National Lampoon’s “Vacation” Coming to HBO Max as a New Comedy Series

Show will be co-produced by "Big Bang Theory" star Johnny Galecki

National Lampoon Vacation
The Griswolds, soon arriving at HBO's new streaming service
Warner Home Video

“I’ll tell you something … this is no longer a vacation. It’s a quest. It’s a quest for fun! I’m gonna have fun and you’re gonna have fun! We’re all gonna have so much f—ing fun we’ll need to plastic surgery to remove our goddamn smiles.”

Clark Griswold is back, this time on the small screen.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, a reboot of National Lampoon’s Vacation films is being developed as an on-going comedy series for the upcoming HBO Max streamer.

Instead of travel hijinks, the new sitcom (simply entitled The Griswolds) centers on the titular family in their suburban Chicago home. Former Christmas Vacation cast member Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory, Roseanne) will co-produce. Tim Hobert (Spin City, Community) will script.


Related: Add These Four Iconic Looks From “Christmas Vacation” to Your Rotation


No word on if any of the original stars of the movies, including Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo and Randy Quaid — will appear or star. Chase and D’Angelo made cameo appearances in the 2015 Vacation film reboot starring Ed Helms, which flopped (but this author found to be underrated).

When HBO Max debuts next May, The Griswolds won’t be the first remake on the service. Tentatively scheduled programs include continuations and spin-offs of Gremlins, Gossip Girl, Grease, Adventure Time and Looney Tunes.

Below, a clip from Galecki’s original time in the Griswold household:

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