It seems like every day there’s another announcement of something we loved long ago set to make a limited comeback in some form. If it was popular in the 90s, it’s due for a reboot, revival, or remake. “Ally McBeal” is the latest to receive this treatment, as talks of a limited series revival in early development have emerged. Series star Calista Flockhart is also in talks to reprise her role as the titular character.
While no network or streaming service has been attached yet, but the whispers of an “Ally McBeal” revival certainly has fans hopeful.
Creator David E. Kelley has hinted at a possible revival before, telling The Hollywood Reporter back in 2018:
“I’d be open to the idea of Ally McBeal being done again, but I don’t think it should be done by me. If it were going to be done, it really should be done by a woman…If it’s going to be new, it should be new and different. And I did it: 100 hours.”
While fans of the original 5 seasons may find this concerning, it actually demonstrates incredible maturity from Kelley, and recognizes some of the major issues of the shows original run. While “Ally McBeal” remains a cultural phenomenon and one of the most beloved shows of its time, it is not without its criticism stemming predominately from its treatment and characterization of women.
Whatever comes to fruition in the coming months (or years depending on how long the early development title sticks), fans of “Ally McBeal” may have something new to look forward to soon. In addition the return of Flockhart, true fans should hold out hope for a return of Iron Man himself, Robert Downey Jr.. Nothing is too expensive for Disney (who owns 20th Century Fox where the talks are happening), and RDJr. is free of all the things that plagued his early career and ostensibly torpedoed the show in its final season.
Time to fire up those dancing baby moves and get “Hooked on a Feeling” again, because “Ally McBeal” may just be coming back to our wild workplace imagination.
All 5 Seasons of “Ally McBeal” are currently streaming on Hulu.
