In a fervent race to compete with streaming giants like Netflix, major TV networks and platforms increasingly embraced the revival of shows based on classic films or recognizable intellectual properties (IPs). This trend, particularly prominent in the mid-to-late-2010s, gained momentum as new streaming services sought high-profile content for their launches between 2019 and 2021. The television landscape witnessed a surge of adaptations, from Turner & Hooch to Fatal Attraction and American Gigolo. Notably absent from this wave of reimaginings was the proposed reboot of the iconic 1967 film, In the Heat of the Night, as a TV series. While attempting to transform this seminal movie into a contemporary show posed inherent challenges, the project faced obstacles that ultimately prevented its realization. Explore the intriguing journey of What Happened to the In the Heat of the Night Reboot Series in this exploration of unrealized adaptations.
MGM Announces an ‘In the Heat of the Night’ TV Series
In January 2017, MGM Television unveiled plans for a modern-day adaptation of In the Heat of the Night, marking a resurgence for the studio fueled by hits like Teen Wolf, Vikings, and Fargo. Joe Robert Cole, known for his work on The People vs. O.J. Simpson, was set to lead the creative team in developing the series. This initiative followed a previous attempt on Showtime, involving Tate Taylor, the director of The Help.
Despite MGM’s eagerness to transform classic titles into modern prestige shows, In the Heat of the Night faced challenges. While MGM expanded its TV output, the project struggled to materialize amidst the studio’s broader difficulties in adapting old movies for television. Updates on the show became scarce, and as Cole pursued other creative ventures, the question lingered: what made In the Heat of the Night elusive for a contemporary TV adaptation in an era of thriving IP exploitation?
The ‘In the Heat of the Night’ Show Reflected the Troubles With MGM Television
In hindsight, the challenges faced by In the Heat of the Night likely mirror the broader issues within MGM Television in recent years. Mark Burnett’s presidency, commencing in December 2015, initially seemed promising given his success with reality TV shows like Survivor. However, by November 2020, The Hollywood Reporter highlighted a tumultuous tenure marked by allegations of toxic behavior towards employees. Burnett’s leadership allegedly hindered MGM Television’s ability to launch new hit shows after earlier successes like Fargo and The Handmaid’s Tale. In this chaotic atmosphere, In the Heat of the Night, like many projects, struggled to materialize.
Corporate uncertainties, including MGM’s financial state and the Amazon acquisition, further constrained the show’s potential. Adding to the complexity was the daunting task of creating a series that could live up to the classic 1967 film, with the challenge of finding an actor to fill Sidney Poitier’s iconic role. Balancing the show’s legacy and modern relevance became a no-win scenario, leading the creative team to pivot towards other projects.
Summing It Up!
In summary, the journey of the In the Heat of the Night reboot series encapsulates the challenges faced by MGM Television in the evolving landscape of the TV industry. Despite the studio’s eagerness to revive classic titles in the modern era, the project struggled amidst broader issues within MGM, notably during Mark Burnett’s presidency marked by allegations of toxic behavior. Corporate uncertainties and the Amazon acquisition further constrained the show’s potential. Attempting to balance the legacy of the 1967 film and the demand for contemporary relevance proved to be a complex task, eventually leading the creative team to shift focus to other projects. What Happened to the In the Heat of the Night Reboot Series reflects the intricate dynamics and obstacles encountered in the realm of adapting iconic films for television.
