When a new TV reboot or revival gets announced, audiences often impulsively think about all the other shows out there that would be worthy of a return to primetime. Of course, Buffy the Vampire Slayer's biggest fans have been clamoring for more since the very seconds after Season 7 came to a close in 2003. Now, it appears we are closer than ever to seeing such a thing come to light, with Fox's CEO Gary Newman expressing much interest in returning to Sunnydale once more (with feeling). All he needs is the nod of approval from Joss Whedon. In Newman's words:
[Buffy] is probably the most ripe show we have for bringing back. . . . It's something we talk about frequently. Joss Whedon is one of the greatest creators we've ever worked for. When Joss decides it's time, we'll do it.
Okay, so Joss Whedon would need to do more than just nod in order for Buffy the Vampire Slayer to return to TV audiences after more than 15 years in hibernation. This is one of his many pride and joys, after all, so there's no way more Buffy happens without Whedon being a major creative force behind the scenes. That's assuming he wouldn't want to step back in as showrunner and head writer, which would be completely understandable, given his busy schedule in the blockbuster film world. But when vampires are involved, anything is possible, right? (Well, maybe not David Boreanaz's involvement, but still.)
Fox's chairman and CEO Gary Newman shared his feelings about a Buffy reboot or revival while at the INTV conference in Jerusalem (via Deadline), and he jokingly stated that he might not get out of the building alive if he tried to confirm anything right then and there. But the fact that the subject isn't going away indicates the studio and network will likely get the wheels turning on this soon.
Sarah Michelle Gellar has done her fair share of keeping Buffy fans invested in the franchise over the years, and she very recently celebrated International Women's Day by pointing out Buffy's premiere episode aired during the same week. Which meant fans got to see lots of awesome pictures from the set, sparking the need and want for the Buffy-verse to return to TV in some way. And if Fox did want to make this a revival instead of a rebeoot, several stars are down, from what we've heard over the years, while others are more hesitant. But one thing is for sure: if Joss Whedon isn't involved, then interest in more Buffy plummets significantly.
Buffy fans are likely aware, but the show's mythology has absolutely expanded in the years outside the TV medium. There were four more "seasons" told through comic book form, along with other books, video games and more adding much context and lore to the Scooby Gang and their world. Later this year, younger generations will even get to kickstart their Buffy fandom with a set of middle-school novels. But while that's all fine and good, we want more live-action slaying!
While Buffy the Vampire Slayer may not be returning to TV anytime soon that we know of, fan interest certainly can't hurt, so keep clamoring for it! And in the meantime, head to our midseason premiere schedule to see what else is on the way in the near future.
