What’s the next great American remake?

Beverly Hills 90210 spin off – 90210 – was subject to the biggest buzz at last week’s LA Screenings. The original series was an international ratings winner throughout the 1990s and despite its star fading towards the end of the century with the departure of Shannen Doherty and Luke Perry, buyers were noticeably excited to see the remake.

This lead TBI to think about other hit US television series from years gone by that are due for a comeback.

CBS-Paramount studio sources suggested that if 90210 does well, it wouldn’t be crazy to consider bringing back original Beverly Hills 90210 spin off Melrose Place (quite possibly still featuring Heather Locklear). The CW is also not alone is bringing back a much loved franchise. NBC’s Hasslehoff-less TV movie remake of Knight Rider was successful enough for Ben Silverman to order a full series starting in September.

Would a remake of teen angst dramas My So Called Life or Party of Five work or is Gossip Girl essentially an update of sorts, swapping a grunge chic for the New York social scene?

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was a simple idea that could translate again, although Will Smith would be hard to replace. Meanwhile, there is talk of the return of Baywatch with Newlyweds-star Jessica Simpson replacing Pamela Anderson as CJ Parker, while Internet rumours suggests that Knocked Up supporting star Jonah Hill is set to star in a 21 Jump Street restyle – minus Johnny Depp.

One note of caution, however; any future spin offs must be better than Joey.