The 2021 reboot of The Equalizer, starring Queen Latifah, has arrived on Paramount+, and viewers have hailed it as "fantastic" and even better than the original series.
The crime drama began as a CBS series in 1985, following a mysterious former intelligence operative who used his skills to help ordinary people. The show ran for four seasons until 1989, with British actor Edward Woodward in the lead role, and amassed a devoted following on both sides of the Atlantic.
That loyal fanbase helped propel the concept to the big screen, with Denzel Washington starring in three feature-length adaptations. Now the story has come full circle with the 2021 TV reboot, which has just arrived on Paramount+.
Queen Latifah Takes on the Lead Role
In the new series, Queen Latifah steps into the shoes of Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative who dispenses vigilante justice on the streets of New York.
Viewers have been flocking to IMDb to share their enthusiasm, with one describing it as "fantastic", adding: "Good combination of action and drama. Like always a fantastic appearance of Queen Latifah."
Fans Compare the Reboot to the Original and Films
Fans of the wider franchise — including those who grew up with the original series and those who came to it through the Washington films — have been particularly vocal. The films have been hailed a "masterpiece" by fans on IMDb reviews, but the 2021 adaptation received an equal amount of praise.
One viewer wrote of the Queen Latifah series: "I see a lot of other reviews trying to claim it's not as good as the original or the movies, but have to disagree, it's just different but very entertaining in its unique way and has more heart in many respects."
Another added: "Grew up with the original, this is even better."
How to Watch the Equalizer
The original crime thriller series broadcast on CBS amassed a devoted cult following that subsequently inspired three feature films starring Washington, alongside the 2021 series. Spanning four seasons until 1989, the show followed Robert McCall as he sought to make amends for his past by offering himself as a guardian and investigator to those in need.
Washington's film series was a huge hit and starred other big names like Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour and Bill Pullman. The Equalizer is on Paramount+.
