 1996 to 2007 on BBC One. The series followed veteran detective Andy Dalziel, with his unconventional methods, and his younger by-the-book partner, Peter Pascoe.
Earlier this month, ITV announced the actresses who will headline the new all-female reboot. The leading roles will be portrayed by Kerry Godliman, known for Afterlife and Derek, as Detective Inspector Andrea Dalziel, and Nina Singh from Virdee as Detective Sergeant Paige Pascoe. Set in the fictional Yorkshire town of Wetherton, filming is scheduled for this spring with an expected broadcast later in the year.
Byker Grove Returns as Simply 'Byker'
The coming-of-age teen drama Byker Grove aired on the BBC from 1989 to 2006, set in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. It famously launched the careers of Ant and Dec, who played PJ and Duncan, alongside other notable figures like Charlie Hunnam, Jill Halfpenny, Donna Air, and Laura Norton. In 2023, Ant and Dec confirmed the programme's return, now renamed to Byker. Although the revived show has yet to debut, it is anticipated to launch this year.
Baywatch Makes a Splashy Comeback
Baywatch originally ran from 1989 to 2001, following lifeguards patrolling Los Angeles beaches, starring David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson. For its final two years, it was retitled Baywatch: Hawaii, featuring Jason Momoa. A brand new version is set to air for twelve episodes on Fox during the 2026-27 television season, produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle.
Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair
This hugely popular American sitcom ran for seven seasons until 2006, focusing on child prodigy Malcolm navigating his dysfunctional family. Two decades later, it returns for a miniseries revival titled Malcolm In The Middle: Life's Still Unfair, referencing the iconic theme song. Most original cast members will return, with Caleb Ellsworth-Clark replacing Erik Per Sullivan as Dewey. Comprising four thirty-minute episodes, the revival will release on Hulu and Disney+ on April 10, 2026.
Scrubs Returns After 16-Year Hiatus
The beloved medical sitcom Scrubs originally aired from 2001 to 2010 for nine seasons, narrated by main character Dr. John 'JD' Dorian. Sixteen years later, a reboot is coming with multiple cast members reprising roles, as announced in July 2025. Returning stars include Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, John C. McGinley, and Judy Reyes, alongside supporting actors Robert Maschio and Phill Lewis.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale
Created by Joss Whedon, this legendary supernatural horror series originally aired from 1997 to 2003, inspired by a 1992 film. A revival titled Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale is set to premiere on Hulu in 2026. Sarah Michelle Gellar returns as Buffy, with a new protagonist, Nova, played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong. The spin-off is written by sisters Nora and Lillia Zuckerman and directed by Oscar winner Chloé Zhao.
Prison Break Universe Expands
The crime drama Prison Break originally aired on Fox from 2005 to 2009, starring Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell. Hulu has greenlit a revival set in the same universe but without the original characters. The cast is led by Australian actress Emily Browning as Cassidy, with Drake Rodger, Lukas Gage, Clayton Cardenas, JR Bourne, Georgie Flores, and Myles Bullock. The series follows an ex-soldier turned corrections officer at a deadly American prison.
The Secret Life Of Us Reboot After 21 Years
This much-loved Channel 4 drama ran from 2001 to 2005 over four seasons, set in St Kilda, Australia. It is set to return for a reboot twenty-one years after its last broadcast. The Secret Life of Us notably launched the career of Joel Edgerton, who played William McGill and later became a Hollywood star, recently nominated for a Golden Globe for Train Dreams in 2025.
