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CBS To Reboot 'The Twilight Zone' (hollywoodreporter.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the blast-from-the-past dept.

phalse phace writes: During CBS's Thursday evenings conference call for their 3rd quarter earnings, CEO Leslie Moonves revealed that CBS was planning to reboot the classic fantasy science-fiction television series "The Twilight Zone." According to the Hollywood Reporter, "the show hails from Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw banner, with Marco Ramirez set to pen the script and serve as showrunner." This wouldn't be the first time CBS has brought the show back. "The network revived the series in the 1980s that ran for three seasons and again in 2002 for a season on UPN with host Forest Whitaker. The franchise has also been licensed to a new stage play set to premiere in December at the Almeida Theatre in London and run through January. The original series won three Emmys during its 156-episode run and explored topics including humanity's hopes, despairs, prides and prejudices."

70 of 125 comments (clear)

  1. Storylines by _Sharp'r_ · · Score: 4, Funny

    In the first episode, an outspoken Billionaire reality TV star wins the Presidency against the bitter wife of a former President who believes it's her turn next...

    --
    The party of stupid and the party of evil get together and do something both stupid and evil, then call it bipartisan.
    1. Re:Storylines by jellomizer · · Score: 5, Funny

      So it is a prequel to the episode where the guy lost his glasses.

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    2. Re:Storylines by JaredOfEuropa · · Score: 1

      That's more along the lines of the (excellent) Black Mirror series.

      --
      If construction was anything like programming, an incorrectly fitted lock would bring down the entire building...
    3. Re:Storylines by MightyYar · · Score: 1

      That is fantastic. I don't need to read anymore Slashdot today.

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    4. Re:Storylines by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 1

      LOL, perfect.

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    5. Re:Storylines by jwhyche · · Score: 2

      I don't know. I think that plot would seem to far out there. But yet is some how seems familiar.....

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    6. Re:Storylines by ChrisMaple · · Score: 1

      Her experience has been disastrous. Hillarycare rejected by her own party. The Russian "Reset" embarrassment and its accompanying mistranslation. Faking illness immediately after Benghazi so as to not have to answer questions until she got her lies organized. Obvious and well-reported influence peddling. Sale of uranium rights to Russia. These 5 items just scratch the surface of a lifetime of evil.

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  2. Cool... by RyanFenton · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The hard part is the philosophy. Acting/special effects/costumes/lighting/etc. are certainly important - but the key to it actually being a good Twilight Zone is that it's exploring a twist in philosophy.

    It's not supposed to be horror, grimdark, author-insert, perspective writing, or anything like that - it's a show about exploring philosophy and implications You can certainly use tropes from other genres to get TO your philosophy, but if you're not exploring and really playing with the concepts, you're not really doing a proper twilight zone.

    Jordan Peele is actually farily appropriate in my odd mind - he's got a nice twist to his comedy that might work well. Perhaps not just like Rod Serling or anything - but worth exploring. The Orville ended up being a good exploration of Star Trek concepts, also from a comedy director - so I'll give this a chance!

    Ryan Fenton

    1. Re:Cool... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

      It's a bit deeper than that, and it's the reason why the subsequent versions were ultimately forgotten.
      "The Twilight Zone" was a _Writer's_ Show. Of the 156 episodes, 92 were written or rewritten by Serling, he Executive Produced, and he hosted. He had a roster of really good Writers, including Matheson, and every show was self-contained; every Cast different, no goddam Story Arcs.
      That is what an Anthology Show was back then. There were variations; Hitchcock Produced, but didn't write, or except for one occasion, Direct.
      The only element constant each week was Serling himself, who already had a reputation as a Writer. Also, there were no pestilent "Show Runners", a publicity term coined by "Variety"; the "People Magazine" of the Entertainment World.

