Before ‘Wednesday’ Season 2, You NEED To Watch This Other Addams Family Show

Netflix’s Wednesday is a hit.

Actually, that’s an oversimplification. It’s the streaming platform’s most-watched show of all time – yes, even more than Stranger Things and Bridgerton. As everyone awaits the latest season, they might find themselves falling down The Addams Family rabbit hole, looking for more macabre-flavored horror comedy to savor. Of course, there’s the much-celebrated original television show from the ’60s and the popular films from the early ’90s, but there’s another less-talked-about live adaptation that deserves way more love from everyone: The New Addams Family.

It’s an underrated adaptation of the mysterious and spooky family

Released in 1998, The New Addams Family ran for 65 episodes, but it went relatively under the radar. To be fair, The Addams Family had passed its peak in popularity at the time after the onslaught of movies and animated series at the start of the decade. Alternatively, maybe the all-new theme didn’t gel with those who adored the snappy classic song. The show also didn’t feature a flashy cast, utilizing lesser-known television actors – with John Astin, who guest starred as Grandpapa Addams, being the notable exception to the rule. While there might not have been much pomp and circumstance around the casting, the talented actors proved more than capable of leaving their mark on these iconic characters and disappeared into their roles.

Glenn Taranto and Ellie Harvie demonstrate the effortless chemistry and kooky charisma to bring Gomez and Morticia to life, while Brody Smith and Nicole Fugere are pitch-perfect adaptations of the ghastly Pugsley and Wednesday. Then, there’s the late Michael Roberds, who may very well be the best version of the bonkers Uncle Fester yet, especially if being compared to the character from Charles Addams’ comic strip. Everything clicks here when everybody is on screen together, and the best part is that the cast members make the characters their own. Sure, they never become totally unrecognizable to fans, but the actors get to play with different aspects of the Addams that the audience may not have seen in previous adaptations.

‘The New Addams Family’ pays tribute to what came before it

What The New Addams Family does exceptionally well is to honor the tone of the original show and stick to its ’60s sitcom formula. The costumes and set pieces turn into wonderful and nostalgic callbacks, while every episode offers a madcap and memorable adventure – whether it be the Addams reviving Cousin Vlad, who wants to steal Morticia from Gomez, or Grandpapa fearing the family is sending him to a retirement home and scheming how to stay with them – only for his plans to backfire. There’s no filler content here and each episode offers something strange, deranged, and side-splittingly hilarious, resulting in it becoming a delightful binge-worthy series.

In addition, major plaudits need to go to the various writers behind The New Addams Family, such as Peggy Nicoll and Arnold Rudnick. It’s unsurprising to learn that Nicholl penned many episodes of Daria, since the same biting quips from the animated series are present here. One of the best jokes in the earlier episodes involves an exchange between Grandmama and Wednesday. “Resurrections are easy,” Grandmama says. “Getting rid of the living dead? That’s the tricky part.” To that, Wednesday replies, “That would explain Keith Richards.” How can anyone not chuckle at that reference?!

It’s next to impossible to find ‘The New Addams Family’

What stands out the most about The New Addams Family is how the show remains deliciously campy, charming, and rewatchable more than 25 years after it aired. It doesn’t feel dated at all, even when the dodgy CGI and Scooby-Doo-esque effects pop up on screen; instead, they only add to the personality of the series. 

That being said, it might be tough to find series on the various streaming services. It used to be on Tubi once upon a time, but it has been pulled for some reason – likely to do with licensing. There are episodes available on YouTube and expensive DVDs available on Amazon, but The New Addams Family isn’t as freely available as other adaptations. Don’t let that deter you, though. If you love America’s weirdest family, this is one show you need to watch.

Wednesday Season 2 comes to Netflix on September 3, 2025.