charmed

The CW is betting on the bewitching. The network has officially ordered a pilot for a reboot of ‘Charmed’.  The CW attempted a reboot last year but were not happy with the script that came in.  That version was a prequel, set in the past, 1976, before the Halliwell sisters were born.  The CW was also developing a TV version of classic ’80s vampire movie ‘The Lost Boys’ which was also delayed at the same time.  The young-skewing network also passed on an adaptation of the comic book series ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ which would have been a spinoff of their hit ‘Riverdale.’ In anticipation of this ‘Charmed’ reboot, ‘Sabrina’ instead went to Netflix.  The CW apparently only wants one witch-based series at a time.

Executive producers Jessica O’Toole and Amy Rardin are writing the script for the new pilot.  The pair work as co-executive producers on The CW’s ‘Jane the Virgin’.  That show’s creator Jennie Snyder Urman will also serve as executive producer on ‘Charmed’ and will get a “story by” credit on the pilot.  The reboot is described as a “fierce, funny, feminist” take, which is in keeping with the original series.  The original series was created by Constance M. Burge.  Brad Silberling is credited as the creator of the reboot and is also an executive producer along with Brad Silverman.

One big change in this version is the time setting.  The version pitched last year was to be set in 1976, but the new version will be set in the present.  CBS announced plans to reboot ‘Charmed’ four years ago and CBS Television Studios will produce the new version for The CW.  President Mark Pedowitz is reportedly very keen on this reboot, which is why he allowed ‘Sabrina’ to go to Netflix.

The original show starred Shannon Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano and Rose McGowan as sisters who discovered that they come from a long line of witches.  Doherty left after season three and was replaced by McGowan.  It doesn’t appear that casting has begun for the new pilot.

The CW has also ordered a pilot for another supernatural drama, ‘Dead Inside’ about a beat cop who can see the ghost of her big brother, a hot shot detective.

Are you excited at the prospect of a new ‘Charmed’ series?

Source: The Hollywood Reporter