10 Times Iconic Casts Reunited Years Later | Side-by-Side

10 Times Iconic Casts Reunited Years Later Side-by-Side

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking back at the TV casts we couldn’t get enough of, and the reunions that let us relive the magic all over again

#10: “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (1999-)

“77th Primetime Emmy Awards” (2025)

Just roughly two weeks shy of the day “SVU” first hit screens in 1999, the cast reunited at the 2025 Emmys to present “Outstanding Drama Series.” But before they could even get to the nominees, it turned into a full-on Mariska Hargitay appreciation party. Christopher Meloni, Ice-T, Tony Goldwyn, and S. Epatha Merkerson all lined up to sing her praises. Hargitay’s Olivia Benson debuted almost 30 years ago and now holds the record as TV’s longest-running primetime drama character. Of course, she was the one to get everyone back on track. We also got a “Gilmore Girls” reunion that night. Even the “Emmys” were telling us the fall was on the way.

#9: “Schitt’s Creek” (2015-20)

“Dear Class of 2020” (2020)

Once upon a time, Dan Levy wondered what would happen if all those rich reality TV families lost their wealth, and bam, “Schitt’s Creek” was born. This one was a slow burn, but by the final season, they’d become must-see TV with quite a following. Now fast-forward to 2020: the world has come to an abrupt halt, and that graduation ceremony you dreamed of feels anticlimactic online. Enter the Roses, joining a star-studded guest list to address graduates and the teachers who’d faced an unprecedented year, too. After some trademark humor, the cast unites for an a cappella performance of Mariah Carey’s “Hero, ” joined by Carey herself. David’s reaction alone makes it worth watching.

#8: “Dawson's Creek” (1998-2003)

A 20th Anniversary Reunion (2018)

At the height of the teen drama craze, “Dawson’s Creek” defined Gen X and older millennials. Centered on Dawson, Joey, Pacey, and friends, the series tackled love, identity, and growing up with an introspection that set it apart. Its stars quickly became icons. In 2018, they reunited to reflect on the show’s legacy. Dressed in modern neutrals instead of baggy jeans and baby tees, they’d clearly grown up, but the emotional core of their bond was still alive. It wasn’t their only reunion, but we certainly enjoyed this heartfelt acknowledgement of what the series meant to them, and to us. In 2025, they reunited again for a pilot table read benefiting F Cancer.

#7: “The Nanny” (1993-99)

Pilot Table Read (2020)

For so many of us, 2020 felt like a bad dream from which we couldn’t awake, but one bright spot was the iconic casts reuniting for nostalgic trips down memory lane. This ’90s classic joined in with a virtual read-through of their pilot episode. The cast threw themselves into it so perfectly, props and all, you could almost see them back in the Sheffield mansion. We even got a cameo from the original theme song composer, Ann Hampton Calloway, performing that catchy tune live. Decades may have passed since they were last together, but their rhythm was still on point. Every punchline landed as if we were watching the episode for the very first time.

#6: “Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)

“A ‘Parks and Recreation’ Special” (2020)

While offices went remote, shows like “Parks and Rec” and “30 Rock” proved that even sitcoms could work from home. “30 Rock” basically doubled as an NBC commercial, but “Parks and Rec” saw the gang snap back into sync, with Leslie naturally as the glue. Of course, the real series finale featured a flash forward with some interesting predictions, but this certainly wasn’t among them. Still, it was a joy to see that even a pandemic couldn’t really dampen their spirits. Improvising with socially distanced setups, they were just as hilarious as ever. It reminded us why the show’s a comfort watch for many. Plus, they raised over $3 million for Feeding America in the process.

#5: “Girlfriends” (2000-08)

A 20th Anniversary Reunion (2020)

Before group chats and sharing memes, “Girlfriends” was the blueprint for modern friendship on TV, funny, vulnerable, and way ahead of its time. Now, 20 years after it premiered, the core four reunited. This isn’t the only time the crew has come together, but today we’re celebrating “Girlfriends.” Straight away, we got a peek at what life was probably like on set when the cameras weren’t rolling. The cast shared stories we never got to see or hear before, reminding us why we loved the show so much. After all, this series was pretty groundbreaking for its time, hitting some pretty hard notes but always making us laugh. Honestly, this reunion was no different.

#4: “Community” (2009-15)

Table Read & Q&A (2020)

When the term “bottle episode” was first coined, it almost felt like a prediction that one day we’d all be living our days like we were in one. Turns out it also made perfect material for a remote table read. If “Cooperative Polygraphy” was one of your favorites, you were in for a treat! The whole gang returned, minus Pierce, because, well…yeah. We also love how this basically made Pedro Pascal a “Community” star. After the table read, the cast did a Q&A, and it was absolutely everything we could’ve hoped for. At the time, it felt like the closest we’d get to Abed’s “six seasons and a movie” prophecy, but watch this space!

#3: “Lizzie McGuire” (2001-04)

A Virtual “Between a Rock and a Bra Place” Table Read (2020)

Remember when a “Lizzie McGuire” reboot seemed like it might actually happen? While we’re still a little salty about how that ended, we did get a win: the cast reunited for a virtual table read of one of the show’s most iconic episodes. Like other reunions on this list, it aimed to bring some joy during a chaotic time and raise money for good causes. Watching the now-grown cast deliver lines they first read as teens is both hilarious and surprisingly sweet. And it was a fitting choice given how, even back then, Disney felt this episode’s content was pushing the envelope. And it’s not like Lizzie whispers “bra” just the one time.

#2: “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96)

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion” (2020)

30 years after it first aired, “The Fresh Prince” cast came together for a reunion special that gave fans all the feels. Will Smith gathered the Banks family on the original set, looking back at how much the show meant and how it shaped them. The big moment everyone talked about was Smith finally reuniting with the original Aunt Viv, Janet Hubert, after years of very public tension. Watching them make peace was powerful. The cast also took time to honor James Avery, our beloved Uncle Phil, with a moving tribute that showed how much love was behind the laughs. It was about so much more than nostalgia. It was grown-up, real, and long overdue.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“New Girl” (2011-18), Voter Registration PSA (2020)

Approved by Fawn Muscato & Us of Course…

“Happy Days” (1974-84), “Happy Days: 30th Anniversary Reunion” (2005)

A Reunion Worth of a Fonzie Two Thumbs Up

“Glee” (2009-15), “Weakest Link” (2001-)

The Fact That This Isn’t a “Glee” Episode Is like an Ice Cold Slushie to the Face

“Desperate Housewives” (2004-12), “#StarsInTheHouse #54: Desperate Housewives” (2020)

What Happens on Wisteria Lane… Doesn’t Stay on Wisteria Lane

“Smash” (2012-13), “Bombshell in Concert” (2020)

And What a “Smash” It Was!

#1: “Friends” (1994-2004)

“Friends: The Reunion” (2021)

Ah, the one we’d all been waiting for. Could this reunion BE any better? It wasn’t a new episode, but honestly, it didn’t need to be. Just seeing the original six, older, emotional, and still so bonded, walking through the old set was enough to send fans into full throwback frenzy. They packed in guest stars, shared behind-the-scenes stories, kind of recreated that classic trivia quiz, and even did a table read. Every moment reminded us of the show’s enduring impact, like it was “Friends: The Greatest Hits.” Arguably, that actually worked better than trying to recapture the past with a reboot. It celebrated everything we loved about the series, and it really was perfection.

Which cast would you love to see reunite? Let us know in the comments