By now, everyone is familiar with the news that Veronica Mars has been a runaway success on raising money off of Kickstarter for a potential 2014 movie. In fact, it lead to numerous reports of people speculating on if it is changing the business model or if any other shows are going to follow suit. With this established, I thought to myself about what possible cancelled shows can return from the grave and with a dedicated audience manage to raise enough money to make a movie through this funds raising website.
True, not every show deserves a movie, but when you think about all of the premature shows that were cancelled ahead of their time, think of the fan bases who only have the internet to communicate with. They cannot go back in time and tell business executives to change things for the better. While some things will probably never happen, like a modern day Fantasy Island, there are still the possibilities of shows from the past 25 years that can take the mantle, whether it is through stars reaching new peaks of popularity or the community now being there. After searching the internet, here is a list that may very well be added to the speculation market.
Party Down
Probably the most obvious is this other Rob Thomas-produced comedy. While there have been numerous reports that the movie will happen, there hasn't been enough concrete evidence to disprove it only as a really stable rumor.
Don't Trust the B in Apt. 23
This unfortunately cancelled ABC sitcom had way too many schedule shifts to really ever find its audience. However, for the collective who followed it through its very brief two season run will be more than well aware that along with Krysten Ritter and People's Sexiest Man Alive James Van Der Beek that there is a brilliant story to be told, even if it is just the conclusion to the series' cliffhanger on if Mark and June's relationship will work out. Either that, or give it a Cougar Town and move it to a different network. The show had limitless potential!
Bored to Death
Easily one of the best shows on this list stars Jason Schwartzman as a novelist/detective. Another case of actual possibility arises from costars such as Ted Dansen spreading rumors of script writing around. However, still unsure on all of the details. However, with Zach Galifianakis hopefully out of the Hangover business, we'll be able to see this be a commercial hit sooner than later. Also, in true detective movie traditions, make a bunch of pulpy sequels, please.
Best Friends Forever
Why not? This show barely had enough time to find its voice as the ultimate gal pal comedy of the year. It ran very briefly and Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair could definitely use an entire movie to explain why the cancellation was wrong. Hey, the pro-women in comedy movement is upon us. Just look at Bridesmaids.
Flight of the Conchords
Just saying. One has won an Oscar and the duo has always maintained control over the show's existence. Why not just go all out and do one of the most cutting edge musicals of the modern era? Les Miserables doesn't deserve all of the attention for reviving this genre.
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Free Agents
Another example of a show gone before its time (and this time, I am being sincere). The Hank Azaria led sitcom was a little bit on the slow beginning side, but there were definitely elements there that showed that a dedicated audience would eventually get a very satisfying payoff. It may have not been the funniest Freshman show to get axed, but it definitely had the most potential.
United States of Tara
A Diablo Cody-penned One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest? If you submit your money now, we can find out what happens to Tara at that looney bin. Of course, I just really, really miss that show.
Luck
This horse racing drama was all geared for a second season until a bunch of horses dropped like flies. While it would seem inconceivable to give them money again for any project, I would love to see this series continue on in a form that isn't fan fiction or Dustin Hoffman complaining that PETA somehow screwed over the show. Either way, you seriously need to check this show out if you want to know how beautiful filming a horse race can be.
Pan Am
The espionage-lite series about Pan Am flight stewardesses saw them travelling all over the country in class and style. There was plenty of deep character mysteries as well. While the show itself was very uneven, it has limited potential in the movie market, especially if a condensed story about the mid 60's can somehow infuse itself. People love those stories, don't they?
Terriers
We must know: does he go to jail or head off to Mexico? With your money, we can have our answer very, very soon.
Freakazoid
Imagine Cosgrove, Freakazoid, and the butler Jonathan Harris on a mission to take down the diabolical Long Horn. Imagine that at a motion picture length with cameos by Freakadog and the final reveal of Freakagirl. It would be a great throwback the likes we haven't seen since Wakko's Wish, which even then was straight-to-video.
Invader Zim
You've seen the merch on an average of 3 out of 5 modern high school kids. Now imagine if those high school kids had money. Would they drop money on the latest Tim Burton fare? No, that is so 80's high school kid. The modern equivalence is Invader Zim, which will only give them hip lingo to dispense at their local hang outs for years to come.
My So-Called Life
With Jared Leto somewhat more successful and Claire Danes also experiencing a career resurgence with Homeland, it is quite possible that a "where are they now?" story can be successful. I am not asking for a strictly high school film, but to see Angela Chase experiencing life a decade plus on is quite a treat for fans.
