The original ‘Charmed’ garnered quite a following over the course of its original run and it still has enough of a fanbase that the CW sought to reboot it in 2018. ‘Charmed’ is one of my favorite television shows and one of, if not the only, drama that would be on that list (I’m more of a sitcom kind of guy).
Rewatching a show from 25 years ago is always a fascinating excursion because the viewer gets to see what holds up, what’s dated, and what’s still topical.
The aspect of ‘Charmed’ that doesn't quite hold up is its visual effects. Only recently have TV shows received budgets to match films. Unfortunately, TV series in the '90s, especially network shows with such audacious aspirations like 'Charmed,' did not receive an adequate budget. Luckily, there can be a certain nostalgic charm to the effects and I do commend the visual and practical effects artists for the creative ways in which they portrayed onscreen magic. Regardless, a lot of the effects, computer ones in particular, look rough now.
'Charmed’ was released long before the ability to binge a show on streaming or even having the ability to purchase a whole season on DVD. Inconsistencies and tropes are far more evident when a viewer can watch episodes back-to-back to back. I’m not going to entirely hold that against the show as the procedural format and looser continuity was a product of the time.
There are a surprising number of aspects of ‘Charmed’ that are still quite progressive. The show has three strong, intelligent female leads that are career driven and activist prone. The show does not demonize Wicca or paganism. The most impressive aspect of it is how sex positive it is. ‘Charmed’ was airing around the same time as the cultural juggernaut ‘Sex and The City’ and it feels less judgmental than that show did.
The most overlooked aspect of the show is the powerhouse performances by the leads- particularly the sisters themselves- played by Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, and Alyssa Milano. Where were their Emmys? Their deliveries feel natural even when lines are corny, or the situation is over-the-top, and their onscreen chemistry is an absolute dream for any ensemble.
Music plays a key role in ‘Charmed’ and the show features music from performers like The Cranberries and The Bare Naked Ladies. It also has one of the best openings with the music of Love Spit Love covering ‘How Soon is Now’ by the Smits- which is unfortunately absent from it on streaming.
The first three seasons of this show had some remarkable ‘monster of the week’ episodes, but it wasn't until season 3 the writers hit their stride on large overarching dramatic stories. Nostalgia aside, this is highly entertaining show with plenty of heartfelt moments and silly humor. The true highlight of the show will always be the likable lead characters and the phenomenal performances by the actresses (and actors) portraying them.
The original 'Charmed' series is available to check out at The Brown Deer Public Library and DVD is the only way to hear the glorious original opening song.
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