Like most things, my answer is, “It depends.” Sometimes a remake is better than the original and much original programming these days doesn’t interest me because of its subject matter. I’m looking forward to the remake of Mary Poppins.

I can't say I have ever enjoyed a remake of a movie more than the original. I can't think of a single example. Unless they are written as a series or trilogy, like Star Wars for example, from the start I don't much find use for sequels either.

As for using plots and ideas for story lines, pictures or even music that is true for everything in the arts. Just about anything can be found to be a rearrangement of something previous if you look deeply enough, especially if you've also lived long enough.

It seems like I heard in some lit class at university there are basically only five story lines for everyone to use. I have no idea if that's right or wrong. I do know Stephen King has endings that always surprise me. M Night Shyamalan also has some really great twists. My pet peeve? If you're going to write aliens, don't give them feet, hands, eyes, ears, etc. The sky is the limit and you want to make a human with a huge head? Really?

I'm enjoying the reboots of some of the 90's shows. Gilmore Girls, for instance. I was Rory's age (16) when I started watching, and I was around her age again (32) in the encore show, so that was fun.

I am planning on checking out Will and Grace, though I only watched a few episodes of the original series.

Some are cheesey, like the Fuller House. I think for me it's more sentimental as I was a kid in the 90's and have a lot of good memories associate with some of these shows.

It's seven story lines. Well, there you go.

Link to article about it

Will and grace is not a remake. It's same show, same people. I'm thinking more like Hawaii 5-0 or lethal weapon or movie magnificent 7.

Rob333, interesting about 7 story lines.

I don't really consider it to be the same show if it's been 20 years. Same cast, yes but new writers, new audiences and different social situations. Even the cast ages change the show - the adult stars of Fuller House were the kids in the original.

U r right

Three examples where I felt that a remake was better than the original are:

• "The Fly" 1986 vs "The Fly" 1958
• "The Thing" 1982 vs "The Thing from Another World" 1951
• "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" 1978 vs "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" 1956

Often however it seems the remake in its attempt to put a new spin on the story or add fancy new special effects, misses the point that the original was trying to make:

• "The Day the Earth Stood Still" 2008 vs "The Day the Earth Stood Still" 1951
• "Planet of the Apes" 2001 vs "Planet of the Apes" 1968

Other times when an American remake of a hit foreign film changes the characters and setting to be more American, the story suffers for the translation:

• "No Reservations", 2007 vs "Mostly Martha", 2001
• "Dinner for Schmucks", 2010 vs "Dinner Game" 1986

I'm sure there are many more examples.

Lethal Weapon is a good example of a decent remake. I loved the original movie, but when I recently tried to watch it again, it seemed dated and not as entertaining. I watched the television show last year with very low expectations and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the writing and acting. The show is a little goofier this year. I think the writers are going in the wrong direction, but I’ll give it a bit more time before I give up on it. I’d certainly rather watch it than any reality show ever made.

I guess writers count on short memory afa entertainment goes. When I saw Postman Always Rings Twice w/Jessica Lang (1981) I thought it was terrific and was quite disappointed that it was a remake. I did see the original (1946) some time later and didn't like it but it could have been that I didn't relate to the stars.

Most TV show remakes are awful. I am trying to like Will&Grace but it seems the characters, now middle aged, have the same insecurities and social problems that they did in the original. So...Meh.

The one happy surprise is Sherlock on the BBC. I though at first, how good could it be? There has been so many versions. This version is great. Well written and acted, smart snappy dialogue.

Elizabeth....the new Will and Grace is not a remake, it's a continuum. Same people, same stories, same writers, etc. It just takes place now.

There are tons of wonderful film remakes; I have to disagree with Bossy on this one. I can't recite the years but a few of my favorites are "Scarface", "Bedtime Story"/"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels", "Oceans 11"/"Oceans Eleven". "An Affair to Remember"/"Love Affair", and "You've Got Mail"/"Shop Around the Corner". Gosh, so many more!

And I love Bob's recommendations, too. I could add some more scary/monster movies, too.

In many instances, the remakes are so much better than the original. It's not an indication of laziness, but that someone else feels that they can take a great story line and make a better film! What's the problem with that?

I can't speak to any TV remakes.