Six Major TV Reboots to Watch in 2026, Featuring Iconic 90s Series
A number of beloved TV shows are set for reboots this year, with some hitting screens within weeks. Fans will soon see old stars return for these revivals, potentially joined by new faces and fresh storylines. The shows range from ITV and BBC favourites to multiple US series making comebacks, offering a nostalgic treat for viewers.
Byker Grove
It's the programme that launched Ant and Dec's career. Byker Grove is finally making its return to television. The Geordie pair initially shot to stardom playing PJ and Duncan in the BBC teen drama throughout the late 80s and early 90s, with the series concluding in 2006. In 2023, it was announced that Byker Grove would be making a comeback with a reboot, though the programme has yet to materialise on screen. The following year, Ant and Dec revealed that the show, which will be called Byker, remains in production.
The show is still ongoing, it is still in development. We are currently looking at cast and looking at story arcs, they explained at the NTAs. It is taking longer than normal entertainment television as we are used to things being on screen quickly. We are like 'come on let's get it over with. The programme is expected to finally arrive on screens this year.
The Secret Life Of Us
It's been 21 years since Channel 4 drama The Secret Life Of Us was cancelled, but the show could be making a comeback in 2026. The well-liked series ran for four seasons from 2001 to 2005 and was set in the beachside suburb of St Kilda, Australia. It put several stars into the limelight, including Joel Edgerton, who went on to feature in numerous Hollywood projects and receive a Golden Globe Award nomination.
Now, the show's co-creator and producer Amanda Higgs has disclosed that the show is in very preliminary discussions for a reboot – although she might not be involved. Responding to calls for a reboot, she stated: There's a lot of talk.... well, not a lot... there's a tiny bit of talk about whether we'll do Secret Life again. She then excluded herself from being part of it, but suggested that it could still be on the cards, saying: No I am too old to make that show. I think if you're creating for younger audiences, you have to have that younger sensibility.
Prison Break
It's been nearly three years since news broke that the 2005 drama Prison Break was being rebooted, yet the fresh series has still to reach our screens. The programme originally broadcast on FOX between 2005 and 2009, before making a short-lived comeback on the network in 2017 for a fifth season. The original series centres on two brothers: Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) and Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller). It follows the story of Lincoln, who faces execution for a crime he didn't commit, and Michael, who crafts an intricate scheme to spring his brother from jail and prove his innocence.
However, in 2023, it was revealed that whilst a rebooted spin-off will broadcast, it won't feature the same characters making a comeback. Instead, the fresh series will be set within the same universe as the original prison drama but will centre on a different group of prison inmates. Production finally got underway for the new programme in 2025, and although the official launch date hasn't been revealed, it's expected to broadcast in 2026.
Malcolm In The Middle
Hailed as the best ever sitcom of the 2000s, Malcolm In The Middle is making its comeback two decades after its original debut. The series chronicled the chaotic existence of the Wilkersons – a dysfunctional working-class American household. Frankie Muniz led the cast as Malcolm whilst simultaneously providing the programme's narration throughout its entire duration. The forthcoming four-episode revival of Malcolm in the Middle is set to hit screens this year, once again featuring Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston.
Joining Bryan, Frankie reprises his role as Malcolm, with Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield returning as his siblings Francis and Reese. Titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair, streaming platform Hulu has already unveiled a teaser for the new instalment, depicting a woman's hand shaving the back of an unknown male figure. British audiences will be able to watch the programme on Disney+.
Baywatch
The programme that became a cultural phenomenon thanks to Pamela Anderson and her iconic red swimsuit is making an official comeback. American broadcaster Fox has greenlit a Baywatch revival, commissioning 12 episodes scheduled to debut during the 2026-27 season. Whilst casting remains unconfirmed, Sydney Sweeney has emerged as a leading contender to inherit Pamela's legendary role. The original series launched in 1989 and ran for a full decade, before being reimagined as Baywatch: Hawaii, which continued for another two years until 2001.
Last September, Fox announced its fresh take will deliver all the adrenalin-fuelled rescues, tangled relationships, complicated chemistry and beachside heroics that defined the original. Additionally, the network revealed it will feature an entirely new cast, contemporary trappings, tensions and challenges, and a renewed mission to protect Southern California's shoreline.
Scrubs
Medical comedy-drama Scrubs became a beloved favourite following its 2001 debut. Following a nine-season run, the programme concluded in 2010, with revival speculation emerging back in 2024. However, it's now officially making its comeback in just a matter of weeks. With the tenth season scheduled to launch on 25 February, several core cast members are making their return. Zach Braff, recognised for his portrayal of J.D., is heading back to the show's centre alongside Donald Faison, who plays Dr. Christopher Turk.
They're joined by Sarah Chalke (Dr. Elliot Reid), Judy Reyes (Nurse Carla Espinosa) and John C. McGinley (Dr. Perry Cox), Robert Maschio (The Todd), and Phill Lewis (Hooch) in returning to their iconic characters. The programme is also introducing a host of fresh faces to the cast. Season 10 will see JD and Dr. Turk guiding a new generation of interns and personnel at teaching hospital Sacred Heart. Whilst the show launches on ABC stateside, British viewers can catch it on Disney+.
