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A Dark Shadows sequel series is currently in the works at The CW. It’s possible that it could fill the void that Supernatural will leave behind as it closes out Season 15 in May 2020. The new series called Dark Shadows: Reincarnation is a reboot of the original gothic soap opera from the 1960s that features a wealthy and prominent family that has their share of run-ins with the supernatural. It follows a soap opera format except that it has ghosts, vampire, werewolves, and zombies. There are even warlocks, witches, and time travelers from a parallel universe.
You could say it’s on par with NBC’s supernatural soap Passions. But Dark Shadows was more known for its bizarre plots and dark adventures, hence the name. In fact, Dark Shadows paved the way for some of the soap operas that have experimented with the supernatural.
It’s more in line with The Addams Family, The Munsters, and The Twilight Zone rather than Passions and General Hospital. Dark Shadows was originally rebooted in 1991 but it was canceled after one season. In 2012, a live-action movie starring Johnny Depp was panned by both critics and fans of the classic series. That’s because the movie took on a comedic tone rather than the darker and moodier version of the original series.
Later in 2019, it was rumored that The CW was interested in picking up a supernatural series called Dark Shadows: Reincarnation. Mark B. Perry is said to be the showrunner of the new show. It’s also said to be described as a modern version of the original soap opera that featured the Collins family. They were just like your everyday American affluent family except that they’ve held onto a spooky secret for over 400 years. Their family has been hit with a curse that causes supernatural creatures and horrors to haunt them.
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The original Dark Shadows series ran on ABC from 1966 to 1971 and produced 1,200 episodes. This series had its own share of creatures and supernatural storylines, but it’s best-known for the character Barnabus Collins, who was originally played by Jonathan Frid. Following the show’s cancellation was two films that featured the original cast. Unfortunately, a release date hasn’t been set for the new Dark Shadows television show.
What are your thoughts on a Dark Shadows sequel series? Do you think it could work today? Do you think it could fill the void that Supernatural will leave behind? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.
If it is not campy and taken seriously and has stage actors playing the parts it will work.
Yes, not as campy as original though. Also, the cast needs to fit.
Please spell Jonathan Frid’s character first name correctly. It is Barnabas.
As one of the EPs of the series, I can assure you that no release date has been set and it will be a great sequel series.
Cannot wait for them to reboot Dark Shadows -people loved this soap and it had a definite following- personally if it follows in the same footsteps of an affluent family in modern times with all the same interesting characters it will work – so looking forward!!!
NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO THE ORIGINAL DARK SHADOWS
FOR THE OLD GENERATION.BUT FOR THE NEW GENERATION I SAY LETS DO THE REBOOT OF THE ORIGINAL FOR THE NEW GENERATION ! LONG LIVE DARK SHADOWS
I am so excited!!! I think the actor who played E. Crane in Sleepy Hollow .Would make a great Barnabas Collins.
As long as you have fans that resist change and the modernization of Dark Shadows, it will never work with the original format. I am an ardent fan and want this re-creation of the show to succeed. Knowing a bit about Mark Perry , i’m sure he realizes that he must attract a young audience with the excitement that the Supernatural, Vampire Diaries and the Originals provided. If Dark Shadows as the original fans knew it, was continued and still around today, it would be nothing like the boring show of the 60’s, by today’s standards. Sure, I’m one of those classic fans and was never bored, but those were different times. Today, we have a lot to contend with and just telling the same story of House of Dark Shadows and the same story line of the 60’s -70’s serial will not do. Unfortunately many fans are stuck in that parallel time zone and are resisting new deep story lines and change. I for one, am not, and that’s why i’m actually praying for this new series to succeed and make The Supernatural and …. look boring. The NEW DARK SHADOWS REINCARNATION should be like the old, only in the respect, in breaking the mold of the other similar serials to date, and offer something not seen on television before. LETS MAKE NEWS AGAIN… Maurice DePalo
Part of the allure of the original was while it looked cheap, it dealt more in subtext than explicitness. Part of that was the times, now we live in an era of “The Walking Dead”. But on the original show much was left to the imagination- probably due to budget- but it seems like what you pictured in you mind was the scary part. I suspect this show will be forced to ramp up the sex and violence, but the “innocence” of what the old show left to the imagination is important.
Can’t wait!!!!!!!!!
I think a sequel to Dark Shadows would be great.I use to rush home to watch the show. Jonathan Fried, was the best.
I would love to see a remake of Dark Shadows, never missed watching it in the 60’s!
Or Tom Hiddleston
I loved Dark Shadows. I’ll definitely be watching. Let’s get this party started
I can’t wait! I own all the episodes on Amazon and my husband and I watch all the time.
I hope you’re not talking about something akin to the new Charmed, or the revised Nancy Drew. They have next to no resemblance to the originals.
Please bring DS back!!! I LOVED the original. Please keep it true to the original story, with time travel. With the right actors it could work.
I can’t wait for this reboot! PLEASE don’t butcher it like Tim Burton did! I have watched this show since I was 9 years old. I did really like the 1991 version and was so upset when it as canceled. Any updates to the airing will be most appreciated!
I loved Dark Shadows, and couldn’t wait to get home from school to watch it. Yes, it was campy, but I liked the eerie music in the beginning, and the Dark view if the mansion, Also liked the view of the waves crashing against the shore at night. I just hope that they take their time casting the characters, and provide a decent storyline that would fit today’s standards.
Frid, not Fried!
The article's writer could have done some simple research before posting it. First off, the writer misspells Barnabas, states that both movies were released after the show's cancellation(House of Dark Shadows was released while the show was still on the air)and refers to the possible sequel as a "reboot" instead of a continuation of the original series.
2024…. Still waiting.