Prepare to dive into the wild world of TV show makeovers! Some of the most iconic series we know and love today didn't start off that way. Take, for instance, the legendary "The Simpsons" - it began as a quirky cartoon filler during ad breaks on "The Tracey Ullman Show." Even "Friends," with its charming first season, took a while to find its unique brand of humor. But sometimes, network executives decide to shake things up, and that's where things get interesting, or controversial, depending on who you ask.
One such example is the beloved '90s sitcom "Saved by the Bell." It started life as a completely different show called "Good Morning, Miss Bliss." The TV bigwigs decided to give it a fresh coat of paint, and the rest is history. But not all makeovers are successful, and some can even make a bad show worse. TV history is littered with ill-advised attempts to reinvent shows, and the results are often hilarious and unbelievable.
Let's take a look at five such instances that will leave you scratching your head.
NBC's Nichols: A Western Gone Wild
"Nichols" featured James Garner as Sheriff Frank Nichols in a short-lived Western series that was a real head-scratcher. Set in the 1970s, it starred Margot Kidder, known for her role in "Superman," and followed Nichols as he tackled crime in the town of Nichols. The show aimed to modernize the Western genre for '70s audiences by having the sheriff ride a motorcycle. However, it was canceled after one season, but not before a shocking finale that completely reinvented the series.
In the season 1 finale, Garner's sheriff is shot and killed by a criminal, only for his identical twin brother, also played by Garner, to show up and seek revenge. This new character was differentiated by a mustache, and the episode ended with him riding off on a motorcycle, suggesting a potential new direction for the show. Reports vary on why this happened, with some suggesting it was NBC's attempt to retool the show as a traditional Western, while Garner claimed it was his idea, saying, "They had canceled it, so I said, 'Okay, I'll fix him.'"
Baywatch Nights: From Lifeguards to the Supernatural
"Baywatch Nights" was a spin-off of the original "Baywatch" series, but it took a dramatic turn. It followed police officer Sgt. Garner Ellerbee, who decided to start a detective agency with Mitch Buchannon and a new detective, Ryan McBride. The show debuted with a theme song sung by Hasselhoff and Lou Rawls, who also appeared throughout season 1 as a nightclub owner. However, when season 2 arrived, Rawls was gone, and the show took a surprising twist.
Despite the original "Baywatch" being a massive hit, "Baywatch Nights" struggled to find an audience. So, the producers decided to turn it into an "X-Files" knock-off. Suddenly, Buchannon became an investigator of the supernatural, and his new partner, Diamont Teague, a paranormal expert, joined him. Together, they tackled sea monsters, resurrected vikings, and even a human-fish hybrid woman. The show, which was set in the same universe as the original "Baywatch," took a wild turn, with Hasselhoff's lifeguard character now grappling with aliens and time travel. It's no surprise that this attempt to emulate the success of "The X-Files" fell flat, and the show was canceled after season 2.
'Til Death: A Sitcom's Surreal Transformation
"'Til Death" aired on Fox from 2006 to 2010, and by its final season, it had become something entirely different. Created by Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, the sitcom initially focused on the Starks, a married couple, and their newlywed neighbors, the Woodcocks. However, in season 3, the focus shifted to the Starks' relationship with Kenny Westchester, and the Woodcocks disappeared without a trace. But the real craziness began in the fourth and final season.
The writers seemingly gave up, transforming the show into a surreal, fourth-wall-breaking dream. The AV Club described it as "the weirdest show on television" and "borderline unwatchable." One example of its strangeness is the character of Ally, the Starks' daughter. She was played by Krysten Ritter in seasons 1 and 2, then by Laura Clery in seasons 3 and 4, and finally by Lindsey Broad, only to be replaced once more by Kate Micucci. This parade of actors playing the same role led to Ally's boyfriend, Doug, suspecting he lived in a sitcom.
seaQuest DSV: From Submarine Drama to Sci-Fi Nonsense
"seaQuest DSV" also took a turn from reality to fantastical sci-fi. Executive producer Steven Spielberg teamed up with a "Twilight Zone" writer to create a series set in the year 2018, focusing on a submarine and its crew. The first season explored interpersonal drama and real-world environmental issues. But then, sea monsters entered the picture.
NBC decided to shake things up for season 2, and the show underwent significant changes. The crew of the DSV 4600 became younger, and instead of research, they were now discovering alien ships and time-traveling. The ratings didn't improve, and the show's star, Roy Schneider, had some strong words for the new direction. He called it "total childish trash" and said he was ashamed of it. Schneider left after season 2, and the show became "seaQuest 2032" for its final season, with a new setting and star, Michael Ironside. It lasted for only 13 episodes.
Superboy/The Adventures of Superboy: A DC Superhero's Paranormal Turn
"Superboy" underwent a sci-fi reinvention seemingly out of the blue. The show, created by Alexander and Ilya Salkind, producers of the classic "Superman" film, initially starred John Haymes Newton as Superboy/Clark Kent, Stacy Haiduk as Lana Lang, and Scott James Wells as Lex Luthor. In season 2, both Newton and Wells were replaced, and the show improved. But for season 3, producers decided to overhaul it completely.
Now called "The Adventures of Superboy," the series moved to The Bureau for Extra-Normal Matters in Capitol City, Florida. Clark and Lana became interns, investigating paranormal activity. The show took on a darker tone, with Superboy almost killing a suspected rapist. Despite its weirdness, "The Adventures of Superboy" ran for two seasons, qualifying it as a '90s sci-fi show worth a watch.
These TV show makeovers are a reminder that sometimes, less is more. What do you think? Do you have any favorite shows that underwent drastic changes? Let's discuss in the comments!
