Continuing with the theme of Hollywood being out of new ideas, it seems like everywhere you look, popular TV shows are being adapted into big screen adaptations. Now for fans of the TV series this may seem like a dream come true, but in reality is it actually a good idea? Let’s take a look at some examples!

Obviously the most memorable TV-to-film adaptation would have to be the ‘Sex and the City’ series. The HBO series was a dynamite success and after it’s 6 season run it was then turned into a film in 2008. The first film was a financial success, and for many fans it was also a success. It wasn’t praised by all critics, but it still managed to hold some of the heart of the series although some felt it was a bit melodramatic. Me? I loved the show and if I couldn’t get it in that format anymore I would take it any way I could get it so a film was fine with me. I just wish it was a bit funnier, it was too dramatic for my taste. Well be careful what you wish for Banters because ‘Sex and the City 2′ scrapped the dramatics and went for fun…and absolutely no plot. The 2nd film is widely known as an epic failure. Critics and fans alike found it dreadful and financially while it wasn’t a bomb, it took in less than its predecessor. It seems unlikely there will be a 3rd film in the franchise and I think that’s for the best. The problem is that 2nd film is the last fans have to remember for ‘Sex and the City,’ lets hope it doesn’t tarnish the brand forever.

Next up is also a popular HBO series, ‘Entourage.’ Even before the series wrapped there was plenty of talk about a future movie deal and it seems rather likely that it will in fact happen. Executive Producer Mark Wahlberg has even stated recently that the script is in progress and they are hoping for a summer 2013 release. But does anyone think this is a good idea? Listen, I absolutely loved ‘Entourage’ in its earlier days, but by the last season I was just praying it would end. The series has really run its course and I’m not entirely sure where they can take it next. I hope I am proven wrong because when ‘Entourage’ was good, it was amazing.

Cult-favorite ‘Arrested Development’ will also be receiving the movie treatment. After the series was cancelled fans were devastated and after years of protest it seems people in Hollywood have finally come to their senses. First there will be 10 new episodes airing on Netflix in the beginning of 2013 followed by a feature film. This is one instance where I think it is a good idea. Because the series was cut short there is still a lot more to tell and with such a plethora of characters the possibilities are endless. Not to mention a lot of the stars from the show have become extremely successful since the show ended (Jason Bateman and Michael Cera).

Finally, there has been recent rumors rumbling about a possible ‘The Walking Dead’ series. The AMC drama series is only on its 3rd season (premiering this October) but it is such a wild success that the makers are most likely trying to capitalize on it. Now obviously these are just early rumors not to mention it most likely wouldn’t happen until the series is done or at least close to done on television, but it’s still something to think about. I have mixed feelings about this one. I think it is way too early to really know for sure if it is a good idea (again we have only seen 2 full seasons!) not to mention the reason it is such a success is because it is the first zombie TELEVISION show, not movie. So what would make it any different from a Romero zombie flick? But at the same time, the makers have tons of graphic novel source material to work off of, so there is a lot of potential here!

Overall I think when it comes to turning TV shows to movies it really depends on the series. In an instance like ‘Sex and the City’ it was kind of a no-brainer at the time. Huge stars and a lot of interest with fans, but they should’ve stopped at 1! With ‘Entourage’ they really need to make sure they do something fresh because the series became tired. ‘Arrested Development’ has a ton of possibilties and I think it’s one of the brighter ideas Hollywood has had in awhile. And with ‘The Walking Dead’ I think people are jumping the gun a little, let the series flesh out a bit more!

What do you think Banters? And what TV show would you like to see made into a film?