Top Five 80's Sitcoms Which Should Be Brought Back and Re-Cast

Jessica Simpson slid into the role of Daisy Duke for the major motion picture "Dukes of Hazzard." The television show, Wonder Woman has also been recast and plopped onto the air once again. Even older sitcoms and television programs have recently been made into movies, or updated television shows. There is something to be said for nostalgia. But when your favorite TV program or movie is commandeered by a cast of less-than-thrilling actors, it can be quite the buzzkill. But what if some of the 80's most popular sitcoms suddenly burst onto the scene with fresh new actors? It could be a horrible thing if the right actors are not cast. But with the right ones---well, see for yourself...

TV Sitcom #1: "Who's The Boss?"
Old Cast: Tony Danza (Tony Micelli), Alyssa Milano (Samantha), Judith Light (Angela Bower), Danny Pintauro (Jonathan), Katherine Helmond (Mona)
New Cast: Antonio Sabato, Jr. (Tony Micelli), Vanessa Hudgens (Samantha), Helen Hunt (Angela Bower) Jimmy Bennett (Jonathan) Patricia Clarkson (Mona)

"Who's The Boss?" focused on the unconventional family comprised of powerhouse working single Mom, "Angela", her son Jonathan, and her hunky male housekeeper and his daughter. The show was primarily fueled by the ever-existent sexual tension between Angela and Tony. The innuendo, reminscent of that in 80's comedy-drama "Moonlighting" (between Cybill Shephard and Bruce Willis) was often the center of many jokes. However, the program was occasionally spiced up by sexpot, Mona who was portrayed by Katherine Helmond.

The light nature of this show ultimately dictates the need for a fresh, good-looking, yet believable cast. Antonio Sabato, Jr. the hunky model from Janet Jackson's "Love Will Never Do" video would be sublime to reprise the role of Tony. With Vanessa Hudgens' burgeoning come-hither appeal and High School Musical "squeaky-cleanness", the role of Samantha is probably not too far of a stretch for her. Slip saucy Patricia Clarkson into Helmond's character, and a brand new Mona has been born. The new "Who's the Boss?" show would at last be punctuated by the presence of Helen Hunt, rendering a pleasantly sardonic rendition of Angela. And with 11 year-old Jimmy Bennett (see, "Amityville Horror" and "Daddy Day Care"), who is practically a dead ringer for a younger Danny Pintauro, the show would be complete.

TV Sitcom #2: "Bosom Buddies"
Old Cast: Tom Hanks (Kip/Buffy), Peter Scolari (Henry/Hildegarde), Wendie Jo Sperber (Amy), Donna Dixon (Sonny)
New Cast: Jimmy Fallon (Kip/Buffy), Chris Kattan (Henry/Hildegarde), Melissa McCarthy (Amy), Portia DeRossi (Sonny)

This quaint little sitcom represented drag comedy at its finest. Starring Tom Hanks in an adorable lead role, "Bosom Buddies" explored the antics of a couple of buddies (pun intended) who decide to cross-dress in order to live in a dirt-cheap female rooming house. The laughs were silly; the acting perhaps a little dodgy, even for a 1980's sitcom. But that was the beauty of the show. Replace lead "Buddy" roles with Saturday Night Live's Jimmy Fallon and Chris Kattan, and a new host of laughs is sure to abound. The late Wendie Jo Sperber's character could easily be filled by bubbly actress Melissa McCarthy who is known for her kooky role on the WB's "Gilmore Girls" and also for her neurotically energetic character in the 1999 film, "Go." Last but not least, one must not forget the character of Sonny, the stunning blonde whose attention Kip/Buffy was determined to attract and thwart; replacing Donna Dixon with actress Portia DeRossi would be practically a seamless exchange.

TV Sitcom #3: "One Day at a Time"
Old Cast: Bonnie Franklin (Ann Romano), Valerie Bertinelli (Barbara), Mackenzie Phillips (Julie), Pat Harrington, Jr. (Schneider)
New Cast: Lili Taylor (Ann Romano), Kristen Stewart (Barbara), Haylie Duff (Julie), Steve Buscemi (Schneider)

Millions of fans tuned in every week to get their fill of "dramedy" in sitcom, "One Day at a Time." Known for tackling some sensitive subjects, this show was a hit with single moms everywhere. Actress Bonnie Franklin manned the helm of this program as free-spirited matriarch, Ann Romano. Her liberal, yet realistic approaches to parenting echoed many issues of the late 1970's and early 1980's. Cast in the sensitive role of Barbara, Valerie Bertinelli made a name for herself as the freshly-scrubbed teen. On the opposite side of the spectrum was considerably more worldly, Julie---cast appropriately by Mackenzie Phillips.

