Netflix is bringing back another classic from the ‘80s. This time, the streaming giant is reviving T.J. Hooker, the prime-time cop series made famous by William Shatner. The reboot, however, won’t follow the show’s original dramatic tone. Instead, Netflix plans to reimagine it as an action comedy.
According to Deadline, the new film comes on the heels of the strong box office performance of The Naked Gun. Jarrad Paul and Andy Mogel will write the screenplay. Producers include Sophie Cassidy, Matt Crespy, Adrian Askarieh, and Alex Westmore. Fans of the original may be in for something different—but just as memorable.
William Shatner’s Iconic Role Gets a New Look
T.J. Hooker originally aired in 1982 and ran for five seasons until 1986. William Shatner starred as Sgt. T.J. Hooker, a seasoned cop who returned to uniformed patrol after losing his partner and going through a painful divorce. Determined and unshaken, he trained young officers while battling the same kind of criminals who turned his life upside down.
Alongside Shatner, the show featured Heather Locklear, Adrian Zmed, and James Darren. Rick Husky, the show’s creator, will return as executive producer for the new film, according to Deadline. While the show was a television staple in its time, it remains uncertain whether 94-year-old William Shatner will appear in the movie version.
A Comedic Spin With Proven Talent
Writers Jarrad Paul and Andy Mogel are no strangers to comedy. They created Huge in France for Netflix and wrote The D Train, starring Jack Black. Their upcoming projects include Bert, a Netflix show featuring Bert Kreischer. With this track record, they bring fresh energy to the T.J. Hooker reboot.
While the tone may shift, the spirit of the original series lives on. Thanks to William Shatner’s legacy and Netflix’s reach, a new generation will soon discover the story of Sgt. Hooker—this time, with a comedic edge.