NBC has decided not to go ahead with the new version of the “Coach” sitcom. Craig T. Nelson was all set to come back as the memorable Hayden Fox, picking up from where the original show left off in 1997. In the revival, Nelson’s character was supposed to come out of retirement to be an assistant coach at an Ivy League school where his son was also working as an assistant coach under the new boss, Tom Morelli (played by Sarah Browning).
Coach is among a spate of 1990s hit television series to have made their return. This version will follow its characters through adulthood; premiering this fall on NBC after originally airing from 1989-1997 on ABC (reruns were also shown locally), ABC Family Network, and USA Network.
Reboots of classic sitcoms such as Fuller House have proven lucrative ventures for television producers; with others such as Twin Peaks on Showtime and The X-Files on Fox being revived as well. Reboots have proven incredibly profitable investments for television producers.
With so much television on the air these days, it only makes sense for networks to revive classic titles with existing audiences to help break through the clutter and increase ratings for new series.
NBC made the bold move of giving their remake a straight-to-series order, and began filming a pilot episode shortly thereafter. Craig T Nelson would reprise his role of Coach Hayden Fox while Andrew Ridings, Malcolm Barrett, Morgan Smith were set to co-star alongside original cast member Bill Fagerbakke – with its premiere expected sometime midseason.
The Coach pilot did what any good pilot should: quickly sketching out its setting. It introduced key characters and potential sources of comedy or conflict; as well as Tim Fox, whom Hayden and Christine Fox adopted during its original run of this show.
Even without a definitive backstory, the pilot was well received by NBC executives and audiences. Reportedly, it became one of the most watched new dramas during its time slot; and has attracted talented creatives who will join NBC.
After giving the Coach revival sitcom a 13-episode straight-to-series order back in March, it appears as though NBC has decided not to move forward with its follow-up series. According to Deadline, they canceled after filming only a pilot episode. Craig T. Nelson would reprise his role of Hayden Fox 18 years after ABC ended with its nine season run; modern Coach would see the character called out of retirement to coach an Ivy League school’s newly formed football team with Andrew Ridings, Morgan Smith and original series cast member Bill Fagerbakke also appearing.
Sources speculate that creative differences may have contributed to NBC’s decision. Barry Kemp was responsible for creating and running nine seasons of Coach on ABC.
NBC has decided not to proceed with the modern-day reboot of Coach, following only filming a pilot episode. The series was to pick up 18 years after its predecessor ended and feature Craig T Nelson in the role of Coach Hayden Fox who has retired until his son needs him for assistant coaching duties at an Ivy League school starting a team. Written and executive produced by original series creator Barry Kemp, with Malcolm Barrett, Morgan Smith Andrew Ridings, and Bill Fagerbakke all regular cast members in Coach.
NBC announced on April 11 they decided not to revive The Love Boat after not receiving enough viewer support for it. Though given a 13 episode straight-to-series order in March, NBC now appears to have decided against continuing the project; there were reports of creative differences as a cause. They will pay Nelson but only compensate Bill Fagerbakke for their pilot episodes.
| Title: | NBC Drops Coach Sitcom Revival and Cancels The Love Boat Revival |
|---|---|
| Events: | NBC initially planned to revive the Coach sitcom, but later decided to drop the project due to undisclosed reasons. Simultaneously, The Love Boat revival, which had received a 13-episode straight-to-series order in March, was also cancelled by NBC, citing lack of viewer support and reported creative differences as the cause. |
| Compensation: | NBC will compensate certain actors, including Nelson, for their contributions to the pilot episodes of the Coach revival. However, Bill Fagerbakke will only be compensated for their pilot episodes. |
| Outcome: | Fans and industry insiders are left puzzled and disappointed by the abrupt decisions, highlighting the uncertainties in the entertainment industry when it comes to reviving classic TV shows. |
NBC’s roller-coaster journey with these revivals serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry, leaving both fans and industry insiders intrigued about what the future holds for these classic TV reboots.