Secret Diary of a Call Girl
I mean, if Women in Trouble can make a sequel and Sucker Punch has something called a fan, then truly a show with a far better female protagonist in a sexual industry can have her own film. Also, the Doctor Who fans will obviously flock to this on the sheer fact it is Billie Piper. Not to mention that it is a halfway decent show, the movie can only deliver a halfway decent product.
Soap
Okay, some of the cast members are dead. However, I have a request. If anyone wants to establish a Kickstarter with me, I want to raise money to get Susan Harris to publish whatever plans she had for the fifth season of the greatest written sitcom of all time. While Benson claimed to reveal small details, it isn't enough for those devout to discovering what happens when we won't be confused because there won't be another Soap.
That 80's Show
Often hidden by its more successful influence That 70's Show, this spin-off can easily find a voice on the big screen. This is especially true when considering the modern culture's fascination with retro culture and the everlasting sustainability of girls named Carly. Also, with Glenn Howerton's massive success with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, there's no stopping what this potential modest hit will produce.
Undeclared
Everyone on this show is now either on the verge of or is super successful. Also, college is more than one term, so it would make sense to see what a post-graduation life would be for these guys. That is, unless Jay Baruchel is stuck in production on Goon 2. If that is true, this can wait until the next available opportunity or How I Met Your Mother finally getting cancelled.
Sports Night
We all assume that the Newsroom is not long for this world. Once it is, Aaron Sorkin will definitely be busy trying to find something to fill his time. How about turning this beloved sitcom into a full movie? With sports fans giving birth to more sports fans, this doesn't seem that illogical. It would also keep Sorkin from appearing like a politically regressive jerk.
Home Movies
With Bob's Burgers now in its third season, there is limitless possibilities for the creator's previous show. I don't know where I was going with this. Maybe it just needs to exist so that it can parallel the show's actual topics.
Asylum
Fairly unknown early Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright show that was more of a vignette of sketches than anything else. However, in a world where Movie 43 is shaming the genre, why not get one of the modern auteurs of cinema to create the ultimate sketch movie, all warped into a plot about of a man trying to escape from an insane asylum. At very least, it would be the most ambitiously edited thing Wright could follow up Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and End of the World with.
Get Real
Oscar winner Anne Hathaway and Oscar nominee Jesse Eisenberg starred on this drama in their early careers. It may have not done well then, but there is a very good chance that these two want to work together again. It may have been years, but I am sure the show's creators could find something great to pull out of it.
The PJ's
Because it isn't the worst thing that Eddie Murphy did in the 90's. It also is a perfect choice in an era where stop motion films are starting to regain popularity with mainstream audiences. Also, Murphy hasn't had a hit in years. Name recognition will get him far.
Popular
Ryan Murphy has controlled the TV world for awhile now. However, with the success of 21 Jump Street, the world is indeed ready for this early gem to get a re imagining as commentary on modern society. Of course, it would be better than him just thinking of new titles for American Horror Story that add no substance.
The Oblongs
Because I saw it on Adult Swim a few weeks ago, I think that they obviously think that three is an audience out there. Is it you? Then I guess you'll want more episodes. Kickstarter will probably convince them to do just that.
Emeril
Because we don't have enough fictional shows about modern day chef heroes. Also, why must Anthony Bourdain hog all of the audience? At least in movie format, Emeril can compete with the likes of Ratatouille and Jiro Dreams of Sushi for inspirational films about food.
Stacked
Because somebody probably still thinks that Pamela Anderson is attractive enough.
Popstars
Remember Eden's Crush or Scene 23? Staples to WB music culture are very few and apart. That is why documenting the rise of whoever the next big name is would be a brilliant choice for a film. Instead of a concert documentary, why not create a girl band out of nobodies and make the prequel the series leading up to it? This has all of the great arcs for a two hour film and guess what, it would be a great way along the lines of Oogieloves of launching the next big phenomenon.
Daria
No joke was available at the time of publishing. People have been wanting this for awhile now.
My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star
This WB show about the fake band Slip Dog may have not lasted long, but its exploration of how to be in a rock band was ahead of its time. Just look at the Jonas Brothers for further proof that today's generation is all for origin stories with plenty of wacky concepts. Also, by keeping the original cast, it is an easy way to make an engaging show that proves that short lived shows and WB almost always equal some form of quality.
Dinotopia
Because it can scam the audience eagerly awaiting Godzilla and Jurassic Park IV movies for no logical reasoning.
