The influential power of social networking users is evident. Aware of this, they have teamed up to bring back some of the most adored shows of decades past. Tumblr, a blogging social network, mimics the idea behind Facebook and Twitter, but in the format of images rather than text posts. Widely known for user posted gifs and memes, Tumblr has become an outlet for today’s generation. Made up of technology-driven, originality-seeking teenagers, the Tumblr community has filled the site with viral images and videos, some being flashbacks from the 1990s. In conjunction with Twitter and Facebook users, their next mission is to bring back shows from ABC’s TGIF.
Long running family sitcom, Full House, appealed to adults and children alike and is now finding a fresh audience with the young adults of the new millennium. Scrolling through the dashboard of Tumblr, you’ll find dozens of screencaps and gifs with characters from the show. One of the youngest characters, Michelle, is undoubtedly one of the most popular. With her adorable looks and funny catch phrases like ‘you got it dude’, she instantly became a fan favorite. Portrayed by twins, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Michelle was a driving force of the show’s success. These days, Mary-Kate and Ashley are multi-millionaires, focusing on their fashion lines, The Row, Elizabeth & James, Olsenboye & Stylemint. Though fans have pleaded for a Full House reunion film, the task may be difficult, if not impossible, without the character of Michelle. Ashley Olsen essentially retired from acting, which would leave twin sister, Mary-Kate to take on the role. Whether or not she would accept is debatable. Although Mary-Kate has continued to act in minor roles, she has chosen ones that show off a more mature side, and it is unlikely she would be willing to return as the innocent character of Michelle. The other characters are still in question, but have a higher probability of participating.
In September of 2012, the Full House cast did take part in a reunion—but not for a movie. Instead, the get-together was in celebration of the show’s 25th anniversary. The entire cast showed up for the gathering, with the exception of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Their absence, according to their publicist, was due to a scheduling conflict, but nonetheless solidifies the unlikelihood of either of the Olsen twins returning for a reunion film. Though disappointing to fans, they were still able to experience somewhat of a reunion through pictures and updates posted by cast members onto their Twitter accounts.
Another popular TGIF Series, Sabrina: The Teenage Witch, has fans hoping for a comeback. A reunion for this TV sitcom, though, will be coming in the form of an animated series. Television network, The Hub, has already acquired the series for a 2013 re-vamp. “Sabrina: Secret of a Teenage Witch” will follow the same concept as the 90’s sitcom, but will be an animated series. According to early reports, High School Musical’s Ashley Tisdale will voice the role of Sabrina.
Sony Pictures has also expressed a high interest in bringing back the story of Sabrina for a film. Their focus would be a young girl who acquires and comes to terms with her special powers. The concept sounds similar to the sitcom, with the exception of a special twist: Sabrina would be a superhero; Think Superman for girls. No word on who would play the lead role, so it seems this project is still in its early stages.
One series on the TGIF lineup was a comedic yet heartwarming coming-of-age series about a boy who understands little about the world. Throw in his confusion in with a relentless teacher, a loving, but sometimes chaotic family, and a rough-around-the-edges best friend, and what transpires? Boy Meets World. The crowd-pleasing 90’s sitcom was so loved by fans that creator Michael Jacobs was inspired to bring the show back to life through a spin-off series: Girl Meets World.
Girl Meets World would air on ABC owned network, the Disney Channel, and focus on the life of Riley Matthews, Cory and Topanga’s daughter. According to early reports, Riley would be around 12 years old—close to the age that Cory (played by Ben Savage) was when Boy Meets World began. In the new series, Cory is rumored to have a career as a 7th grade history teacher, just like his life-long mentor, Mr. Feeny. Following in the footsteps of the “90’s Are All That”, the spin-off, Girl Meets World, is happening because of fan support on social networks.
“First of all, let me say that you, the fans of Boy Meets World, have been awesome. That word is often used incorrectly by people, including myself, on a daily basis but you have truly been awe inspiring. You, yes, even YOU, are the reason that Girl Meets World WILL BE MADE,” Danielle Fishel wrote in a letter to fans via her Tumblr blog. Fishel goes on to emphasize the impact that social networking had on the decision to move forward with Girl Meets World. “We felt touched by the excitement in your comments, tweets, Tumblr, and Facebook posts. But most of all, we felt inspired. We felt inspired to bring these characters back to life and to tell you more of their stories.”
Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel have confirmed that they will be reprising their roles as Cory and Topanga for the new series. Ben tweeted,
“I’m going to be a father! Well, on TV at least. The “Boy Meets World” sequel is officially happening!”
The search is still on for lead character, Riley Matthews. As for whether or not the supporting cast of Boy Meets World will be back for Girl Meets World is still up for debate, as many have expressed mixed responses and are primarily emphasizing the importance for the spin off to be its own show separate for the original series.
Any Boy Meets World fan will be quick to say that even the new series wouldn’t be complete without Shawn Hunter. As Cory’s best friend, he played an integral role in the evolution of Cory Matthews from child to adult. Not to mention, Shawn’s character appeared in every single episode of Boy Meets World. To continue their adult lives without mentioning Shawn—who would likely be referred to by Riley as ‘Uncle Shawn’—would feel incomplete. So, will Shawn have a role in Girl Meets World? Rider Strong, who played Shawn, released a statement on his official blog regarding the possibility of a return.
“I am extremely happy for Ben and Danielle to be able to continue the story,” he wrote. “At this point, I have no official involvement in Girl Meets World. There might be a chance to see some of the BMW cast in a guest spot, and I think it would be nice to find out where our characters have been all these years. But Girl Meets World will be, and I think it should be, its own show. It will be about Cory and Topanga, their daughter, and a new set of characters.”
William Russ, also known as Cory’s Father on Boy Meets World, agrees with Strong. As happy as he is about the news of a spin-off, he has no expectations of returning. “”I’m very excited for Disney and [creator] Michael Jacobs. They are a great team and will produce an exceptional show, I have no doubt.”
On the other hand, some of the lesser known supporting characters are eager to get in on the Girl Meets World action. Lily Nicksay, who some may remember as the ‘original Morgan’, was replaced on the series by older actress, Lindsay Ridgeway, after her two year run on the show as Cory’s little sister. Now, she is looking forward to the possibility of taking back her role. “I’d love to talk [to Disney] about being a part of it,” she told TMZ.
Anthony Tyler Quinn, who played Mr. Turner, also expressed interested in appearing on the show. “It was a wonderful experience, and I think Michael’s going to create something fresh. I’d love to be a part of it.”
With the greenlight of Girl Meets World and the early stage negotiations of Sabrina: The Teenage Witch comeback, fans are left awaiting the return of other favorites. Will fans see a Family Matters reunion? Or how about bringing back Step-by-Step? Only time will tell. Until then, fans can look forward to Girl Meets World as a small revival of the longstanding and beloved TGIF.
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