Nickelodeon is known for being the first television network just for kids. It revolutionized the cable industry and created multiple eras of children's shows that viewers would always remember. What's old is new again in entertainment, and Nickelodeon has already rebooted a handful of their classic shows.
Fans of years past are always interested in seeing what will become of their beloved shows. In addition to the series that have been revived or are in development, here are five more that should come back on Nickelodeon.
Has Been: Rugrats
While there are already many film and television stories from Rugrats, a CG-animated Rugrats reboot has been in the works for a while and finally arrives in 2021, just in time for the show's thirtieth anniversary. Nickelodeon fans have already gotten a first look at the new character designs, along with those for Kamp Koral, an upcoming Spongebob series. The new Rugrats show brings back creators Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó, and Paul Germain as executive producers, and returning voice actors include Nancy Cartwright, Melanie Chartoff, and Cheryl Chase.
Should Be: Doug
Doug has belonged to both Nickelodeon and Disney, but Nick would be a great place for a new chapter in the toon's life. Created by Jim Jinkins, Doug first aired in 1991 alongside Rugrats and The Ren & Stimpy Show.
A grown-up Doug Funnie is just what the world needs; seeing him pick up his journaling practice would delight viewers.
Has Been: All That
The All That reboot has been around since 2019 and is one of Nickelodeon's most exciting revivals. The current series has launched new talent while utilizing the amazing original cast members in various roles. Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell are executive producers, and other former castmates such as Alisa Reyes, Lori Beth Denberg, and Josh Server have all acted on the series.
Should Be: The Amanda Show
The Amanda Show (1999-2002) took a young All That starlet and displayed her comedic brilliance in a new comedy sketch show. Amanda Bynes earned her impressive place as a young Carol Burnett but ultimately moved on to post-Nickelodeon pursuits. There were once murmurs of a hoped-for reboot. Although it might be challenging to get Amanda Bynes on board, a fresh take on her classic show would be welcome.
Has Been: Double Dare
Double Dare is one of Nickelodeon's most famous game shows, complete with various physical challenges and trivia questions. It was first hosted by Marc Summers from 1986 to 1993, then by Joshua Harris for a 2000 revival. The most recent iteration (2018-2019) was hosted by Liza Koshy and brought Marc Summers back as announcer.
Should Be: Drake & Josh
Talk of a Drake & Josh reboot through the years has been nothing more than speculation, but plenty of fans would be curious to see what Nickelodeon could do with these characters today. After becoming mainstays on The Amanda Show, Drake Bell and Josh Peck became TV stepbrothers in 2004. The hilarious, contrasting characters became a staple of their decade and gave Miranda Cosgrove her start.
Has Been: Blue's Clues
Blue's Clues has consistently been one of the most successful Nick Jr projects in Nickelodeon history. The original creators, Angela Santomero, Traci Paige Johnson, and Todd Kessler, gave the beloved blue puppy a new show in 2019 with Blue's Clues & You, and it is still going strong. Instead of Steve or Joe, children are led in educational activities by Josh (Joshua Dela Cruz), a talented actor and musician who was in Aladdin on Broadway.
Should Be: Victorious
For some Nickelodeon connoisseurs, Victorious (2010-2013) is not as nostalgic as older shows. However, now is a good time to bring back the music-driven series starring Victoria Justice.
With an iCarly reboot in development for the Paramount+ streaming service (currently known as CBS All Access), Victorious fans could definitely see the appeal of getting the Hollywood Arts group back together. Victoria Justice, Ariana Grande, Matt Bennett, Elizabeth Gillies, Avan Jogia, Daniella Monet, Leon Thomas III, and Eric Lange even had a Zoom reunion with creator Dan Schneider in 2020.
Has Been: Dora The Explorer
Dora is one of the biggest Nickelodeon/Nick Jr properties of the twenty-first century. The enthusiastic adventurer began her twenty-year run in 1999, but she already had a sequel show in 2014. Dora and Friends: Into the City! ran until 2017, giving fans a taste of a tech-savvy explorer with new friends in Playa Verde. There is already discussion of a new Dora reboot.
Should Be: Clarissa Explains It All
Melissa Joan Hart told Distractify that a Clarissa Explains It All reboot "has been talked about for a long while, and the ball is kind of in Nickelodeon’s court." Hart continued, "We worked out some contracts, but it never came to fruition. So, I’m really not sure where that is right now." Clarissa Explains It All aired on Nickelodeon from 1991 to 1994, giving young viewers one of their first tween shows with a female lead. Clarissa Darling was honestly refreshing, and it would be amazing to see where she is thirty years later.