Marc Cherry to reboot ‘Desperate Housewives’ for a new generation

In a recent interview, the television writer and producer shared his desire to revisit Wisteria Lane and the many mysteries of the seemingly peaceful fictional neighborhood. But his concept does sound more than a little familiar.

From 2004 on ABC, Desperate Housewives centered on various families living on the fabled Wisteria Lane as they lived, laughed and loved – and more often than not suffered major accidents due to these ordinary actions.

It would become a powerhouse in the television world, spawning several international versions while reviving the careers of its main cast: actresses Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria and Nicolette Sheridan.

Beginning in Season 4, China Beach star Dana Delaney was set to join the cast. In season 7, former Miss America Vanessa Williams would follow suit.

So, how exactly would Cherry reintroduce the series? By starting from the beginning… and no, not the beginning of the original series, which ended its 8-season run in 2012.

“I have a couple of ideas about how to do it,” the TV writer said PEOPLE. “I would probably want to do the idea, maybe, in an earlier decade.”

How early? Think go-go boots and mod culture and you might come close.

“There (are) times when I say, ‘You know what? I wonder if I could write Wisteria Lane in 1966, Cherry revealed.

Of course, this would mean that the reboot would not feature any of the OGs Housewives cast, as their characters would likely not be old enough – or even born – to have a place in the story.

The modern suburban vibe of Wisteria Lane, the main block, was there Desperate Housewivesoften felt like a reflection of any ordinary residential area in the United States.

In reality, it was built on the Universal Studios backlot.

The set is still used in commercials and other television projects to this day, something Cherry says influences his reboot idea.

“When someone shoots a commercial on that street, I know right away, because I know all those houses, I know the geography,” claims Cherry.

“Because the character I miss writing the most is actually Wisteria Lane. It was the funnest playground anyone in the history of television has ever had,” he continued, “because we owned the whole street. I know that street like the back of my hand.”

Although the original Desperate Housewives Actors would likely not be involved in a reboot of the series, some have openly expressed interest in revisiting their characters.

Eva Longoria, who played model-turned-mom Gabrielle Solis, divided into June how much she “misses” the show and that she has brought up the issue with Cherry more than once.

“I’ve told him a hundred times,” she expressed. “I thought, ‘Let’s do it again. I miss Wisteria Lane. I miss the girls. I miss Gaby Solis. I miss being her.”

Cherry similarly remains close to the cast and still has love for them, but Longoria says he’s already told their story.

“He feels like there’s no ‘Why now?'” she said in a 2023 interview. “He feels like, ‘What do I have to say with these characters that we haven’t already fully fleshed out.'”

Coincidentally, Cherry seems to overlook another series he’s directed that sides with “Rethink Desperate Housewives took place in another time?”

In 2019, CBS All Access (now Paramount+) debuted. Why women kill, a dark comedy anthology series created by Cherry that revolved around “desperate” women and the actions that lead them to, well, dead.

Both ran for two seasons and feature characters from different decades, including the 1960s.

Season 1 was notable for its story spanning three separate eras with its unifying base being the home where all the characters lived (albeit at different times).

Actress Ginnifer Goodwin from Once upon a time Fame portrayed Beth Ann, an unhappy wife from 1963.

Unfortunately, the series was canceled after its second season despite glowing reviews from critics and an earlier season 3 renewal.

For those “desperate” in their love of nostalgia, Desperate Housewives can be streamed in its entirety on Hulu.

Why women kill can be streamed in its entirety on Paramount +.