This week it was officially confirmed that Desperate Housewives would be getting a revival.
After over a decade since the show ended on 13th May 2012, Variety revealed that a new iteration of the smash hit ABC series was in development at Onyx Collection.
The series, which is currently titled Wisteria Lane - as a reference to the iconic street where the original show took place - will be written by and executively produced by Natalie Chaide. Scandal actress Kerry Washington will also executively produce, alongside Pilar Savone and Stacey Sher.
As per the official log line, the show is "set around a group of 5 very different friends and sometimes frenemies who all live on a picture-perfect cul de sac called Wisteria Lane. On the surface, all the Wisteria neighbours are living the dream. Beautiful homes, gorgeous families, shiny SUVs in the driveway - but behind those white picket fences and smiling Insta posts, are secrets."
While some were over-excited about the possibility of seeing characters similar to Gabrielle Solis and Bree Vandercamp back on our screens, others were less convinced by the news, arguing that reboots "ruin" classics.
But, we think that the new offshoot could actually be a good thing.
Here's all the reasons why we the Desperate Housewives reboot could be just what fans need.
It honours rather than replaces the original
While many other reboots usually follow the original characters at a later stage in life or completely remake the show with new actors, based on the description, it doesn't sound like any of the original characters will have a main part, if any in Wisteria Lane.
While it would have been great to see Eva Longoria reprise her role as Gabby, in a way this is a good thing. It allows for us to appreciate all the goodness that was Desperate Housewives, and we don’t have to worry about Bree, Gabby, Susan or Lynette being 'ruined' in the reboot, or even worse, recast. This shows respect to the original characters and creates a new chapter, rather than rewriting the old one.
A fresh take
With Wisteria Lane set to introduce us to new characters, this will give the show a chance to revisit the same complex themes explored in the original - like mental health, domestic violence, and racial bias - with greater nuance and a modern perspective.
We love Desperate Housewives, and will not accept any slander about it, but times have changed. The themes explored within the original were often filtered through a very narrow and mostly white lens. A new cast gives the show a chance to explore similar themes, but in a way that reflects the world we live in today.
Kerry Washington's creative vision
Washington isn't just a big name - she's a proven creative force, having starred in and executively produced multiple films and TV shows, including the Primetime Emmy Award winning Scandal, Little Fires and more. Her involvement in the new series promises layered and thoughtful storytelling, likely with more inclusive, contemporary viewpoints than the early 2000s original ever allowed.
Novelty meets Nostalgia
Like Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy united millenials and Gen Z, with original cast like Renee Zelwegger and newer faces like Leo Woodall, Wisteria Lane could do the same. Loyal fans will get to revisit the place they know and love, while newbies will get a fresh entry point. And if the show is anything like the original, new viewers will be sucked in!
Reboots can work when done right
While the general consensus on reboots is that they "ruin" good shows, they can work, when done correctly. Take The Great Gatsby 2016 remake starring Leonardo DiCaprio for instance and the 2003 Freaky Friday film - these adaptations renewed our love for the original stories. Similarly, we loved Sex and The City, and now, And Just Like That... gives us an opportunity to see some of our faves from back in the day in the current world.
