'Friday Night Lights' Reboot Announced as Stars Reflect on Iconic Show's Legacy

As of October 2025, Peacock is in the process of developing a reboot of the beloved 2006-2011 NBC drama 'Friday Night Lights'. The original series, which centered around a high school football team in a small Texas town, has maintained a devoted fanbase over the years.

In a recent interview, actor Zach Gilford, who played the show's young quarterback Matt Saracen, reflected on his time on the series. Gilford revealed that he initially auditioned for the role of Tim Riggins, before being cast as the introverted Saracen just days before shooting began. He also discussed the show's infamous second-season murder plotline, which saw his character and co-star Jesse Plemons' Landry Fields dispose of a man's body after a violent altercation.

Despite the questionable nature of the storyline, Gilford and Plemons were able to make it work through their strong acting abilities. Gilford noted that he and Plemons would often joke about the murder on set, keeping the dark plot alive even as the show moved on.

Overall, Gilford expressed his gratitude for being part of a project that has left such a lasting impact on viewers. He is honored to be associated with a show that has become a beloved classic, and is excited to see how the upcoming reboot will be received by both new and longtime fans.