      Neither Peele nor Ramirez have shown any aptitude for Anthology; for the Short Story. Ramirez in particular is into that Story Arc nonsense. So a lot depends on who Hosts. If they just hire a recognizable face, it may last a Season. But in all likelihood there will be a Weekly Cast, perhaps a Paranormal investigator and his perky Daughter, and it will turn into an "X-Files" clone, hosted by some dude who just shows up five minutes a week to recite a couple of opening lines, and a snarky/reflective/philosophical line at the end.
      Also, and this is very important, whoever Hosts must Smoke. Serling was constantly seen with a cigarette clutched between his knuckles. If not a cigarette, perhaps a cigar. It doesn't have to be lit; many hosts back then, like Bob Wilkins, just used it as a prop.
      And it doesn't have to be tobacco. Some concessions can be made to the modern World.

    2. Re:Cool... by darthsilun · · Score: 1

      You had me right to the end, up to where you wrote that the host has to smoke.

      Why exactly does the host have to smoke?

      Because Serling smoked? No. If we can make concessions to the modern world, one of them can be not smoking.

    3. Re:Cool... by PolygamousRanchKid+ · · Score: 1

      Why exactly does the host have to smoke?

      Dude, you can't get high without smoking.

      Well, maybe you could brew some tea or bake some brownies, but it takes a very long time until they kick in.

      Rod Serling did it right, and entertained us while he was going off to the "Magic Kingdom" . . .

      . . . now, where did he put his sweater . . . ?

      --
      Schroedinger's Brexit: The UK is both in and out of the EU at the same time!
    4. Re:Cool... by JaredOfEuropa · · Score: 2

      in all likelihood there will be a Weekly Cast, perhaps a Paranormal investigator and his perky Daughter, and it will turn into an "X-Files" clone, hosted by some dude who just shows up five minutes a week to recite a couple of opening lines, and a snarky/reflective/philosophical line at the end.

      This remark brings me back to that Community episode where Pierce sits in on a focus group for an American remake of a British series, and pretty much singlehandedly ruins the new series with his "insightful" remarks. I hope that isn't what you just did...

      But in all seriousness, that's probably what we'll get. With a generous helping of morality thrown in, I suspect. I loved the old Twilight Zone though... gotta find those DVDs I have lying around somewhere.

      --
      If construction was anything like programming, an incorrectly fitted lock would bring down the entire building...
    5. Re:Cool... by Hognoxious · · Score: 2

      Why exactly does the host have to smoke?

      For the same reason master criminals have to stroke cats.

      --
      Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
    6. Re:Cool... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I am re-watching the series right now.

      You have it fairly well nailed on what the original show was. It was a fairly low budget show. If you watch them there is near to 0 special effects. Most of it is set pieces on existing sets or driving out to the desert. Someone needs to disappear? Pan away have actor react. Sometimes they would stop the camera then resume it for the pop removal. If they could not pull the effect off on set they did not do it.

      What most people miss is how cheaply made the shows were. They had to focus pretty much 100% on the story. Which is what makes all shows and movies good. Focus on the story.

      I am also watching the original dragnet series. That too was mostly set pieces but with a better budget. It is a good exploration of similar issues we fight today. Those issues never went away.

    7. Re:Cool... by mikael · · Score: 2

      There was always that twist. " A small talent for war" where the UN on Earth is advised that they must change their ways or face annihilation by aliens. But it was that Earth had to become more warlike rather than peaceful. Other times, all they needed to do is add one new device like a live-saving cocoon suit that would prevent a person from dying - the catch was that it didn't guarantee good health afterwards. Or the classic episode where someone is given a button to press with no explanation for what it does.

      There was a style of lighting and set design in that time where everything seemed to be filmed at sunset and consisted of marbled floors, walls and geometric shapes.

      --
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    8. Re:Cool... by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 2

      Because Serling smoked? No. If we can make concessions to the modern world, one of them can be not smoking.

      Maybe he could have a nice bowl of quinoa while committing micro-aggressions against the audience by wearing dreadlocks or displaying a native American symbol on his shirt. O The Horror!

      --
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    9. Re:Cool... by MightyMartian · · Score: 4, Informative

      You're not tweiebly familiar with the original Teimighty Zone or Rod Serling, I see. Or the original Star Trek for that matter. Both Serling and Roddenberry were intensely interested in "social justice" and used science fiction or fantasy tropes as a means to explore social issues.

