If you’re a fan of The Golden Girls and still live by their iconic rules, you’re in for a special treat. An all-Black cast is set to breathe new life into the Emmy-award winning show. The original series followed Betty White and Bea Arthur in their retired years, sharing a home in Miami, Florida. The reboot will feature Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross in the lead roles.
The original series, which aired from 1985 to 1992, followed four white women enjoying their “golden years” in Miami without the need to work or deal with everyday family obligations. It was a hit among viewers for all seven seasons. This new version aims to “reimagine” the show from a Black perspective, offering a fresh take on the beloved concept.
However, fans should temper their excitement. Rather than a full-fledged revival, this reimagined version is planned as a one-night special to be aired over Zoom.
Ross, best known for her role in “Blackish,” excitedly announced the news of The Golden Girls revival on Instagram. She appears set to reinterpret Betty White’s character, Rose Nylund. Joining her will be Regina King as Dorothy Zbornak, the role originally made famous by Bea Arthur.
The remaining cast members include Sanaa Lathan (“Nip/Tuck”) as Blanche Devereaux and Alfre Woodard (“12 Years a Slave”) as Sophia Petrillo.
The special will be presented in partnership with Color of Change, the country’s largest online racial justice organization, as reported by the Daily Mail. Given Zoom’s increased popularity during the pandemic, this special collaboration is sure to draw significant attention.
Details about the special are still emerging. While the cast might use a script from the original series, there’s also a possibility of an entirely new script being created, which could potentially attract a larger audience.
Ross’s Instagram announcement was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from fans eager to see The Golden Girls reimagined from a Black perspective.
“I’ll be watching! Signed up and ready!” one fan declared.
“Dreams come true!” another shared.
A third fan chimed in: “I swear I’ve been telling people we needed a Black Golden Girls.”
However, not everyone is on board with the idea of revamping this classic.
“Please no. I mean no disrespect, but The Golden Girls is a classic and should stay that way!” wrote one critic.
Another expressed a similar sentiment: “As much as I would love to see y’all make magic together, it would be nice to see an original piece of work and leave this classic alone. I would never want to see white counterparts redo your original work or anyone for that matter. I love y’all too much not to support, but I’m just saying.”
What are your thoughts on The Golden Girls remake? Is it a good idea or should classics be left untouched? Share your opinions below.
