From ’21 Jump Street’ to ‘Inspector Gadget’: 9 TV Shows Adapted for the Big Screen
From cops to witches, girlfriends, and bionic men, popular television shows have been given the big screen treatment time and again. With this week’s release of both CHIPS and Power Rangers at the box office, check out TV Insider’s list of our favorite shows that have been turned into Hollywood blockbusters.
CHiPs/CHIPS
The original series starring Erik Estrada as Officer Frank Poncherello and Larry Wilcox as Officer Jon Baker aired from 1977-1983 and followed the duo’s adventures while on highway patrol. Actor Dax Shepard wrote directed and stars in the film adaptation being released on Friday, March 24. The Parenthood alum puts a fresh spin on the old series with costar Michael Peña.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Power Rangers
Being a teenager is tough, but the Power Rangers always seemed to have their act together when they teamed up to battle a crazy crew of monsters in the ’90s. In the newest film adaptation, Breaking Bad‘s Bryan Cranston plays the bad guy, and among its newer faces is Stranger Things Season 2 cast member Dacre Montgomery.
21 Jump Street
Known as the show that helped launch Johnny Depp into the celebrity stratosphere, this Fox series followed fresh-faced undercover cops as they cracked down on crime from 1987-1991. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum rejuvenated the concept in 2012 when their film by the same name premiered and spawned a sequel two years later.
Bewitched
A twitch of the nose is all that Elizabeth Montgomery needed to make her problems disappear as witch Samantha Stephens in the hit comedy. The 2005 movie, starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell, turned the concept on its nose (pun intended) by trading in Darren for Ferrell as an actor looking to revive his career by reviving Bewitched with an actress named Isabel who just happens to be a real witch.
The Addams Family
The ABC series premiered back in 1964, introducing viewers to one of the most recognized theme songs, and a peculiar bunch. While the famous family has been reintroduced many times, the 1991 film starring Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, and Christina Ricci (Z: The Beginning of Everything) is the most popular adaptation.
Inspector Gadget
In 1983, the animated series about a half-robotic man leading life as a private investigator captured the attention of young audiences. The film version, starring Matthew Broderick, differed from the series in part that it was live action, but the fun included Gadget’s famous flying hat.
Miami Vice
Premiering in 1984, the NBC series about two Miami detectives aired more than 100 episodes and starred Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas in flashy suits. Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell took on the roles of Tubbs and Crockett in the well-received 2006 film version of the show.
The A-Team
Saving the day is tough when you’re on the run from the military, but the A-Team proved they were tougher week after week. Airing from 1983-1987, The A-Team starred an eclectic mix of actors, including current Dancing With the Stars contestant Mr. T, who worked together to do good. In the updated film version starring Bradley Cooper and Liam Neeson, the team of veterans served in the Iraq War versus the series’ Vietnam vets.
The Brady Bunch
The crème de la crème of TV families beloved to many generations, The Brady Bunch aired from 1969-1974. The Brady Bunch Movie, a parody of the original wholesome family comedy, was released in 1995, more than 20 years after the show ended.
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