The cult classic Clueless to be adapted into a series starring Alicia Silverstone

By Anna Prudhomme, 

and Jordan Bako.

Published on 11 August 2025. Updated on 9 April 2026.

Clueless, a defining 1990s movie

Flip phones, plaid miniskirts, body-hugging Alaïa dresses and patent leather mini handbags, the gilded world of the Clueless queens is making a comeback. Released in 1995, Clueless stands as the quintessential teen movie of the 1990s. Alicia Silverstone stars as Cher Horowitz, a wealthy, beautiful, and materialistic high school student.

The undisputed queen of her school, Cher is never seen without her best friend Dionne, a young woman known for her designer hats and terrible driving, especially in the red Jeep gifted by her parents. In an effort to prove her half-brother (played by a very charming Paul Rudd) wrong about her character, Cher doubles down on good deeds. Notably, she plays fairy godmother by giving Tai, the new girl at school, a complete makeover.

In addition to its box office success, grossing over $80 million, Clueless joins the ranks of classic Hollywood comedies featuring iconic transformation scenes from Pygmalion (1938) to Pretty Woman (1990) and Grease (1978). But Clueless brings a fresh, more playful tone to the trope.

Unlike many of its predecessors, Clueless doesn’t tell the story of an older man shaping a woman in a condescending light. Instead, it places its main characters on a more equal footing, focusing on their individual journeys of self-discovery.

A first reboot attempt that never got made

A beloved coming-of-age movie remembered for its iconic fashion, lovable characters, and comforting vibe, Clueless was first adapted into a TV series the year after the film’s release but without Alicia Silverstone. 

Then, in 2018, CBS TV Studios began developing a second adaptation as a miniseries. Created by Corinne Brinkerhoff (American Gothic), the project was set in a new context with a 2020 Los Angeles backdrop.

The plot? Cher disappears, paving the way for Dionne to become the school’s new reigning queen. Struggling with the pressure of being the most popular girl, Dionne also tries to uncover the mystery behind her best friend’s disappearance, soy latte in hand, of course. Ultimately, the project was abandoned without any clear explanation.

Alicia Silverstone and the screenwriters of Gossip Girl join the project

According to the media Deadline, a new adaptation of the classic is currently in the works at CBS production studios. Not only is Alicia Silverstone reprising her lead role from the original film, she is also set to serve as executive producer on the project.

Speaking on the Today show, the actress said of this Clueless remake: “I’m really excited about the idea. I think we’re going to do everything we can to make it happen. The goal is to honour everything people love about Clueless and about the character of Cher.” Alicia Silverstone continued: “So we want to respect that, but also bring something new and fresh. I’m confident we’ll get there, but we’re still very much at the beginning.”

Other big names joining the team? Screenwriters and producers Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz, known for series like Gossip Girl, Dynasty, and an upcoming TV adaptation of Legally Blonde. Jordan Weiss, the director behind Dollface and Freaky Friday 2, is also participating in the project. Amy Heckerling, who directed the original Clueless film, is expected to return, but this time as executive producer.

This new Clueless series joins a wave of iconic 90s films that are getting the reboot treatment. From Cape Fear (1991) to I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and The Addams Family, the 90s are enjoying a major resurgence. The only question is whether these new versions will live up to the originals.

Clueless (1995) by Amy Heckerling, available now on Netflix.
The TV adaptation of the sequel to the film Clueless does not have a release date yet.