As part of the eternal quest to prove that nothing is sacred, AMC Networks is developing a Max Headroom series reboot with Matt Frewer returning to play the computer-generated TV host. Halt and Catch Fire co-creator Christopher Cantwell is writing and showrunning the adaptation, produced by Elijah Wood and Daniel Noah’s SpectreVision and All3Media.
Max Headroom was first introduced in the 1985 British cyberpunk TV movie Max Headroom: 20 Minutes Into the Future. The Latchkey Generation warmed to headroom immediately, delighting in his whip-smart observations, glitch-happy movements, and deconstruction of societal norms. During the height of the character’s popularity, Max Headroom became the host of a music video show, sold New Coke to Gen Xers, and starred in a primetime series, Max Headroom, which aired on ABC for two seasons from 1987-88. Despite a dip in the character’s popularity near the end of the decade, Max Headroom remains a beloved cult figure in the grand scheme of entertainment.
Now might be the perfect time for AMC Networks to put a Max Headroom series reboot into production. The 1980s have always been a popular era to revisit, but shows like Stranger Things and Paper Girls give Gen Z an excellent reason to reflect on a time when hair was big, and neon was a fashion statement. The ’80s were a fascinating time to be alive, and Max Headroom was as much a part of the era as Marty McFly, Beetlejuice, and Freddy Krueger.
Did you grow up watching Max Headroom? What are your favorite bits or advertisements starring the character? Did you know that the robotic character Vinnie from Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs is loosely based on Max Headroom? If Frewer makes a Pizza the Hut reference in the reboot series, now you’ll know why. In the comments below, let us know if you’re excited about the Max Headroom series reboot.