Consideration, Higher East Siders: The hit 2000’s present “Gossip Lady” is coming again as an HBO Max reboot! Though delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, HBO officers and screenwriter Joshua Safran have confirmed the arrival of 1o new episodes in 2021. Followers and critics alike have been paying shut consideration to updates, which have included restricted casting picks, plot particulars, and costume reveals.
The sharpest disappointment is apparent: The unique solid won’t return. As a substitute, the reboot will pull a “Glee” Season 4 and introduce an entire new host of characters throughout the similar universe because the originals. The one returning solid member will likely be Kristen Bell, presumably as the long-lasting voice of Gossip Lady, which clearly couldn’t get replaced. The sequence will likely be led by Emily Alyn Lind, taking part in Audrey, who “has been in a long term relationship and is beginning to wonder what more could be out there.”
Different leads embrace Canadian star Jordan Singer, “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”’s Whitney Peak, and “Fairly Little Liars: The Perfectionists” star Eli Brown. The solid itself is much extra various than the unique present (low bar), and goals to deal with related social points. It will possible pose a problem. The unique present is rife with soap-opera drama, and apart from a number of drug busts and Bart-Bass-attempted-murders, it steered away from addressing social points. Most likely for good cause, too: It’s troublesome to steadiness dramatic teen drama with severe conversations about id and politics with out diluting and misrepresenting one or the opposite.
The “Gossip Lady” reboot’s greatest problem will likely be avoiding a “Heathers”-like failure. In making an attempt to replace the cult basic “Heathers” by marrying social commentary with exaggerated teen-drama, the 2018 venture flopped. Its timing was abysmal, and the sequence by no means actually happy both of its meant functions. The “Gossip Lady” reboot will must be aware of this because it proceeds, particularly when its administrators and writers have emphasised the significance of social media within the new sequence.
There may be potential within the “Gossip Lady” reboot, although. Look in the direction of HBO Max’s “Euphoria,” which managed to wrap collectively a myriad of related social commentary with juicy teen drama. The present, regardless of its preliminary shock issue, acquired respectable opinions from each informal followers and critics. Though much more profitable than different makes an attempt, “Euphoria” nonetheless toed the road between glamourization and fact. “Gossip Lady” should do the identical factor, because the fictionalized world of the Higher East Facet is synonymous with luxe and glamour, even with out Serena van der Woodsen. With its objective to depict the modified panorama of New York Metropolis on high of the brand new social-media-driven world, the reboot has fairly the problem forward.
Amid all of the cautionary tales and uncertainty, the “Gossip Lady” reboot can stay up for one factor: the return of Eric Daman. The unique present’s costume designer is accountable for Blair Waldorf’s iconic headband assortment and Serena van der Woodsen’s stylish (though typically questionable) 2000’s trend. Regardless of not one of the authentic characters taking main roles within the reboot, Daman’s return highlights the present’s essential draw as a nostalgic escape into the world of Manhattan’s elite. The writers guarantee long-time followers will keep related with the sequence by creating new tales throughout the authentic universe. The reboot’s characters will nonetheless don Constance Billard’s signature uniforms whereas lunching on the steps of the Met, as pictured within the newest photos of the set. Moreover, authentic characters will likely be talked about within the reboot, suggesting a Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-like continuation of the timeline filled with Easter eggs. These intricacies will hold “Gossip Lady” devotees coming again, however ensures a brand new era additionally explores the woes and peril of the Higher East Facet.
There are various pitfalls and traps that the “Gossip Lady” reboot might fall into. Attempting to meld collectively social commentary and teenage drama whereas preserving the unique voice of the present is a difficult line to toe. Nevertheless, the brand new sequence additionally brings the promise of 2000’s nostalgia and revisited fan favorites. The solid and director perceive the duty forward, and try to restrict rumors and fan theories. There may be definitely dedication, and the efforts to develop the unique present’s limitations are valiant. One factor’s for certain– followers can not wait to see if the reboot can deliver the drama of an iconic Thanksgiving episode.
– Workers Author Hannah Chew could be reached at hannah.chew@thecrimson.com
