Melissa Joan Hart Speaks Out On ‘Sabrina: The Teenage Witch’ Revival
It seems Hollywood is having a severe need for nostalgia. Fan-favorite shows from the 1990s have been magically coming back, including Sabrina The Teenage Witch.
The Original Sabrina Speaks
From 1996 to 2003, Melissa Joan Hart charmed audiences as the magical Sabrina Spellman. With the help of her loving aunts, Hilda (Caroline Rhea) and Zelda (Beth Broderick), and her snarky and mischievous cat Salem (voiced by Nick Bakay), Spellman balanced her knowledge of the magic realm while living in the real world.
When Netflix announced that they will revive Sabrina The Teenage Witch for the streaming service, many fans initially wanted to hear Hart's reaction.
"Indifferent, really," said Hart.
Hart revealed to Entertainment Weekly that thanks to the popularity of the CW's Riverdale, fans demanded that Sabrina Spellman, a favorite character in the Archie comics, would join the series.
"I think if they're doing it in a smart way -- change it up, don't make it the same. If you're going to do the same show, it would probably fall on its face, but I think what they're doing is probably the smartest way to reboot something," Hart told Entertainment Weekly.
Hart also stated that she has not been approached to participate in the new series.
The New Sabrina
Hart's latest interview comes one month after Netflix announced the second actress to portray Sabrina in a live action series.
On Jan. 5, the streaming service released a statement that actress Kiernan Shipka would portray the beloved heroine.
However, fans could expect that this new Sabrina will not have the similar concepts that the favorite 1990s comedy had, such as Spellman summoning guest stars like Britney Spears, Carson Daly, and the late Dick Clark via magic. Instead, the Riverdale spin-off would have much more dark and supernatural twist.
While Netflix has not released the debut date of the new series, the streaming service pre-arranged for the series creators, Robert Aguirre-Sacasa and Greg Berlanti, to create 20 episodes for their subscribers.
'90s Nostalgia Overdrive
In addition to Sabrina: The Teenage Witch being revived, several other series would be making a return.
The CW also announced that it has plans to revive the popular fantasy series, Charmed. The reboot would focus on a new set of sisters. The original series made household names out of Alyssa Milano, Rose McGowan, and Holly Marie Combs.
CBS announced that Candice Bergen would return to her Emmy-winning role of Murphy Brown for the 2018-19 season.
Also, a Sister, Sister reboot is in the works. The series is expected to star Tia Mowry, Tamera Mowry-Housley, and Jackée Harry.
Enstars has reached out to Netflix for a statement.
