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Hit US sitcom set to return to screens nearly two decades from last episode

A massive US show that first aired back in 2005 and ran for 96 episodes is set to be rebooted say telly insiders thanks to an explosion in TV nostalgia

[Ethan Suplee shot to fame as Randy Hickey in My Name is Earl]

One of the most popular US sitcoms could be about to make a return(Image: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

One of the biggest sitcoms of all time could be about to make a return nearly two decades after the final episode aired.

My Name is Earl first hit screens back in 2005 and quickly became a must-watch for comedy fans. 96 episodes were filmed across four seasons, attracting millions of dedicated viewers around the world. My Name is Earl centred on Earl Hickey, a petty thief who has a near-death experience. Having won $100,000 on the lottery, he gets struck by a car, but is able to make a full recovery and dedicates his life to rebuilding relationships.

Now, insiders close to the production have claimed that talks are now underway to bring the show back. Should the move go ahead, it would be the latest in a series of other hit 2000s comedies making their way back to the screen.

[My Name is Earl]

My Name is Earl could be coming back to our screens, according to sources(Image: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

According to the Sun, sources working within the TV industry claimed that no clear direction has been made on how the show will progress from its final episode. However, with rebooted shows from 20 years ago proving to be a hit with audiences, bosses are keen to cash in.

"Its not clear if this would be a continuation of the original story or a total reboot," the source said. "But essentially they will be tapping into the spirit of the shows first outing for this comeback.

"The move comes after the revival of Malcolm In The Middle, another classic from the Noughties, which returned earlier this year on Disney with the spin-off Lifes Still Unfair. That saw the shows leading man, Frankie Munz, reprise his central role, much to the delight of fans."

[My Name is Earl]

The show has not aired in 17 years, but is still popular with viewers(Image: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

The insider finished: "Now execs are assessing just how successful that show has been before going ahead with any similar projects."

But despite there being no new episodes since May 14, 2009 fans are still loving the show, with it regularly pulling in thousands on streaming services.

In the UK, the show was aired on Channel 4 during its original run, first airing in January of 2006. However, in the age of streaming, it is currently available to watch on Disney+ and ITVX.

The premise of the original series saw Earl realise just how close he was to death, so decides to make up for his crimes by dedicating his life to rebuilding relationships with people. In the middle of his endeavour, he ends up discovering his old lottery ticket.

Now cashing the ticket in, Earl uses the money he now has to continue his work in turning his life around. Fans and critics alike were big fans of My Name is Earl during its original run, with the show scooping five Emmy Awards, as well as noms at the BAFTAs and the Golden Globes.

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