by Andie Phillips

Created on: June 11, 2009   Last Updated: June 12, 2009

In recent years we have seen a decrease in creativity and originality in Hollywood. With all of the comic book adaptations, movie remakes, sequels, and biopics; we shouldn't add to the originality drought by putting old television shows on the list. Popular television shows of the past deserve their place in TV history, and we shouldn't deface their value by putting new actors in roles made famous by others on the silver screen to make a buck.

Episodic television does something that film simply cannot. In film, we only have an hour and a half to two hours (usually) to connect with characters and find out as much as possible about said characters. However, in television we get a glimpse into the day to day lives of characters via weekly episodes. As viewers, we become a sort of fly on the wall (or couch). We get to watch the progression of these characters relationships and lives in general. We watch them come into their own as adults or we get to see a generation grow up before our eyes in shows like Happy Days or That 70's Show.

Another important aspect of television is the interaction between the characters as the show progresses. If you go back and watch the first season of your favorite shows, you see how green the interaction is between the actors. That's not to say they are not good actors or well developed characters, but as the seasons progress it is apparent the actors know each other better and have a better rapport. They have a better understanding of their own characters as well as the other characters.

Furthermore, as an audience, we bond with the actors who make these characters so compelling. I don't want to go to the movies and see someone imitating a character from my favorite television shows. Who would studio executives pick to play the simple minded, lovable Woody from Cheers or the womanizing "cool guy" Fonzie from Happy Days? Whoever it would be, good actor or not, we would be longing to go home and put in the DVD of the show said movie was based on to see the familiar faces we came to love. Some things cannot and should not be recreated. That's what the stage is for.

Bottom line, we owe it to our beloved shows and characters to keep them frozen in history and not tarnish their memory by remaking them. If we choose to remake popular TV shows, we are ignoring the significance said shows had to its viewers. Say no to television show remakes, and yes to new origninal movies.

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