For its next original series, Netflix is going back to the familia -at least for viewers who remember 1960s television.
The streaming service is planning a remake of Lost in Space, Entertainment Weekly reports. Set in a futuristic 1997, the show revolved around the Robinson family, who attempt to colonize deep space but instead become stranded when their flying saucer is sabotaged.
Rumors of a Lost in Space remake first emerged a year ago, and Deadline reports that the show had multiple bidders “in a competitive situation.” Deadline also describes the remake as being “epic but grounded,” and “part of a push in the arena of big scale, four-quadrant family entertainment.” (The term “four quadrant” refers to entertainment that appeals to both sexes, and to ages over and under 25.)
Since the original show ended its three-season run in 1968, there have been several attempts to bring it back. A film adaptation arrived in 1998, and a TV remake from 2004 never became more than an unaired pilot. Kevin Burns, the producer of the new series, had reportedly worked with Sheila Allen, widow of show creator Irwin Allen, from 2000 until her death in 2013.
It’s unclear when the new Lost in Space will arrive on Netflix, but sounds like development is in its early stages, with no mention of any actors on board.
Why this matters: Netflix has made no secret of its plans for more original programming, noting that it’s more efficient than licensing in terms of money spent versus hours watched. With traditional TV networks threatening to pull back more of their content from Netflix in hopes of retaining cable subscribers, Netflix’s addition of family-friendly fare like Lost in Space could be seen as a direct counter-attack.
