In the spring of 1994, the television show Weird Science made its debut on the USA Network. This series, based on the 1984 cult classic from coming-of-age king John Hughes, went on to run for five seasons, producing 88 episodes that reimagined the concept of teenagers using dial-up internet to create a dream girl. Fans still discuss the heartfelt and genius nature of the show even today.
No one is saying that Hughes’ third directorial project, Weird Science, starring Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith, and Kelly LeBrock, is bad. It was a good time, but it didn’t quite hit it out of the park for the filmmaker known for knocking teen comedies out of the park. Critics, even those who gave the film positive reviews, expressed a desire for more from the mind behind Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club.
Showrunners Alan Cross and Emmy winner Tom Spezialy took Hughes’ sci-fi concept and expanded on it in the episodic retelling. This time, they gave purpose to Lisa, played by Vanessa Angel, turning her into a character with agency and depth, guiding Gary and Wyatt through adolescence.
If Hughes’ Weird Science was a “half-baked” rough draft, the USA series turned it into a polished gem. The series is available for streaming on RokuChannel, offering viewers a look into the revamped world of teenage hijinks and dream girls.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.