Ron Howard supports inevitable 'Happy Days' reboot... - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 10-20-2022, 09:50 PM

— but isn't ready to cast Richie Cunningham

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/...192931291.html

Quote:

Ron Howard knows some of the iconic shows he's been a part of will likely get the reboot treatment. But is there anything that's too sacred to touch? Yahoo Entertainment caught up with the filmmaker at the 2022 Newport Beach Film Festival where Howard said that none of his past projects are off-limits — even Happy Days.

"I think the things that I care a lot about, there are premises that probably have value today," Howard said. "I'm not sure I would be the one to direct them because I think they also need a contemporary perspective, but the sort of the fundamental reasons that, you know, we made the movie, or told that story, or watched that series, in some instances, it's still kind of relevant."

That doesn't mean the Oscar winner can envision someone stepping into the role of Richie Cunningham right now, though.

"No," he laughed when asked if he could name a young actor who could take on his Happy Days character. "I wouldn't wish that on anybody! It was a fun part. There are so many talented people out right now."

Howard was honored with Variety's Legend and Groundbreaker award, which celebrates artists who have made a significant impact in entertainment. As the Thirteen Lives director looked back on his decades-long career, he told Yahoo there is one standout moment that comes to mind: "When Splash turned out to be this surprise underdog hit."

Splash was one of the first films Howard directed starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah as his mermaid love interest.

"It was the first Disney PG movie. It came out at a time when Disney was not a powerhouse," Howard continued. "We fought to get it made and all of a sudden people were showing up in droves. You know, it wound up in the top 10 that year and was nominated for some Oscars. That was a pinch me moment."

Chocolate Moose · 10-21-2022, 11:57 AM

Oh gosh NO

stevea · 10-21-2022, 03:50 PM

No, this one can't be redone. They could try, but it would fail (IMO).

Not that you couldn't find another Richie, but where ya gonna find another Fonz?

Also, still back in the 50s? That worked in the 70s, but not now. Too far removed.

Just too many problems.

Yong Fang · 10-21-2022, 04:37 PM

I have never been a big fan of "Happy Days". Not because of the actors, the actors were top notch. It was the writing and the show itself. From almost the beginning. It quickly tuned into the Fonzie show (not because of Henry Winker).

Most of Happy Days took place in Richie's house or in Al's Diner. This worked for awhile until the age of the characters should have outgrown the diner into something else. To have the Fonz having his office in the men's bathroom? Really? Or in later seasons, or not that late giving the Fonz "magical powers" to hit something like a jukebox or a pinball machine and it magically worked? Or especially after Ron Howard (and I think Ralph Most) leaving the show (when it should have been cancelled) it was left with Anson Williams whose character would have been in his twenties (and Anson about 30) still hanging out at Arnolds? Really? With a Heney Winker (who again I liked) still playing this ridiculous character with super power and the love of all the girls (literally). At least towards the end the Fonz had a real relationship with a real woman. Not to mention like especially Scott Biao just having 1970s hair (the hairstyle of the time) and Erin Moran about the same.

The show went on way way too long and was ridiculous. Not a fan of "Happy Days".

stevea · 10-21-2022, 09:03 PM

It was too big a cash cow for ABC to cancel, but yes, it went on way too long. It probably jumped the shark before the shark-jump.

Sgt. Saunders · 11-04-2022, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevea

It was too big a cash cow for ABC to cancel, but yes, it went on way too long. It probably jumped the shark before the shark-jump.

If they bring back “Happy Days,” I hope they film it in a closed studio as Garry Marshall did for the first two (and, by far, the best) seasons of the show. Those episodes were very well done with several episodes focusing on such issues as presidential elections, racism and the game show scandals of the 1950s.

Once, Garry Marshall went to a “live, studio audience,” with a pack of incessantly screaming prepubescent, Clearasil-wearing teeny-boppers for the taping, THAT is when HDs jumped-the-shark, in my opinion.

I wonder if those screaming “Happy Days” studio audience members, who are all now probably nearing the BIG 6-0, ever watch an episode of those truly lousy HDs shows, and say to themselves, “Wow, I really acted like an absolute jerk at those tapings!”

Somehow, I doubt it.

Chocolate Moose · 11-07-2022, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgt. Saunders

If they bring back “Happy Days,” I hope they film it in a closed studio as Garry Marshall did for the first two (and, by far, the best) seasons of the show. Those episodes were very well done with several episodes focusing on such issues as presidential elections, racism and the game show scandals of the 1950s.

