Cult Spy: From Big To Small Screen

Published Aug 3 2008, 08:00 BST  |  By

The new X-Files film is the latest in a long line of cult television shows that have been pimped up and given an outing on the big screen. But what about the transition in reverse? Terminator spinoff The Sarah Connor Chronicles has just clung on for a second series, but what about the predecessors? Cult Spy assesses the fortunes of various shows spawned by films.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Joss Whedon's 1992 film failed to capture the public's imagination, but the WB Network saw promise in the high school-based slaying shenanigans. Out went Kristy Swanson for Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy, with a new range of characters around her. The show was not a continuation of the movie, but the fact that it lasted seven series before staking itself in the heart, spawned a spinoff and propelled its stars into the limelight, demonstrates its success.

Verdict: Hit

Alien Nation

The Fox Network wasted no time in commissioning a series based on the 1988 film about alien Newcomers trying to integrate into society. Premiering in September 1989, the show was lighter in tone than the movie and recast the roles played by James Caan and Mandy Patankin. Masterminded by V creator Kenneth Johnson, Alien Nation grew a staunch fanbase but was axed after just one series primarily because of financial turmoil at Fox. However, there was sufficient demand for five television movies in the mid 90s to continue the plot and reunite the cast.

Verdict: Mixed

Planet Of The Apes

A popular movie franchise comprising of five films between 1968 and 1973 should guarantee a decent run on television, but this 1974 series was axed after just 13 episodes due to low ratings. Roddy McDowall again donned the chimp make-up but to no avail, with the show bombing so badly that the CBS network didn't even screen a 14th episode that had been filmed. Interestingly, the series had a new lease of life in 1981 when the footage was reedited into five television movies with new links from McDowall.

Verdict: Flop

Stargate

Despite losing the massive budget and impressive cast of Roland Emmerich's 1994 film, a popular franchise was spawned in the shape of Stargate: SG-1 and Stargate: Atlantis. Set a year after the film's events, thus not disenchanting the film’s fanbase, SG-1 recently concluded its tenth and final season but continues in a series of made-for-TV movies. The decision to cast MacGuyver legend Richard Dean Anderson in the pivotal Jack O'Neill role was a masterstroke, taking the reins from Kurt Russell.

Verdict: Hit

Robocop: The Series

In a prime example of striking while the iron is distinctly lukewarm, this costly flop began airing after Robocop 3 picked up dismal box office returns. The decision to turn the franchise into a child-friendly one was disastrous, making it undesirable for people of all ages. To further alienate fans, the watered-down law enforcing title character was now played by Richard Eden, following in the footsteps of Robert John Burke and Peter Weller. Alas, after one series in 1994 the show was axed.

Verdict: Flop

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