‘Daria’ Is Being Rebooted By MTV For Our Even Sicker, Sadder World

Daria Morgendorffer, bastion of ’90s monotonal cynicism, is returning in an MTV reboot of cult classic animated series Daria. 

Rather than a straight revamp, the show — which had five seasons and two films, running from ’97 to ’02 — is getting a shake-up as evident by its title, Daria & Jodie. Behold the official description, via Variety:

“The iconic animated franchise is reinvented through the eyes of heroine Daria Morgendorffer and one of her closest friends Jodie Landon. These two smart young women take on the world, with their signature satirical voice while deconstructing popular culture, social classes, gender and race.”

It’s a steep promotion for Jodie, considering she and Daria were more respectful acquaintances than close friends.

As Lawndale High’s self-described “token black girl”, Jodie was repeatedly the conduit of racial critique in the original series as she navigated opportunities and burdens presented under the school’s attempts to promote ‘diversity’. Perhaps they’ve further bonded over their shared sardonic wit and weary-eyed view of the world — or maybe the rebooted Jodie is super into Goya and grunge. Time will tell.

The show’s head writer will be Grace Edwards, who has written for Inside Amy Schumer, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Broad City.

The news comes as MTV launches a studio, meaning that it’s possible the new iteration won’t air on the network. Other reboots announced include a reimagined Aeon Flux, a revival of Jersey Shore prototype The Real World, and a spiritual successor to The Hills called The Valley.

But it’s the somewhat bewildering Daria & Jodie that has gained most attention online. As with all reboots, the Hot Takes have already started, as people question both the reboot’s purpose, and the original show’s place in popular culture.

Daria started out an amusing show and ended up an amazing one. She was the first funny character I saw who didn't want to be congratulated for her sarcasm. She was principled and that was her reward. Essential.

— Louis Virtel (@louisvirtel) June 21, 2018

Jane had her art, Jodi had her accomplishments, Quinn had room to grow. Daria made people think it was cool and smart to be rude and cynical.

— Mara “Get Rid of the Nazis” Wilson (@MaraWilson) June 21, 2018

While we’re currently scarce on details, one thing’s clear — Daria would no-doubt have a few thoughts about her own reboot.

this is funny considering daria would fucking hate reboots https://t.co/8fkQGPyNEu

— pilot! (@pilotbacon) June 21, 2018