Ed
With CSI and crime shows on the rise, it is important to remember that small town lawyers are a big deal. While this show about a bowling alley lawyer may not seem like the freshest concept, it is able to explore our modern culture in a very meta way and help to better understand our lives through the legal system. Also, Tom Cavanaugh hasn't worked in awhile and could probably use the paycheck.
Method & Red
Stick with me on this. This show may have been maligned upon release, but since, Method Man has went on to become an established actor on shows like the Wire and in films like the Sitter. He is clearly a more confident performer. Also, with Barrack Obama in the White House, race relations are at a more tolerable level. This adaptation could be a poignant look at how our culture relates to each other through humor and hip hop. Another example of the show transcending time and culture to become a timeless artifact.
Grounded for Life
The show suffered a terrible rewrite after moving to a late night schedule, but maybe going back to the basics will help this show recover its quality. Also, with Kevin Corrigan now a more established performer, thanks to Big Fan, there is a sense that maybe Donal Logue and the rest of the cast is also ready to take on a fresher approach to raising kids in an era where things make even less sense and the world is even crueler.
My Wife and Kids
Because this was a pretty good show and won't be the most embarrassing thing that anyone named Wayans has released in theaters in the past five years.
Reunion
This show about what happens at a 20 year reunion was cut short, leaving many questions unanswered. The audience, after all these years, clearly deserves their questions resolved and to finally put a cap on these mysteries.
Airline
This A&E documentary show detailing what happens aboard an airline is ripe for an update. With a post-9/11 culture making flying different, it would be an interesting, Oscar-worthy documentary if they followed a flight heading to Australia from New York and the long process it takes to maintain sanity.
What I Like About You
Because Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth probably need the gig. Another example of a solid show, and with Byne's film career stalling, she could use a familiar title to get a super big hit.
Pepper Ann
This cartoon rocked and while it may be tragically dated, it is one of the best selections to adapt into a feature length story. Even if it is just a trip to a Flaming Snot concert, it would be interesting to know what the girl much too cool for seventh grade has been up to.
Cavemen
T.J. Miller is a star now. He could make this into a hit, especially in a world post-the Croods in which everyone falls back in love with cavemen culture.
Back to You
Easy way to piggy back on the expected success of Anchorman 2 is this forgotten Kelsey Grammar show in which he plays a news anchor. It may have not been very funny and Boss sounds like a better adaptation, but nobody would associate this show with whatever movie it releases, thus almost making it an easy sell.
Total Request Live
Okay, this may sound dumb, but if someone can get a Kickstarter going to fund a documentary covering the history of this musical touchstone would be great. It may be one of the cornerstones of MTV's entire career along the lines of Yo! MTV Raps.
Awake
I guess I just really want to check out this show and I am sure that once I see the finale of it, I will be in the wagon on believing that this show unfortunately died way too early due to too many schedule shifts. I just believe that it is an interesting concept that had legs.
Kath & Kim
Molly Shannon and Selma Blair haven't been in a movie together in awhile. True, Shannon has done wonders on Enlightened, but she could use a solid lead role to regain her former Superstar days of hilarious glory. Also, Blair may be an underrated comedic gem.
The Goode Family
Mike Judge made Beavis and Butthead their own movie. This very brief show could probably regain life, just like Police Squad!, with a solid, if short, movie that shows the family continuing to try to fit into today's modern society. It may also put Judge back on good terms with anyone who felt that his recent resurrection of his idiot duo was a little below him.
Nip/Tuck
Ryan Murphy, once again, can jump to the big screen with this popular series. While surgery dramas are behind most of our interests, he has managed to be ahead of the times in other fields. The New Normal is showing our fond interest in gay marriage. Maybe he can show that surgery is still something we should take morbidly serious.
Hellcats
It has been awhile since a good cheerleading movie hit the scene, and what better choice than this adaptation from Scary Movie 5 star Ashley Tisdale?
The Playboy Club
Because if Miss March can get a theatrical release, then surely this far superior in length story stands a better chance at capturing an audience.
The River
Found footage movies are a dime a dozen these days. This was the first show to apply that to TV, and while not entirely successful, could stand a more restrained theatrical run time that makes the story more solid and able to flesh out the holes that it once had.
Jeopardy
Ken Jennings vs. Watson, the super intelligent robot. Two hours of really hard trivia. Easily the most intense thing that could come out of this whole fiasco of TV shows adapted into movies. Please make this happen as the ultimate episode of Jeopardy.
What do you think? What shows should be adapted with help from Kickstarter?
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