Hi folks! While the transition from the small screen to the big screen isn’t such big news these days anymore, with almost every possible series from the 80’s or the 90’s having a reboot or a remake either already out or in progress, with most being disappointing. The transition from film to series has also been a tricky one for studios to crack…except for Disney animation films of course, seeing as almost every single one has been turned into a kids show. There are a few worth mentioning though, either for kick starting successful series or for still being viable as go-to source material for new projects. Here are a handful of my favourites. Can you think of any more? Share them below!
Highlander – Highlander
Starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery, the first Highlander was fantastic. It has two big flaws though – it didn’t age particularly well, unlike Mr. Connery, and it spawned several terrible sequels. However, the Highlander series that graced our tv sets in the 90’s is a shining jewel in an otherwise troubled franchise. Most likely the only watchable thing Adrian Paul has ever appeared in, I don’t think there is a single 80’s kid that doesn’t get a little excited when they think back on what was a rather fantastic jump from film to tv.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer – Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Too be fair, this is a very obvious entry in this list as the show was immensely more popular than the 90’s dungfest that was the original film. Plagued by studio meddling, Joss Whedon decided to take his creation to the small screen where he can have more of a say in its creation and it worked, at least for the first few seasons. It also kickstarted Sarah Michelle Gellar’s career and teenage Lourens thanks him for that.
Terminator – The Sarah Connor Chronicles
We all love Terminator 1 & 2, but try our best to forget that anything else in the franchise ever existed. Surprisingly, Terminator’s jump to the small screen was a lot better excepted than the 3rd and 4th film. The most recent on my list, it had a respectable and popular start but unfortunately it dwindled away, but not before introducing the world Lena Headey who has made a career out of playing strong, charismatic women that aren’t to be messed with. Out of the other series on this list, The Sarah Connor Chronicles had the most to live up to, and the most to loose. It definitely deserves a spot on this list as, even if it was mostly for the first season, it had people excited about Terminator again and it set the bar just a little bit higher for all of its peers. I just hope that the Terminator franchise is not dead forever.
Stargate – Stargate SG1 / Stargate Atlantis / Stargate Universe
In 1994, I don’t think Roland Emmerich realised how much of a geek favourite his Stargate film would be. Starring James Spader and Kurt Russell, Stargate took us on a journey through a portal to another world and singlehandedly ties in his high-concept sci-fi adventure with real world mysteries so effectively that it still gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. Let me also just mention how well the film has aged, it still is beautiful to watch. We also have it to thank for kickstarting Stargate SG1 which is one of the most successful sci-fi shows to ever have existed, and one of my favourites.
La Femme Nikita – La Femme Nikita / Nikita
Way before Mr. Whedon did it, Luc Besson was the king of kickass heroines gracing the silver screen. La Femme Nikita was the story of a junkie-turned-assassin that works for a shadowy government organisation that…likes having girls kick people in the face, for the most part. It also spawned several remakes and series – Point of No Return starring Bridget Fonda would be my favourite of these, but the most popular would either be the new Nikita show starring Maggie Q, or 90’s one starring Peta Wilson, best known for always sounding like she needed a strepsil.
Last Updated: May 16, 2013