      --
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    10. Re:Cool... by hey! · · Score: 1

      It boils down to writing. Shows like The Twilight Zone are the drama equivalent of a short story, but we're in an age of epic, sprawling story arcs in TV. I welcome the idea of a counterbalance to that, but I'm a bit concerned that network suits might be thinking more in terms of a brand or a property.

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    11. Re:Cool... by CohibaVancouver · · Score: 1

      It is a good exploration of similar issues we fight today. Those issues never went away.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

    12. Re: Cool... by barbariccow · · Score: 1

      Smoking kills a large fraction of people who do it.

      Please tell me, what is that secret ingredient that has thus evaded being identified as causing cancer in smokes? Perhaps you should look into the matter yourself instead of accepting it solely on faith...

    13. Re:Cool... by ChrisMaple · · Score: 1

      The image projected by different types of smoking methods if very different.

      Cigar: stinky, offensive, brusque
      Pipe: thoughtful but stodgy
      Hookah: drugged
      Cigarette with holder: effeminate, shallow
      Cigarette without holder, in hand: trying to make a stylish impression
      Cigarette without holder, in mouth: lout, fool.

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    14. Re: Cool... by ChrisMaple · · Score: 1

      Nicotine is fatally poisonous in small quantities, but it is not necessarily carcinogenic.

      The nasty goo generally called "tars" in cigarette smoke contains chemicals generally considered carcinogenic

      Just the high temperatures of the inhaled gasses from cigarettes may cause throat cancer.

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    15. Re:Cool... by blindseer · · Score: 1

      Why exactly does the host have to smoke?

      The host doesn't need to be smoking, but I do think it provides an important visual clue for the viewer.

      It's typical for people to equate smoking to being relaxed, having time to tell a good story, that the day is done or at least one has enough time to think of something beyond the task at hand. Maybe the host should poor a drink. It doesn't have to be alcoholic but the implication that it likely is might be important. Think of people sitting down after the evening meal for a glass of wine, or having a beer before supper.

      This has been a visual or literary device for a very long time. This has been often taken advantage of in comedy, where the host changes mood from the "formal" standing routine to taking a minute to pour himself a drink, light a cigar, or just pull out a chair or stool to sit down, showing an intent to get comfortable/intimate with the crowd.

      I think that starting the show with the host doing something to set the mood is important. As in demonstrating a mood as in have a smoke/drink/seat and enjoy the show. As I recall with Serling's openings the cigarette wasn't always visible or prominent but the nearly omnipresent puff of smoke over his head gave a clue. His tone of voice and mood had just as much to do with setting up the story as anything.

      Maybe mix it up with each episode. The show opens with the host seated in his study lighting a cigar. The show opens with the host at a nearly empty bar having a drink. The show opens with the host on his back porch looking in a telescope. The host in front of a tent with a campfire burning. The host at an easel with a paintbrush in hand. Etc. and etc. All openings are dimly lit, soothing background noise, and a few slowly spoken words to set the scene for the story to be told.

      --
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    16. Re:Cool... by painandgreed · · Score: 1

      Because Serling smoked? No. If we can make concessions to the modern world, one of them can be not smoking.

      Maybe he could have a nice bowl of quinoa while committing micro-aggressions against the audience by wearing dreadlocks or displaying a native American symbol on his shirt. O The Horror!

      That sounds more like something that Alfred Hitchcock would do.

  3. I like the pinball machine too by Bender+Unit+22 · · Score: 1

    "I like the pinball machine too", the geek says while looking at this Twilight Zone pinball in his livingroom.

    1. Re:I like the pinball machine too by cellocgw · · Score: 1

      "I like the pinball machine too", the geek says while looking at this Twilight Zone pinball in his livingroom.

      I take it you're a pal of Jonathan Dietz?

