Ron Howard Opens Up About Fate Of ‘Happy Days’ Reboot

Jul 18, 2025 by apost team

More than four decades after the television sitcom “Happy Days” debuted on television and cemented itself as a cultural touchstone, the question of whether the beloved series could ever return for a reboot still lingers. Set in 1950s and 1960s Milwaukee, the series revolved around the Cunningham family, father Howard, mother Marion, son Richie and daughter Joanie. 

The show delivered 255 amazing episodes, spanning 11 seasons. To this day, many wish they could relive the nostalgia with a reboot of “Happy Days.” Most of the show’s cast is still alive, the most famous of which is Academy Award-winning actor and filmmaker Ron Howard. However, fans yearning for another visit to Arnold’s Drive-In and a chance to see Richie, Fonzie, and the gang back together may need to temper their expectations. According to original star and now-acclaimed filmmaker Howard, the answer is a respectful – but firm – probably not.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Howard, who played Richie Cunningham throughout the show’s early run, shared his candid perspective on the possibility of revisiting the iconic series. After completing his role as Richie, Howard went on to establish an impressive directing career with unforgettable films such as “The Da Vinci Code,” “A Beautiful Mind,” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” He is also the father of actress Bryce Dallas Howard. While reboots have become a steady trend across Hollywood, Howard believed “Happy Days” occupied a special place in TV history, one better left untouched.

Howard said he felt honored that fans of “Happy Days” would like a reboot, but firmly stated this was not in the works. 

“It’s amazing, but we’re not doing a reboot,” he said.

The actor stated that he was aware of the cultural impact the show had on its viewers. Reminiscing about his earlier shows, such as “Happy Days” and “The Andy Griffith Show,” the actor revealed that he was amazed by how much they have remained beloved over the decades. 

“The fact that the show endures, and that ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ is still on – both of these shows have never left the air – and it kind of blows my mind in an interesting way,” Howard remarked. “There’s something about that that doesn’t age – it was nostalgia when it was made.”

Despite there being almost no hope of a reboot of “Happy Days,” Howard said he still felt grateful for the impact it has had on his career and in the film industry.

“For that reason, (both shows) seem to endure, and it means the world to me.”

Despite it being decades since the series finale of “Happy Days,” Howard has continued to maintain positive relationships with his former cast members. In his interview, the actor spoke about his friendship and cordial working relationship with Henry Winkler, who played Fonzie on the show. 

“Henry’s a few years older than I am. Yale educated, and he looked at acting in a way that was – it wasn’t Hollywood. It was a little more intellectual. It was theater based, and that was new to me. But more than anything, we just got along beautifully and worked well together,” said Howard.

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