If there’s one thing Hollywood loves, it’s a good reboot. Especially when it comes to old TV shows; specifically, action-oriented TV shows. The results have varied, from blockbuster adaptations like the Mission: Impossible franchise and comedic takes like Starsky and Hutch, to underrated gems such as The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and outright bombs like the latest Charlie’s Angels. But despite the popularity of this trend, there remain a few old action TV series that have yet to be given the big-screen treatment but that totally deserve it.
Take a look below to see our picks for five action TV series from decades past that deserve a movie reboot.
1. Knight Rider
A mysterious leather-clad crime fighter drives a high-tech talking sports car. Seriously, how has this not been made into a feature film? You’ve got the cool protagonist, the fun sci-fi element, and potential for absolutely killer chase scenes. Come on, Hollywood, this one’s a no-brainer.
2. Magnum, P.I.
Yes, there is also a reboot TV series of this show currently on the air, but Magnum would also fair well on the silver screen. The exotic locale of Hawaii, the flashy sports car, the charming protagonist… it all makes for a great escapist fantasy at the cinema. Maybe there was something to that David Harbour reboot idea, after all.
3. The Bionic Woman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz_DT54sfAo
A Six Million Dollar Man movie adaptation with Mark Wahlberg has been in the works forever, but if you ask us, the studio should scrap it in favor of this female-led spinoff. Jaime Sommers was always a more interesting lead than Steve Austin, who, let’s be honest, was more than a little square. Besides, the box office success of films like Captain Marvel and Wonder Woman have shown that audiences are thirsty for more female heroes on the big screen.
4. Peter Gunn
Boasting one of the greatest theme songs known to man, Peter Gunn — which aired from 1958 to 1961 — may be the oldest series on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant. A smooth and well-dressed private eye would stand out in a crowd of rougher and more boorish movie heroes, adding some class to the action drama.
5. Remington Steele
Who doesn’t like a little romance with their action? This tale of a private eye and the former conman who assumes the identity of her alter ego could work wonders on the big screen as a type of Thomas Crown Affair or Out of Sight action-romance — provided that the leads had the same great chemistry as Pierce Brosnan and Stephanie Zimbalist.
You can bide the time until Hollywood comes to its senses and makes these movies by watching Knight Rider and Magnum, P.I. weekdays on CHARGE! Check here for your local listings.
