Two decades after the final spell was cast, the magical world of Sabrina the Teenage Witch continues to enchant a new generation of fans, but the franchise has undergone a dramatic metamorphosis. From the beloved 90s sitcom starring Melissa Joan Hart to the dark, gothic reboot, the journey of Sabrina Spellman is a fascinating case study in adapting classic IP for a modern audience. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the original cast is reuniting, new comic book storylines are emerging, and the conversation about a potential, highly-anticipated reboot is finally being put to rest by the star herself.
The original series, which ran from 1996 to 2003, remains a cornerstone of 90s and early 2000s television, blending high school hijinks with lighthearted magical mishaps. This article dives deep into the current status of the cast, the dramatic differences between the two major TV adaptations, and the freshest updates on the Archie Comics universe that started it all, providing topical authority and answering the burning question: where are our favorite witches now?
The Spellman Family and Westbridge Crew: Where Are They Now in 2025?
The enduring popularity of the original series, set in the fictional town of Westbridge, Massachusetts, keeps the spotlight on its core cast. Here is a look at what the main actors from Sabrina the Teenage Witch have been up to since the show concluded. The cast recently reunited at 90s Con in 2024, sparking a fresh wave of nostalgia and updates.
- Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina Spellman): The titular witch has transitioned successfully into directing and producing, in addition to acting. She starred in the sitcom Melissa & Joey and has become a staple in holiday movies, often appearing in Lifetime and Hallmark productions. In 2024, she confirmed that while she loves the character, a full reboot of the original sitcom is unlikely, citing the difficulty of recapturing the original magic and the existence of the darker adaptation.
- Nate Richert (Harvey Kinkle): Sabrina's enduring mortal boyfriend has maintained a lower profile in Hollywood. Since the show, Richert has focused on his career as a musician, specializing in Americana and folk music. He occasionally appears at fan conventions, delighting fans with his reflections on the iconic role.
- Caroline Rhea (Hilda Spellman): One half of the hilarious aunt duo, Caroline Rhea is a successful stand-up comedian and television host. She has hosted her own talk show and continues to tour, bringing her signature wit to stages across the country. She often speaks fondly of her time on the show and her castmates.
- Beth Broderick (Zelda Spellman): The more sensible and intellectual of the Spellman aunts, Beth Broderick has continued to work steadily in television and film. She has appeared in various TV shows, including a significant role in the Netflix series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (CAOS) as a different character, a nod to her original role that thrilled fans.
- Jenna Leigh Green (Libby Chessler): The show's resident mean girl and Sabrina's mortal nemesis, Libby, has primarily focused on a career in musical theater. Green has starred in numerous Broadway and touring productions, showcasing her versatile talent away from the high school halls of Westbridge High.
- Martin Mull (Principal Willard Kraft): The long-suffering principal of Westbridge High, Martin Mull, is a veteran actor and comedian. He has maintained a prolific career with roles in many popular TV series and films, continuing to be a recognizable face in comedy.
- Nick Bakay (Voice of Salem Saberhagen): The voice of the wisecracking, formerly world-domination-obsessed witch-turned-cat, Nick Bakay, has continued to work as a voice actor, writer, and producer, most notably on the sitcom King of Queens. His voice remains instantly recognizable to fans.
The Dark vs. The Delightful: Comparing the Two Sabrinas
The most significant modern development in the Sabrina franchise is the existence of two dramatically different television series: the classic sitcom and the Netflix original, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (CAOS). Understanding the contrast between these two interpretations is key to appreciating the depth of the Archie Comics source material.
The original Sabrina the Teenage Witch was a light, family-friendly sitcom, with a laugh track and a focus on moral lessons learned through magical mistakes. Sabrina's biggest problems were passing her witch's license test, dealing with high school bullies, and keeping her powers secret from Harvey Kinkle. The tone was always whimsical and fun.
In stark contrast, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (CAOS), which premiered in 2018, is a dark, gritty, and horror-infused drama. It draws inspiration from the darker, more mature comic book series of the same name. The show is set in the neighboring town of Greendale and features a version of Sabrina who is wrestling with a literal contract with the Devil, Satanic rituals, and a more complex, often terrifying, magical world.
Key Differences Between the Adaptations
The differences extend far beyond the overall tone, impacting the core characters, settings, and mythology:
- Tone and Genre: The original is a multi-camera, traditional sitcom; CAOS is a single-camera, cinematic horror/fantasy drama.
- Setting: The original is set in the suburban, bright town of Westbridge; CAOS is set in the perpetually gloomy, gothic town of Greendale.
- The Aunts (Hilda and Zelda): In the sitcom, they are eccentric but loving guardians. In CAOS, they are members of the "Church of Night," who practice dark arts and are far more mysterious and menacing, though still deeply protective of Sabrina.
- Salem Saberhagen: The sitcom's Salem is a beloved, sarcastic, and talkative animatronic cat. The CAOS Salem is a real cat and a silent familiar, which is a significant change in the character's role and comedic relief.
- The Magic: Sitcom magic is simple, often involving a point of the finger or a handheld device. CAOS magic is based on incantations, blood magic, and pacts with dark forces.
- The Love Interest (Harvey Kinkle): Sitcom Harvey is a sweet, often clueless mortal. CAOS Harvey is initially unaware of the magical world but becomes deeply involved in the dark events of Greendale, with his family history tied to witch-hunting.
The Future of the Franchise: Comics, Reboots, and New Entities
While Chilling Adventures of Sabrina concluded its run, the Sabrina universe continues to thrive in its original medium: comic books. Archie Comics, the publisher of the original material, is actively releasing new stories, keeping the character fresh and relevant.
In 2025, Archie Comics is slated to release new digest issues that continue to explore the lighter side of Sabrina's adventures, often revisiting the whimsical 80s era of the character's history. This commitment to the source material ensures that the original, lighthearted spirit of the teenage witch remains alive for dedicated readers.
The original cast reunion at 90s Con in 2024 was a major event, not just for the nostalgia, but for the definitive statements made about a sitcom revival. Melissa Joan Hart explicitly stated that because the CAOS series was so recent and took the character in such a different direction, a return to the original sitcom format is highly improbable. This makes the existing seven seasons of the classic show even more precious to fans of the original.
The legacy of Sabrina the Teenage Witch is a powerful example of how a character can be successfully interpreted across multiple media and tones. Whether you prefer the bubbly, moral-driven antics of the Westbridge witch or the dark, supernatural horror of the Greendale Spellman, the core entity remains the same: a half-mortal, half-witch navigating the complex, often contradictory, worlds of magic and humanity. The continued interest in the original cast and the ongoing comic book releases confirm that the magic of Sabrina will continue to cast a spell for years to come.
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