      Meanwhile, I have to settle for the Pinball Arcade version :-(

      --
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    2. Re:I like the pinball machine too by Gornkleschnitzer · · Score: 1

      Welcome to the club! One of my all time favorites, got one myself too. Great game design, if you can forgive the suicidal clock opto board.

  4. The next old series by thadtheman · · Score: 2

    that modern media is going to screw up.

    1. Re:The next old series by thinkwaitfast · · Score: 1

      again

    2. Re:The next old series by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 1

      Hopefully no one dies this time around.

      --
      #DeleteChrome
    3. Re: The next old series by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Starring an obese nonbinary non-white person.

    4. Re: The next old series by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Starring an obese nonbinary non-white person.

      An Orange one?

    5. Re: The next old series by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      If you mean this orange one then he already is starring in one. The Orange Coon of Washington DC, a new reality show taking place in the White House.

  5. The CBS Family by tonique · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Remember, kids, that The Twilight Zone is part of the CBS Family, which sounds a little like the Manson Family. As reported a few days ago, CBS sues man for copyright over screenshots of 59-year-old TV show:

    A CBS spokesperson wouldn't identify the exact nature of Tannen's alleged infringement. The company offered only this statement via e-mail: "Matt, Doc, Chester and Miss Kitty are part of the CBS family. Anybody who tries to do them dirt will end up on boot hill."

    1. Re:The CBS Family by mikael · · Score: 1

      The Twilight Zone part would be the show was filmed live 59-years into the future.

      --
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  6. They've been beaten to it by SyFy by 0ryn · · Score: 2

    I think that the SyFy channel have got there first with Dimension 404 which seems very Outer limits / Twilight Zone.
    That said, if the show made it over here on Netflix I'd watch it

  7. Re:Just like Star Trek Discovery? by jellomizer · · Score: 1

    Don’t forget you will have to pay for CBS all access. Because we just want to pay $8 a month that has one station just to watch one or two shows that are interesting.

    --
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  8. Re:Just like Star Trek Discovery? by jellomizer · · Score: 1

    The viewers will love it, but the critics will hate it. Because it didn’t match their expectations because they figured it would be like the Futureramma clips while they got something different. So they are all mad and confused that a show didn’t fit into the box they were expecting.

    --
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  9. But we already got a Twilight Zone reboot... by AC-x · · Score: 2

    But we already got a Twilight Zone reboot...

    1. Re:But we already got a Twilight Zone reboot... by guacamole · · Score: 1

      And before it, the The Scary Door

  10. Already is one. by jddj · · Score: 2

    It's called "Black Mirror". CBS will have a very hard time indeed outdoing it.

    1. Re: Already is one. by jddj · · Score: 1

      CBS providing "BM" quality in a series reboot is a little too on the nose.

    2. Re:Already is one. by DontBeAMoran · · Score: 1

      As yayoubetcha said above, Black Mirror consists of stories that hold a mirror to our modern society posing questions about where we're going with our technology.

      The Twilight Zone is stories about almost anything, it could be magic, aliens, other dimensions, gods and demons, etc.

      I see them as being similar but in two distinct categories, like fantasy vs science-fiction even though most services likes to lump them together in the same idiotic category.

      --
      #DeleteFacebook
    3. Re:Already is one. by Impy+the+Impiuos+Imp · · Score: 1

      Science fiction is usually about the new technology of the day and the fears it brings. It's no wonder Black Mirror finds loads of subject matter regarding omnipresent Internet and social contact.

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    4. Re: Already is one. by jddj · · Score: 1

      Agree, they're really not the same. It's mainly that there hasn't been a lot of good anthology TV since TZ.

      What bugs me: Rod Serling's been dead lo these many years, but people started nibbling at his corpse. My first strong memory is the well-intentioned fiction anthology mag "Twilight Zone" from maybe the late 70s/early 80s. Even with Serling's wife involved, it was GOOD, but it was not TZ.

      Black Mirror's best innovation might be staking out its own quadrant (personal tech/socmed/dystopia), setting its own course, and not calling itself "Twilight Zone".

  11. Addams Family by darthsilun · · Score: 2

    What would it take to get ABC to reboot that. But it needs to be done well.