Once, Garry Marshall went to a “live, studio audience,” with a pack of incessantly screaming prepubescent, Clearasil-wearing teeny-boppers for the taping, THAT is when HDs jumped-the-shark, in my opinion.

I wonder if those screaming “Happy Days” studio audience members, who are all now probably nearing the BIG 6-0, ever watch an episode of those truly lousy HDs shows, and say to themselves, “Wow, I really acted like an absolute jerk at those tapings!”

Somehow, I doubt it.

I adored the show then and had a ton of memorabilia. I also liked game shows back in those days. Watching one recently, I couldn't believe how inane they were - I was embarrassed for myself. Quite possibly the same feelings if I were to watch HD today.

FTR I'll be 58 next week.

stevea · 11-07-2022, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgt. Saunders

If they bring back “Happy Days,” I hope they film it in a closed studio as Garry Marshall did for the first two (and, by far, the best) seasons of the show. Those episodes were very well done with several episodes focusing on such issues as presidential elections, racism and the game show scandals of the 1950s.

Once, Garry Marshall went to a “live, studio audience,” with a pack of incessantly screaming prepubescent, Clearasil-wearing teeny-boppers for the taping, THAT is when HDs jumped-the-shark, in my opinion.

Yes, it became what Disney channel sitcoms are in the 2000s.

Duster76 · 11-08-2022, 01:01 AM

The article that started the thread had a very misleading title:

Ron Howard supports inevitable 'Happy Days' reboot

Where in the article did Ron Howard acknowledge a Happy Days reboot was inevitable!

Offhand I can't imagine a show less likely to be revived, rebooted, or relaunched (call it what you will) than Happy Days. Exactly what would be revived, the nostalgic look back at teen life in the mid 50's of the first two seasons. The Fonzie Happy Days series that centered on escapades of the larger than life Fonz and the people who admired him. How about the surreal mash-up of life in the 50's, if the 50's had taken place in the 70's. With respect to Happy Days, you really had to be there as the show came together and rolled through the years to get it.

10-21-2022, 11:57 AM	#2
Chocolate Moose Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 21, 2007 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 4,888	Oh gosh NO
	__________________ How long a minute is, depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on.

10-21-2022, 03:50 PM	#3
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 44,532	No, this one can't be redone. They could try, but it would fail (IMO). Not that you couldn't find another Richie, but where ya gonna find another Fonz? Also, still back in the 50s? That worked in the 70s, but not now. Too far removed. Just too many problems.

10-21-2022, 04:37 PM	#4
Yong Fang Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 04, 2009 Location: Memphis Tennessee Posts: 3,073	I have never been a big fan of "Happy Days". Not because of the actors, the actors were top notch. It was the writing and the show itself. From almost the beginning. It quickly tuned into the Fonzie show (not because of Henry Winker). Most of Happy Days took place in Richie's house or in Al's Diner. This worked for awhile until the age of the characters should have outgrown the diner into something else. To have the Fonz having his office in the men's bathroom? Really? Or in later seasons, or not that late giving the Fonz "magical powers" to hit something like a jukebox or a pinball machine and it magically worked? Or especially after Ron Howard (and I think Ralph Most) leaving the show (when it should have been cancelled) it was left with Anson Williams whose character would have been in his twenties (and Anson about 30) still hanging out at Arnolds? Really? With a Heney Winker (who again I liked) still playing this ridiculous character with super power and the love of all the girls (literally). At least towards the end the Fonz had a real relationship with a real woman. Not to mention like especially Scott Biao just having 1970s hair (the hairstyle of the time) and Erin Moran about the same. The show went on way way too long and was ridiculous. Not a fan of "Happy Days".

10-21-2022, 09:03 PM	#5
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 44,532	It was too big a cash cow for ABC to cancel, but yes, it went on way too long. It probably jumped the shark before the shark-jump.

11-08-2022, 01:01 AM	#9
Duster76 Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 01, 2008 Location: New jersey Posts: 1,646	The article that started the thread had a very misleading title: Ron Howard supports inevitable 'Happy Days' reboot Where in the article did Ron Howard acknowledge a Happy Days reboot was inevitable! Offhand I can't imagine a show less likely to be revived, rebooted, or relaunched (call it what you will) than Happy Days. Exactly what would be revived, the nostalgic look back at teen life in the mid 50's of the first two seasons. The Fonzie Happy Days series that centered on escapades of the larger than life Fonz and the people who admired him. How about the surreal mash-up of life in the 50's, if the 50's had taken place in the 70's. With respect to Happy Days, you really had to be there as the show came together and rolled through the years to get it.