Key points:
- Fans of beloved series are always excited when cast members reunite, in whatever form possible.
- Seeing our favorite characters share the screen again can spark great nostalgia for fans.
- These TV reunions brought back our favorite shows in a variety of ways.
Television has a unique way of creating long-lasting bonds between characters and audiences, making reunions powerful, especially when they are unexpected. Seeing beloved characters share the screen again can spark nostalgia and even bring fans to tears. These moments usually come many years after final-season plot twists or canceled series. These reunions often mix surprise with sentiment, reminding viewers why they connected with these stories and relationships in the first place.
This list looks at 20 memorable TV reunions that caught fans off guard. These include unexpected guest appearances, revival series, or even a group photo released on the internet. Some reunions delivered heartfelt closure, while others opened new chapters. Together, they remind us how television can revisit the past in ways that are deeply rewarding for audiences.
“Friends” The Reunion
“Friends: The Reunion” is iconic. In this 104-minute recording, the original cast members revisited the sets of the original show and discussed memories. The nostalgia was strong. “Friends” ran for about a decade and is one of the most-watched shows in the world.
“The Golden Girls: Their Greatest Moments”
Along with “Friends,” “The Golden Girls” has a strong legacy and viewership. This is probably why “The Golden Girls: Their Greatest Moments” was such a hit. On June 2, 2003, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, and Betty White got to co-host this special.
“The Nanny Reunion: A Nosh to Remember”
Five years after the show ended, “The Nanny Reunion: A Nosh to Remember” was aired. In this incredible reunion, old cast members went down memory lane and presented never-before-seen bloopers.
Nickelodeon’s “All That 10th Anniversary Reunion Special”
In 2005, Nickelodeon released the “All That 10th Anniversary Reunion Special.” This one-hour event brought back many original cast members and also featured the newer actors. It was the start of season 10 – the last season before the show’s short revival in 2019.
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion”
After 30 years, the cast of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” reunited. The original cast talked about their favorite moments on camera. This heart-warming and comedic show ran for 6 seasons including 148 episodes.
“The Office” Small Holiday Reunion
While “The Office” hasn’t had a major reunion air on television, the cast has gotten together on multiple occasions. In 2018, some of the old cast members got together and took a Holiday picture. A few actors in this incredible photo were Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, Oscar Nunez, Phyllis Smith, and Creed Bratton.
“Ugly Betty” 10 Year Reunion
The “Ugly Betty” cast got together in 2016 during the ATX Television Festival and chatted about their funny filming moments. They even teased and joked about filming and streaming a two-hour reunion special. So far, that hasn’t happened, but it’s fun to imagine.
“Modern Family” 2024 SAG Awards Reunion
“Modern Family” ended on a good note, but who wouldn’t want more from this hilarious cast? A few cast members recently reunited at the SAG Awards 2024. A year later, Sofia Vergara hosted a reunion in her home. The only member to miss out was Ty Burrell, who was recovering from surgery. Vergara included his photo at the reunion.
“Boy Meets World” Mini Reunion
Over the years, many different “Boy Meets World” cast members have reunited. The more recent one we’ve seen is in 2024 when William Daniels caught up at a restaurant with Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle.
“Girlfriends” Celebrating 20 Years
2020 was the year of cast reunions – although most, if not all, were done virtually due to Covid-19. One of these was the 20th-year reunion of “Girlfriends.” Tracee Ellis Ross, Jill Marie Jones, Golden Brooks, and Persia White reminisced and chatted about their eight-season show.
“Smallville” Cast Reunion
Like other shows on this listicle, “Smallville” reunions are common. Many cast members have reunited at countless conventions, including the 2024 Tampa Bay Comic Convention. During this convention, John Schneider, John Glover, Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, and Emmanuelle Vaugier appeared on a panel.
“Happy Endings” Special Reunion Event
“Happy Endings” only ran for two seasons and yet garnered a small but powerful fanbase. Fans were probably jumping up and down during the virtual “Happy Endings” Special Charity Event.
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” Birthday Party/Concert Reunion
This reunion was a smaller one featuring only three of the actors from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” While small, it’s still iconic and garnered excited reactions from fans of this 90s TV series. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Emma Caulfield, and Seth Green reunited and took cute pictures while at an Ed Sheeran concert.
“Schitt’s Creek” 2024 Emmy Awards Reunion
At the 2024 Emmys, fans were excitedly watching as the cast of “Schitt’s Creek” reunited on stage. Our favorite family, the Rose family, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Annie Murphy, and Dan Levy, stood on stage smiling, posing, and throwing jokes as they announced the winner of Outstanding Comedy Series.
“In Living Color” 25 Year Anniversary
About 25 years after the final season of “In Living Color” aired, the cast came together to reunite and reminisce. At the Tribeca Film Festival, the stars from “In Living Color” reunited for a panel. The actors involved included Tommy Davidson, David Alan Grier, Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, and Kim Wayans.
“Community” Virtual Reunion
“The Community” cast members got together for a virtual table read for charity. About eight cast members participated. After the table read, the cast members joked about their time filming.
“Saved by the Bell” On the Tonight Show
In 2015, the cast of “Saved By The Bell” reunited for a comedic skit on SNL. The actors naturally jumped back into their roles.
“Victorious” 10 Year Virtual Reunion
Another virtual reunion to take place in 2020 was the 10-year anniversary of “Victorious.” The virtual chat reunited Arianna Grande, Victoria Justice, Leon Thomas III, Matt Bennett, Elizabeth Gillies, Avan Jogia, Daniella Monet, Eric Lange, and Dan Schneider.
“West Wing” Reunion at the 2024 Emmys
The 2024 Emmys saw many reunions, not just for “Schitt’s Creek.” Another show that got reunited was “West Wing.” It was for their 25th anniversary.
“The Brady Bunch 35th Anniversary Reunion Special: Still Brady After All These Years”
Last but not least was “The Brady Bunch 35th Anniversary Reunion Special: Still Brady After All These Years.” This television special aired on September 29, 2004, and reunited nearly the entire cast. The original show ran from 1969 to 1974.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Courtesy of CBS.