ABC has confirmed its plans to do a remake of the 1998 romantic dramedy Cupid, which was created by Veronica Mars mastermind and starred now Entourage cast Jeremy Piven.  The show, which lasted only one season, followed Chicago psychologist Claire Allen, played by Paula Marshall, who had to watch Trevor Hale (Piven), who believed he was Cupid sent down from Mt. Olympus by Greek god Zeus to connect 100 couples with his powers as punishment for his arrogance.  It used to air over ABC on Saturday nights at 10pm.

According to the network, its do-over of Cupid will air Tuesdays at 10pm beginning March 24.  The 2009 version will feature Golden Globe-nominated actress Sarah Paulson, who was on the WB series Jack & Jill, HBO’s Deadwood, and a guest-spot on the FX series Nip/Tuck.  Taking Piven’s place is Emmy-winning actor Bobby Cannavale, who is perhaps best known for his role as Bobby Caffey for a couple of seasons on the NBC drama Third Watch.  Cannavale also had recurring roles on Will and Grace as Will’s (Peter McCormack) first long-time boyfriend, Ally McBeal, Sex and the City, Six Feet Under, and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

Another change featured on the modern remake of Cupid is the setting, as it moves from Chicago to dating mecca Los Angeles.  With the first version canceled just after one season, Cupid, according to critics, had yet to show its potential as a concept.  The remake stays very much truthful to the show’s original premise, with the main protagonist being “either completely insane or the god of love or both – if he can match a hundred couples, he might find everything he’s been looking for.”

Moreover, critics predict that Cupid can potentially fill in the dearth of romance shows on television today, especially in light of the recent cancellation of Pushing Daisies, which also used to air on ABC.


- Glenn Diaz, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: ABC
(Image courtesy of ABC)