Old TV Shows Making Comebacks on Small and Big Screens

The premiere of the new Bionic Woman on NBC was the highest-rated show so far this fall, edging out the premiere of Private Practice, ABC's spin-off from Grey's Anatomy. You might be wondering what other blasts from the past will be making a comeback. Here's a quick rundown of what's on the horizon.

Knight Rider from NBC. In the new series, an updated concept for "Kitt" will include "Transformers"-like morphing. Doug Liman will take on the role played in the '80s by David Hasselhoff, possibly as early as next fall. At the same time, Glen Larson, who was the producer of the original series and owns the movie rights, is in production on a movie for theatrical release sometime next year. No word yet on whether William Daniels will reprise his role as the voice of "Kitt" in either venue.

Speed Racer from the Wachowski Brothers, of "Matrix" fame. This live action big screen adaptation is slated for a May 2008 release, with Emile Hirsch taking on the title role. Susan Sarandon will play Speed's Mom.

Get Smart! Warner Brothers will be resurrecting this 60s action/comedy as a big-screen movie in June of 2008. Maxwell Smart will be played by Steve Carell, and Anne Hathaway will play 'Agent 99.' With Dwayne 'the Rock' Johnson as the Control agency's resident superspy.

Elvira - Yep, the FOX reality network is currently airing a 'reality' show where contestants compete to be the next 'Mistress of the Night.' Cassandra Peterson isn't retiring, she just wants someone who can take on some of the gigs she's offered. Apparently she has more offers than she can accept, especially around Halloween, and she's looking to franchise out a bit.

Friday the 13th With the success of the recent release of the "Halloween" remake, "Jason" will be back in a re-boot of the orginal Friday the 13th franchise with an updated stroyline. Newline Cinemas and Platinum Dunes have again retained Damian Shannon and Mark Swift (the same ones who wrote "Jason vs. Freddy") for the screenplay. Look for an early summer 2008 release. The inevitable questions is, who would win between Jason and Michael Myers?

References
James Hibberd, TV Week, tvweek.com
Emily Christianson, New York Post, www.nypost.com Josef Adalian, Variety, www.variety.com
Tony Whit, I F Magazine, www.ifmagazine.com
CNN, CNN/entertainment, edition.cnn.com
IMDb, The Internet Movie Database, imdb.com
Rebecca Murray, About.com:Hollywood Movies, movies.about.com