At the PaleyFest LA 2025 event for The Handmaid’s Tale on March 26, actor Sam Jaeger shared his mixed feelings about the possibility of a Parenthood reboot, the beloved NBC series that aired from 2010 to 2015. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 48-year-old actor, who portrayed Joel Graham on the show, admitted he’s torn about revisiting the cherished drama, citing concerns that a revival might tarnish its legacy.
Sam Jaeger Says He Wouldn’t Do a ‘Parenthood’ Reboot Because He’s Scared They’d Ruin It (Exclusive) https://t.co/JLmZsQvyhf
— People (@people) April 5, 2025
Jaeger reflected on the original series’ impact, calling it a “beautiful show” that captured the essence of family dynamics with heartfelt authenticity. “Sometimes these shows, when they come back, you almost wish that they just stayed where they were,” he told PEOPLE. He expressed a desire to “protect what’s there,” noting that parenting has evolved significantly since the show ended, which could make a reboot an intriguing yet risky endeavor. Despite his reservations, Jaeger isn’t entirely opposed to the idea, acknowledging that the opportunity to reunite with the talented cast—including Lauren Graham, Mae Whitman, Dax Shepard, and Peter Krause—would be a major draw. “Parenthood had so many fantastic, funny people that to go back and spend time with them? Yeah, I think I’d do that,” he said, adding with a smile, “You got me thinking about it though, and that’s interesting.”
The topic of a Parenthood reboot has been gaining traction recently. On the March 8 episode of Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, Shepard and Graham, who played siblings Crosby and Sarah Braverman, discussed the idea of a limited revival. Shepard, who has stepped back from acting to focus on his podcast, shared that he’d consider a shorter format of eight to ten episodes, primarily to reconnect with his former co-stars. Graham, who led a four-episode Gilmore Girls reboot in 2016, suggested a similar approach for Parenthood, proposing a holiday special or a movie. “I have said, if somebody calls me to do [a Parenthood reboot], I’ll do it,” she affirmed.
For now, fans can relive the Braverman family’s journey by streaming Parenthood on Hulu, alongside the first five seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale, which Jaeger also praised for its incredible cast and crew. As discussions about a reboot continue, Jaeger’s cautious optimism reflects a deep respect for the show’s legacy and a hope that any revival would honor its original spirit.
