Everything Old is New Again: the Comeback Kids of 2012

People say they want something new and different, but the truth is, we gravitate toward old, familiar images and brands. Sometimes these brands return with a clever, modern update (Can you say, “Old Spice.”) Other times, it’s just the mere reminder of why we loved them in the first place that makes us a fan all over again.

Forbes has just released their list of brands they expect to make a comeback in 2012. Let’s take a look and see if you agree.

The Muppets

This one is a no-brainer, since they’re already on the upswing. Back in November, The Muppets released a new movie which, ironically, was all about them making a comeback. Since then, Kermit and friends have been popping up everywhere, reigniting original fans and bringing in a new, teen audience.

Why have The Muppets endured? Because they’re the embodiment of hope and happiness and who doesn’t love a pig in highheels. I expect we’ll see more of them in 2012.

Fiat

The European car company made a huge comeback when they hitched their cute, Italian, compact wagon to a star — Jennifer Lopez. The TV ads are a little strange. They feature a smug and satisfied JLo driving her sporty car through a depressed but peppy, urban area. While the ad gives off a “happy to return to my roots” vibe, it really comes off like Jenny from the block showing the world how she’s left this grungy world behind.

Forbes says Fiat “lucked” in a boost when JLo hit the news with her divorce and the return of American Idol won’t hurt either.

The Three Stooges

Here’s another brand that has never really gone away but is poised for a resurgence. Larry, Moe and Curly are returning to the big screen this spring in the form of Sean Hayes, Chris Diamantopoulos and Will Sasso. This isn’t a bio pic. It’s more like The Blues Brothers and even if it tanks, it will bring a lot of eyeballs back to the original shorts. Forbes expects to see licensing deals pop up around the movie. As one of the rare, female, Three Stooges fans, I can’t wait to see what they come up with.

Netflix

It seems odd to be talking comeback in regard to a brand that is less than fifteen years old. After a disastrous 2011, the online service only has two choices, reinvent or shut down. Will customers forgive them their past transgressions in order to keep the supply of movies coming? Probably, since despite Blockbuster’s attempts, Netflix still has no real competition in the space.

The company is also branching out this year with their own original programing. It begins with Kevin Spacey’s House of Cards and Steven Van Zandt’s Lillyhammer. Netflix will also pick up unaired episodes of Arrested Development. This idea really excites me. Netflix is the perfect place for all those TV shows that never got to finish their run on TV. The episodes are in the can, so why not air them.

Yes, I think Netflix will not only survive, they’ll thrive in 2012.

And More. . .

Others on the Forbes comeback list include Madonna, Polaroid and Rosie O’Donnell. I have one to add. The Munsters. Bryan Fuller, who gave us Pushing Daisies, is currently working on a reboot for NBC. The series, about a family of monsters who live like average Americans has been revived a number of times and is always a Halloween favorite. Even people who have never seen the original series, recognize the iconic look of the lead characters. It’s a franchise that could make a huge comeback if Fuller can find that balance between pleasing the original fans, while drawing in the new.

Balance is key, when it comes to revitalizing a popular brand. Consumers need to see the elements they loved in the first go round, but with a fresh spin. Not an easy task but it’s big money to anyone who can make it work.

What brand do you think will make the biggest comeback in 2012?