Reboot, revival, and spin-off: The difference between them

[Tim]

In the Buffy spin off thread, Betty wrote:

Far too many people use words like "reboot," "revival," and "spin-off" interchangeably when they do NOT mean the same thing.

Yeah, I know.  I can't remember how many times I heard the term "reboot" in reference to the X-Files or Will & Grace, when they were clearly revivals.    Not the same thing.

Here are the correct usages with examples:

Revival:  This is when the show is using the same actors, playing the same characters, in the same setting.  Such examples would be Gilmore Girls, Will & Grace, the X-Files, and Rosanne.  

You could include the new Doctor Who series, as it is about the same character we've known since 1963 (although a different actor is playing the part, but this was par for the course of the series since 1966).

Spin-Off:  This applies to a show set in the same reality as a previous show, but using different actors playing different characters.  Sometimes actors from the original shows will guest star, playing the same characters they did in that show.

Such examples include the later Star Trek shows (TNG through ENT, which share the same reality as Classic Trek), Laverne And Shirley, Mork & Mindy, and Joanie Loves Chachi (all three take place in the same reality as Happy Days), and the CSI and NCIS shows.  And upcoming new Buffy series will take place in the same realty as the original Buffy did.  So it's another example.

Reboot:   This applies to when the show is starting over from scratch.  New actors, new characters, and a new setting.  Sometimes the names will be the same, but that's about it.  There is NO connection to the previous show of the same name.  Sometimes an actor from the previous show will guest star, but they'll be playing a completely different character. 

Examples include the new MacGyver, Hawaii Five-O, and Battlestar Galactica.  And, of course, the upcoming Sabrina and Charmed reboots also applies here.

[Katie]

It's annoying when the media can't get it right the first time.

Thanks Tim for getting it right.

Spinoffs also are based around a character from a parent show that gets a show. Xena and Angel. The Vampire Diaries spinoffs.

Everytime a show is revived the silly Media always uses the term reboot.

[Tim]

Everytime a show is revived the silly Media always uses the term reboot.

Yeah, and that is why there is so much confusion. 

You would think that they would know that reboot means starting over from scratch. 

[Jean]

Geeze get it together media outlets. I remember they called the new X Files a reboot and I was freaking out it was a recast. Because they didn't clarify it.

And they wonder why Buffy fans were angry. Good thing the writers of it came forward to correct since the media confused everyone.

[Tim]

I remember they called the new X Files a reboot and I was freaking out it was a recast.

What a bunch of morons. 

The X-Files was a revival, not a reboot.

[Squad 51]

Thanks for clearing that up again, Tim. Helps also with the examples. The media obviously has to learn here more.

[Tim]

Thanks for clearing that up again, Tim. Helps also with the examples.

You're welcome, Jana.  Always glad to help