Television in recent years has been filled with reboots, revivals, and reunions that bring old shows back for another go on the small screen. Some have been smash hits while others fizzled out or even ended in a storm of controversy. One of the next reboots to hit the airwaves will be the new Charmed on The CW, which will follow a brand new group of characters rather than the Halliwell sisters of the original series. Holly Marie Combs, who played Piper in the original series, has been openly critical about the reboot, and new cast members have addressed the backlash. Sarah Jeffery, a.k.a. the mind-reading Maggie, had this to say:
We feel really lucky to be telling this story at this time. We understand [the backlash], it's such a sacred thing to so many people and so many passionate fans. We're really gracious and grateful and excited.
Fortunately, Sarah Jeffery hasn't let the backlash and controversy surrounding the reboot tarnish her excitement for the new show. Charmed has been making headlines ever since the new take on the premise was announced, with original series fans coming out in droves to support or criticize the show. Love for the original didn't fade even more than a decade after the series finale hit the airwaves back in 2006, and Holly Marie Combs' comments undoubtedly didn't endear some of those fans to the idea of the show getting a do-over. Jeffery didn't make any comments about Combs herself or aim any words at the fans who aren't thrilled about the reboot; instead, she focused on the positives.
Holly Marie Combs' criticism of the Charmed reboot seems largely rooted in how the reboot was first being described as "feminist" in a way that seeming to suggest that the original was not feminist, as well as the fact that The CW decided to go for a full reboot rather than a revival with the Halliwell sisters back in action. The X-Files proved supernatural series brought back for revivals can be huge hits, even if that show's second revival season wasn't quite as successful as the first. The new take on Charmed went for the reboot with a fresh cast and characters.
Madeleine Mantock, who will play the telekinetic Macy, also shared her thoughts on the backlash at the recent TCA press tour (via The Mary Sue):
We can't help but be a little disappointed. I think the script is fantastic, and I really hope maybe [Holly will] see it and like it, but [the original show] was a large part of her life and she's entitled to feel however she want.
Like Sarah Jeffery, Madeleine Mantock is optimistic about the Charmed reboot but doesn't seem to hold Holly Marie Combs' feelings against her given how much work Combs put into the show during her time as a Halliwell. She seems hopeful that Combs will check out the new Charmed. We'll have to wait and see if the backlash stops (or increases) once the show actually gets going on The CW.
Charmed will premiere on October 14 at 9 p.m. ET as part of The CW's new Sunday night lineup. For some other viewing options in the not-too-distant future, check out our fall TV schedule.
