Paramount announced Thursday that it has greenlit a sequel series to the 1995 classic teen comedy “Clueless” with Alicia Silverstone returning as the ever-fashionable Cher Horowitz. 

The director and writer of the original film, Amy Heckerling, is also returning as an executive producer alongside Silverstone. Filming is expected to begin in 2027 in Los Angeles. 

The surprise announcement comes three months after Peacock announced it was no longer moving forward with a sequel after nearly seven years of talks and development. 

Paramount said the new series will pick up 30 years after the events in the original film. 

“Beloved Beverly Hills icon Cher Horowitz has figured out a lot: She’s successful in business and has mastered motherhood—that is, until her daughter’s high school years, and Cher finds that parenting a teenager makes her feel ‘clueless’ all over again.”

The original film was a reimagining of Jane Austen’s 1815 classic “Emma.” The story follows Cher, a rich, popular high school student from Beverly Hills, who tries to do good deeds by playing matchmaker and giving makeovers. 

Cher starts to look at things more deeply, including her relationship with her ex-stepbrother Josh (Paul Rudd). 

A year after the film’s release, “Clueless” headed to the small screen for three seasons, but Rachel Blanchard replaced Silverstone as Cher, while several other cast members returned. 

The film celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier this year with a special return to theaters. 

“‘Clueless’ is coming home,” said Jane Wiseman, head of originals for Paramount+, of the new series. 

“Thirty-one years ago, Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Horowitz captivated audiences with her signature chic style, sharp wit and relentless optimism, helping make ‘Clueless’ a box office hit and instant pop culture classic.” 

About the writer

Danielle Haynes is the co-founder and co-editor of Booked & Screened, covering book-to-screen adaptations, film and TV development. As a teenager, she was decidedly not a girly girl, but still got a secret thrill watching Cher go through her high-tech closet.