Can TV's Cult Classics Succeed Decades Later?

Several critics told ABCNEWS.com that NBC's decision to redo the classics is at least partially due to the fact that Ben Silverman, co-chair of NBC Entertainment, is a Generation X-er and may very well share in the nostalgia many have for the television programs they grew up watching.

NBC was unable to be reached for comment.

But not everyone is convinced that shows that flourished more than two decades ago will continue to do so today, and some say that recycling the old content is ignoring the kind of creativity the industry desperately needs.

"It's a lot easier to go with something that you know than to do something innovative," said Tom Lewis, the TV editor for the blog LAist.com. "There is a bit of a cop out [to redoing old programs]."

Unlike the remakes of shows like "Batman," Lewis told ABCNEWS.com that he thought the fault in the recent cult classic revival is that the shows are essentially the same shows transported into a later time period.

TV classics like "Bionic Woman" are being remade in the hopes of attracting nostalgic fans and newcomers.

"Instead of embracing change and innovation the networks and their producers are holding onto drama [and] comedy show concepts and formats that made them big players 40 to 50 years ago," said Lewis.

Can the 'Oldies' Become the 'Goodies,' Again?

Whether redoing programming from previous decades will become a larger trend will depend largely on how successfully the first attempts are, according to TV insiders.

If shows such as "American Gladiators" continue to pull in good ratings, other networks will be eager to jump on the bandwagon of a new business strategy — much like what happened during the reality TV craze.

"If somebody does find a little bit of success then everyone in television will run to copy what works. Look at 'American Idol' and its rip-offs," said Broadcasting & Cable's Grossman.