  12. How do you reboot what has no contiguous story? by Dirk+Becher · · Score: 1

    It's basically just producing more episodes.

    1. Re:How do you reboot what has no contiguous story? by Impy+the+Impiuos+Imp · · Score: 1

      Insofar as yet another gremlin-on-a-wing story or a kid who rivals Q for power, it will be a reboot. Retelling, I suppose.

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  13. In Soviet Russia by Hognoxious · · Score: 2

    In Soviet Russia, horizontal and vertical control YOU!

    Rats' cocks, that's other one isn't it?

    --
    Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
  14. J.J Abrams by MrKaos · · Score: 1

    Don't let him anywhere near it.

    --
    My ism, it's full of beliefs.
    1. Re:J.J Abrams by Misagon · · Score: 1

      Also, don't let Damon Lindelof near it either.

      --
      "We mustn't be caught by surprise by our own advancing technology" -- Aldous Huxley
  15. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  16. Nooooooooo by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 1

    Oh jesus, they'll fuck this up too. Just wait and see.

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  17. Re:Just like Star Trek Discovery? by MightyMartian · · Score: 1

    I still get shivers up my spine everytime I see a ventriloquist's dummy, thanks to The Dummy. I must have been four or five when I first saw it, and I'm not sure I've ever been so freaked out before or after.

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  18. Re:Just like Star Trek Discovery? by ArchieBunker · · Score: 1

    Oh yeah just found out they have holo decks now.

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  19. Re:Great... by MightyMartian · · Score: 1

    And again, another alt right snow flake that knows nothing about the original Twilight Zone

    --
    The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
  20. Re:Announcer: by DontBeAMoran · · Score: 1

    I know Futurama is over and all, but I'd watch The Scary Door if it was made into a series of its own. Hopefully they can make the episodes longer than 15 seconds or so. Under five minutes would be perfect, I think.

    --
    #DeleteFacebook
  21. Re:Announcer: by Impy+the+Impiuos+Imp · · Score: 1

    Or the Twilight Zone parody on SNL: "We can make you squirm." (Puts ball of tinfoil in his mouth and chews it.)

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  22. Re:Oh HELL no. by Impy+the+Impiuos+Imp · · Score: 1

    I don't remember too much preachy, but I do remember a single twist ending lead into by a half an hour (or more) of mediocre dialog being somewhat common.

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  23. X-Files is also being brought back by walterbyrd · · Score: 1

    Just thought I'd mention it.

  24. Re:It Doesn't Have to Be Bad by DontBeAMoran · · Score: 1

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... ?

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    #DeleteFacebook
  25. Please stop.... by jwhyche · · Score: 3

    For the love of god please go find some original ideals.

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    1. Re:Please stop.... by Your.Master · · Score: 1

      I don't think your criticism applies in this case. Rebooting the Twilight Zone isn't like rebooting Transformers or Star Wars.

      Twilight Zone is an anthology of short stories.

      If old episodes are remade, that's another story. But it's not an unoriginal idea to reboot the Twilight Zone in the same way that it's not an unoriginal idea to write a book. It's the content that's original or unoriginal. Twilight Zone implies very little about the content.

  26. needs to be on basic cable or free tv not that cbs by Joe_Dragon · · Score: 1

    needs to be on basic cable or free tv not that cbs pay system (unless it's showtime)

  27. Rod Serling rolling in his grave by p51d007 · · Score: 1

    Because, the "reboot" will be NOTHING like the original. It will all be politically correct, "social justice warrior" anti American, pro socialist views and on and on and on. NOPE, pass!

  28. One problem is, by fredrated · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Twilight Zone was a thinking person's show, and it seems people don't want to do that anymore.

    1. Re:One problem is, by Mike+Van+Pelt · · Score: 1

      And virtually no one in Hollywood *can* do that any more.

