RebootFor many of you it might seem quite odd to realize it has been just over 19 years since the popular Canadian cartoon series, ReBoot, first aired. ReBoot was a CGI animated series that ran from 1994 to 2001, consisting of 48 beloved episodes over 4 seasons. The characters of Bob, Dot, Enzo, and Megabyte are still remembered worldwide as the show has become an animated cult classic. Fans of the show who have been to Ontario’s Playdium or Las Vegas’ Circus Circus and Luxor might even remember the IMAX ridefilm based on the series. It has been years since the series ended, well over a decade, but fans still hold on to hope of the show’s return. Every few years rumors of a spinoff or movie pop up, most of them actually supported by the company responsible for the original show, Mainframe Entertainment, but none of these have seemed to bare any fruit. The most recent news on this came from back in 2008, when Mainframe announced a trilogy of films based off of ReBoot. Sadly, over 5 years later, nothing has come outside of a short teaser trailer.

This week, things have finally changed with news that will have ReBoot fans crying out in joy. Rainmaker Entertainment, the company which we once knew as Mainframe Entertainment, has brought back the Mainframe name as they recommit to televised entertainment. The company released a new press release on Monday not only informing everyone of the return of Mainframe Entertainment as the name of their television division, but announced new news in relation to their classic TV series, ReBoot:

VANCOUVER, BC (September 30, 2013) – A renowned global animation brand is about to be re-booted. Reflecting the company’s commitment to the production of animated programming for television, Rainmaker Entertainment Inc. has named its television division Mainframe Entertainment.

In conjunction with the re-birth of Mainframe Entertainment, a name celebrated for its pioneering achievements in computer-animated television, the company has unveiled the first two series in development: an all-new version of the popular ReBoot franchise and Tiger’s Apprentice, a CGI animated series based on the trilogy of young adult novels written by award-winning author Laurence Yep.

The reimagining of the venerable ReBoot series comes just in time for its 20th anniversary. Making its debut on television screens in 1994, ReBoot was centered on the world of Mainframe, where a guardian program sprite and his friends defended the system from superviruses bent on creating havoc and destruction. Mainframe Entertainment will team with leading computer industry manufacturers to update the ReBoot universe and create a ground-breaking viewing experience for fans.

Mainframe has also partnered with Jane Startz, the multi- Emmy, Golden Globe and ACE Award-winning producer of Ella Enchanted, The Indian In The Cupboard, Tuck Everlasting and the acclaimed The Magic School Bus. Tiger’s Apprentice, a coming of age story centered around 12-year-old Tom Lee and the Guardians of the Phoenix. Set in San Francisco, this modern-day fantasy is filled with classic Chinese lore, magic, comedy and action as Tom and the Guardians fight to protect the human race from ancient evil forces intent on its destruction. Mainframe has optioned the animation rights to Tiger’s Apprentice as part of its commitment towards bringing popular book-based children’s properties to television.

“We are excited to focus our television production activities under the Mainframe brand with an all-new version of ReBoot as well as engage with celebrated children’s programming producer Jane Startz on Tiger’s Apprentice. ReBoot is certain to be embraced by a new generation of fans while Tiger’s Apprentice will provide a bold and unique television experience for kids everywhere,” said Michael Hefferon, President and Executive Producer of Mainframe parent Rainmaker Entertainment

Acquired from Starz Media in 2006 by then newly-established Rainmaker Entertainment, Mainframe Entertainment was responsible for an impressive production slate throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s, including several seasons of ReBoot, as well as the critically-acclaimed ‘Transformers’ spin-off Beast Wars. Mainframe credits also include Weird-Oh’s, Spider-Man, Action Man, Heavy Gear, Max Steel, Scary Godmother andBarbie.

Yes, it would seem Mainframe is pushing ahead for a rebooted TV series of ReBoot, just in time for the show’s 20th anniversary next year. Whether this will be like the claim of eventual movies is yet uncertain, but hope once more will run bright amongst fans of the show. Right now the new ReBoot has yet to be picked up by any major networks, but with successful worldwide replays on channels like YTV, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and ABC, it would seem likely someone will foot the bill and take a chance on the show. Mainframe has already moved rather far forward with their adaption of Tiger’s Apprentice, set to air on Cartoon Network in the near future, and is also currently working on a Ratchet & Clank film, based off the Playstation video games, set for 2015. Will we see a rebooted ReBoot next year? Our fingers are certainly crossed.