In a remake of this hit TV show, there are few people who can appropriately fill the shoes of these colorful characters. But in light of today's budding talent, a few names come to mind. Reprising the no-nonsense role of Ann might be a snap for indie actress Lili Taylor, whose chameleon-like skills have been evidenced since her stint as part of the "Brat Pack." Kristen Stewart, and her earnest acting skills would completely breathe new life into Barbara's angst-filled teen character. And finally, as lanky Julie, actress Haylie Duff (sister of Hilary) and her snide sense of humor (a la "Napoleon Dynamite") would provide yet another comedic spin on a new version of "One Day at a Time." But one mustn't forget lovable Schneider, the rough-around-the-edges superintendent of Romano's building. With actor Steve Buscemi reprising this role, the sitcom would be complete.

TV Sitcom #4: "Gimme a Break!"
Old Cast: Nell Carter (Nell), Dolph Sweet (Carl), Kari Michaelson (Katie), Lauri Hendler (Julie), Lara Jill Miller (Sam)
New Cast: Monique (Nell), Danny Aiello (Carl), Jessica Biel (Katie), Chloe Sevigny (Julie), Heather Matarazzo (Sam)

When the Kanisky daughters lost their mother on the popular sitcom, "Gimme a Break!", larger than life personality (no pun intended) Nell Carter stepped into her maternal shoes and won the hearts of both her TV family-and her many fans tuning in. Prior to the airing of "Gimme a Break!" the concept of the minority housekeeper was a fairly prevalent one. However, Nell Carter bridged the gap between traditional stereotypes seen on TV and in film, and newer attitudes regarding race relations and familial structures. Creating the perfect functionally dysfunctional family were Carl, the stern father, Julie, the sarcastic bookworm, Katie, the hot-to-trot eldest daughter, and Sam, the lovable tomboy. Their interactions were reasonably authentic, even during the 80's. Thus, a suitable cast would have to be placed in position for the remake of this hit show.

Though she may not have the chops to sing the show's theme song, comedienne Mo'Nique would provide the biting wit and motherly charm necessary for this type of sitcom; that alone makes her more than capable of stepping into Nell's shoes. Casting Jessica Biel in the sexy role of Katie is almost an after thought. But Chloe Sevigny's interchangeable personalities would fit the role of Julie like a glove. (Evidence of this can be witnessed in both films, "American Psycho" and "Zodiac.") For Heather Matarazzo, with her awkward beauty and penchant for avante garde acting, the role of Sam would be nothing short of a piece of cake. Last but not least, is Carl himself-the patriarch of the family. Danny Aiello, with the brash sensitivities of his South Bronx upbringing would be sure to capitalize from being cast into Carl's character.

TV Sitcom #5: "The Jeffersons"
Old Cast: Sherman Hemsley (George), Isabel Sanford (Louise; "Weezie"), Marla Gibbs (Florence), Paul Benedict (Mr. Bentley)
New Cast: Jeffrey Wright (George), Jenifer Lewis (Louise; "Weezie"), Taraji Henson (Florence), Tim Roth (Mr. Bentley)

Sure, "The Jeffersons" began its fairly long run in the mid 1970's. But by 1985, when the program finally went off the air, the Jeffersons were not only a household name, they were a phenomenon. The show's star, Sherman Hemsley stole literally every scene. But not without the help of his wise-cracking maid, Florence; many people tuned in each week simply to witness the sparring betwixt the two. Managing to keep the peace as usual was George's wife "Weezie", also known as Louise Jefferson. Her husky voice and elegant manner cast a sensible aura over the hiliarious show. Though additional characters (Lionel, Jenny, and the Willises) were equally valid on the program, it is primarily these three that most people identify with-save for the accented Mr. Bentley.

Fast forward a couple of decades later to the remake of "The Jeffersons." Though it may be difficult to imagine anyone else in George's little shoes, actor Jeffrey Wright (and his considerable acting prowess) is probably up for the job. It only takes his convincing role as a Dominican drug dealer in 2000's "Shaft" to realize how gifted he is. Jenifer Lewis, known for her depictions of loud, overbearing mothers would be perfect for the role of Weezie. And up-and-coming actress Taraji Henson could certainly lend the wise-cracking of her colorful array of characters to the role of Florence. Top the show off with an occasional visit by the new Mr. Bentley, actor Tim Roth, and there is no telling just how many seasons this new show could last.