  29. CBS "family" values monopoly, not community by jbn-o · · Score: 2

    They're also the "family" that brought you the Star Trek fan film restrictions. How did these restrictions come about? For decades these restrictions did not exist and yet Star Trek made lots of money; fans made and distributed derivative works of Star Trek and all of this co-existed with the Star Trek shows and movies. Fans even collected money and donations used for making more fan fiction for all to see and share. But when Prelude to Axanar came along and piqued CBS/Paramount's interest, and CBS/Paramount sued Axanar's production claiming copyright infringement (including some remarkable overreach on what fell under copyright power). The fan film restrictions came out of this.

    Now the restrictions exist and CBS/Paramount has made it clear they see anything other than their own Star Trek stuff as competition and not community-building. Is an organization you want to help fund knowing you're helping to fund an organization that treats their fans this way? Adding misleading labelling to adversarial treatment: CBS wants you to pay them to subscribe to their newly-launched Internet streaming service which, among other things, is advertised as "commercial-free" but will still contain "promotional interruptions" ("certain on-demand shows will include "promotional interruptions," CBS said").

    What relationship does Fox have with Star Wars fans? I certainly wouldn't recommend Star Wars fan fiction now that Disney owns so much of that (an ever growing part of everything to do with Star Wars) since Disney is even more harmful helping fund a copyright term extension. If Fox treats their fans better, perhaps it's time to consider making The Orville fan fiction instead.

    --
    Digital Citizen
  30. Cigarette company sponsored Twilight Zone by Paul+Fernhout · · Score: 1

    Rod Serling had to smoke on camera as product placement because the Twilight Zone -- like many other popular TV shows -- was sponsored by the Chesterfeld cigarette company.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
    "Liggett & Myers [who produced Chesterfeld cigarettes] sponsored Dragnet, both on radio and on TV, during the 1950s. The 1954 theatrical version of Dragnet also had Chesterfield product placements, such as advertisements in scenes taking place at drug stores and news counters, or cigarette vending machines. Jack Webb as Sgt. Joe Friday was seen smoking Chesterfields in the movie and TV series. Also in the 1950s, Gunsmoke on both radio and TV was similarly sponsored primarily by Chesterfields and L&Ms. At the end of The Twilight Zone, for several seasons Rod Serling frequently smoked and promoted Chesterfields. In the 1940s and 1950s Ronald Reagan, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and Arthur Godfrey were among Chesterfield's official spokesmen; Chesterfield being one of the primary sponsors of the radio and TV programs of these stars during that time."

    Sad how then and now so much evil addiction is foisted on the world in order to make a buck.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
    http://www.paulgraham.com/addi...
    http://web.archive.org/web/201...

    Smoking may have contributed to Sterling's tragic early death of heart attack at age 50.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
    "On May 3, 1975, Serling had a minor heart attack and was hospitalized. He spent two weeks at Tompkins County Community Hospital before being released.[66] A second heart attack two weeks later forced doctors to agree that open-heart surgery, though considered risky at the time, was in order.[67][68] The ten-hour-long procedure was carried out on June 26, but Serling had a third heart attack on the operating table and died two days later at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York.[69] He was 50 years old.[63] His funeral took place on July 2."

    https://www.webmd.com/heart-di...
    "About 20% of deaths from heart disease in the U.S. are directly related to smoking."

    Was promoting smoking in order to make the Twilight Zone was in a way Serling's own deal with the devil? Was it a good deal? I enjoyed the show and learned some important thought-provoking moral lessons from it. I admire Stirling for making it. But the deal perhaps took decades away from his life and the lives of many viewers. It's perhaps yet another cautionary tale from ... the Twilight Zone.

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    A 21st century issue: the irony of technologies of abundance in the hands of those still thinking in terms of scarcity.
    1. Re:Cigarette company sponsored Twilight Zone by Paul+Fernhout · · Score: 1

      Thanks for the interesting story, AC! Glad you had an Aunt like that. We had a family fried we called "Aunt" who broadened our world too. And good point about the importance of the Twilight Zone asking questions more than providing answers.

      --
      A 21st century issue: the irony of technologies of abundance in the hands of those still thinking in terms of scarcity.