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Reunion Shows Are Making A Comeback

© F. Colin Kingston

The nostalgia craze is back in full swing on television. Several reunion shows are in the works for popular shows from the '80s. Some '80s shows gearing up for reunion specials include the previously announced "Facts Of Life" reunion movie for ABC-TV and Steven Bochco's "L.A. Law."

Earlier news media reports also had a possible reunion of David Hasselhoff and the voice of William Daniels in a big screen treatment of his former NBC series "Knight Rider." Plans are also reportedly underway for a big screen treatment of Stephen J. Cannell's popular '80s series "The A-Team."

Television gobbles up material faster than any other medium. As production expenses mount producers continue to look for ways to find projects that have some sort of a built-in audience appeal. Reunion shows offer that built-in appeal.

Not every series deserves a reunion of course, but finding the right project can bring ratings success and lots of advertising dollars. ABC for instance recently enjoyed high ratings for their recent "Growing Pains" reunion. Like the planned reunion for "Facts Of Life," that reunion also aired as part of ABC's "Wonderful World of Disney" program.

Other news from the world of television:

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water: Speaking of reunion specials, the FOX Network is attempting to resurrect the recently cancelled series "Baywatch." The two-hour reunion project will reunite many cast members from the series including David Hasselhoff, Carmen Electra, Gena Lee Nolin, Alexandra Paul, Nicole Eggert, Yasmine Bleeth and Traci Bingham. "Baywatch Hawaii" stars Michael Bergin, Stacey Kamano and Jason Brooks are also scheduled to appear. No word yet as to the airdate of the "Baywatch" reunion.

USA Network decides to "Go For It": The USA cable network has given the green light to a reality series featuring young contestants. "Go For It" will feature kids ages 11 - 14 competing in events in a summer camp-like setting. The series is based on the "Go For It" road show sponsored by HealthSouth that recently traveled across the country. The half-hour series will air Saturdays at 8:30 a.m.

The WWF continues to go to "Excess": Hoping to capitalize on their tremendously popular block of wrestling programming, the TNN cable network will soon being airing "WWF Excess." The series is a two-hour newsmagazine series spotlighting the world of wresting.

The series will be a part of TNN's five-hour wrestling block on Saturday evenings from 7 p.m. to midnight. It will feature highlights of the past week in the world of the WWF, interviews with wrestlers and features on the wrestlers and their fans.