Could work if done the right way. Sony / Columbia Tristar's Rescue Me is a TV show that makes me think Sony would make a great television series.

I'm pretty sure this idea was suggested a long time ago, and, I think it would be a great idea.

I think that, approach-wise, a GB TV Series could really contrast to the GB films the way the Highlander TV Series contrasts to the (first) Highlander film. Namely, the big budget FX and action-scenes would be toned way down for TV, and they could make it into much more of a character-driven dramady/action/sci-fi show, with particular emphasis on the drama (like the Legion miniseries started to do). Of course they could always do the occasional “comedy” episode, or other “genre” episode (like X-Files, Buffy, RGB, Highlander, etc., etc.) which would be cool I think. I'd love to see a full episode, just once, with no ghostbusting or anything - just some of the guys on their day off or whatever - just for deviation purposes. Maybe even a day-in-the-life of Janine episode.

And unlike RGB, I think they should stray away from the ghost-of-the-week concept. Generally, I'd like to see more build-up with the more serious ghostbusting cases, and on a regular basis I'd prefer the ghostbusting to take more of a B-plot, with character based A-plots.

They could however also learn a lot from RGB. I would love to see a live-action version of Laura Summer's Janine, and in general, a more RGB look to the actors themselves (minus the crazy blonde Egon hair, and probably minus the multi-colored flightsuits).

One last thing I think would be amazing about a GB TV Series, is, as someone alluded to, the opportunity for CSI-type spinoffs. Ghostbusters of course belongs to the ‘occupational’ sub(sub?)genre, and its singularity results from the unique fictional concept of ghostbusting; it's not so much about the specific characters, as long as you have some Ghostbusters, and proton packs, traps, ectomobiles, etc., it can bear the franchise name: “Ghostbusters.” And you wouldn't even necessarily need spinoffs; from episode to episode you could follow the NY GB's, then the Chicago GB's, then the LA GB's, etc., and they could mingle and meet with eachother from time to time. That would ensure that the audience never gets bored with characters or locations. As long as the stories are interesting, and the FX stay affordable, a series like this could concievably last for a long, long time.

I've been imaging GB as a series for years, so thinking about this is no stretch. Recasting the original characters is expected, and I'm all right with it, but they CANNOT halfass the casting. They need to cast the roles, not hire impersonators. Someone playing Venkman needs to play Venkman, not act like Bill Murray playing Venkman (sorry, Coulier).

Using M*A*S*H as an example doesn't really work, because the show was a spin-off of the film, not a continuation; it used the setting and characters, but not the plot or events of the movie (or the book, for that matter). The series far outlasted the movie, and as a result when you think Hawkeye Pierce, you think Alan Alda, not Donald Sutherland. Many fans of the show (my folks included) love the show, hate the movie, have never read the books (yes, plural). Anyway, the movie was not the blockbuster GB was, and is really kinda forgetable.

Plus, RGB has colored our vision of how these characters should be played. Now that I think about it, anyone cast in the roles would have to suffer comparisons to both the film AND the RGB casts.

I have to admit, I like the suggestion of "X-Files meets A-Team", but I'd like to toss a smattering of Buffy and Angel in there to–wisecracks amongst the weirdness.

I would also submit shooting in Canada as apposed to LA; the HQ would be the only needed standing set (although I've hear rumblings about changes to the tax code that make US productions up North less financially desirable). Otherwise, hit NY once a month for landmark and firehouse exteriors. Everything else could be adequately faked in Vancouver or Toronto; face it, most cities look alike from certain angles. If they didn't they'd never be able to pass off Vancouver, BC for Santa Barbara, CA on Psych.

And above all, remember what Siskel and Ebert said about the first movie: the strength is in the writing. Repeat with me now: the strength is in the writing. Let it become your mantra: the strength is in the writing the strength is in the writing the strength is in the writing.

Enough thinking. I have to go back to work. This place doesn't run itself (no matter what management seems to think…).

Yeah, the US tax breaks are helping out with filming. Hell there's been stuff filmed here in Iowa for the past 6-7 months now, from “The Crazies” remake to “Janie Jones”. A friend of mine drank with the cast in a dive bar two weeks ago.

Ha ha. In your face, Canada!

Whilst I agree that there has to be strong character development, it also has to be made clear that one of the things you don't want a GB series to become, is a soap opera… we don't need The O.C. with ghosts and fancy equipment. It's why I think you'd have to be careful when talking about episodes that have absolutely no busting in them whatsoever… would they still have a paranormal element even if there was no busting, or would that be put on hold as well?

Also, it can be a comedy series without it being a Seinfield/Friends laugh-a-minute thing, Buffy and Angel being two good examples here.

Finally, I'd like the Law & Order method for filming. It'd be nice if the production could be based in New York, with the odd thing (Firehouse interiors) being shot in LA. Sure, few people can tell the major differences about New York and Toronto/Vancouver… but there's more realism if you go and shoot in real New York locations, this includes the building interiors where you can see the real Manhattan skyline out the window… and not a photo backdrop.

The same remarks apply to that New York set street CSI: New York constantly reuses: your attempts to redress it do not work.

I *so* wish that show I mentioned, Things that Go Bump, had become an actual series. It was a pilot on NBC about a special division of the New Orleans Police Department that dedicated itself to tracking down and catching ghosts. Sadly, the pilot didn't lead into a series, but we can only ask ourselves, “What if?”

Bufy did it right and lasted a while becaue it did what has been posted here in right proportions:

50% Character Development
50% “Whiz bang” action/cg/cool stuff

You have just one, lame show. My wife and I have been watching Vampire Diaries. I was skeptical and it is made by the Dawson's Creek creator, but damn it is good! Good characters, some cheesy love/romance stuff, AND great vampire action/effects. I was SURPRISED at how much of the vampire stuff was in there, not a romance show with a dusting of vamps. Good balance.

IF this happened with GB, then that would be awesome, recasting of the originals or not.