The latest trend that’s spreading through TV-land like the clap at summer camp is the ‘nostalgia movie revival.’ If your favourite comedy was released sometime in the 80s, there’s a strong chance you’re about to see it rebooted beyond recognition. We’ve witnessed the era of the unwanted sequel, the disastrous remake, and the pointless reboot, and we’re now well into a new season of reinvention. Movies are now considered ripe fruit for the plucking as TV networks are snapping up rights to the popular features of yesteryear like they’re going out of style. Next up on the chopping block is John Hughes’ cult classic, Uncle Buck.
ABC is in charge of developing the show in cahoots with Universal TV as a half-hour multi-camera comedy (that means it’ll look like an old-school sitcom). Steven Cragg and Brian Bradley are on board to write the show for Universal, and will also executive produce the series along with Will Packer (No Good Deed, Think Like A Man) and his production company.
Like most TV reboots, the show’s premise will be identical to Hughes’ original movie. It “will center on a childish man, played in the film by Candy, who learns how to be an adult by taking care of his brother’s kids in a very childish way.” That’s Deadline’s logline for the new show and it sounds like they’ll be reducing a charming, funny, and at times very emotional film into derivative “mishap of the week” nonsense. Or hey, maybe they’ll do an AMAZING job.
As of now, I’m skeptical and not hugely excited for this one as the main components of the original’s success are sadly now unable to participate, as both Hughes and his brilliant leading man, John Candy, have passed away. I’ll honestly be surprised if the show manages to recapture the magic of the movie, but with Happy Endings‘ Cragg and Bradley on writing duties, I’m more than happy to be proven wrong.
We’ll keep you posted with any new developments on the Uncle Buck TV series – and be sure to let us know if you think it’s a good idea in the comments section below.
