The classic anime series "Yatterman" is returning to television next year in the form of a modern remake.

The original show aired from 1977 to 1979 on Fuji TV. It was the second work in Tatsunoko Production's "Time Bokan Series." During its broadcast, it averaged a 20.1% viewership rating, with a peak of 28.4% for its 11th episode. The story revolves around a heroic duo named Yatterman and their battles against a team of villains known as the Dorombo Gang.

Tatsunoko is producing the remake with Yomiuri TV. The characters will remain the same (with a few minor changes), but all of the episodes will be newly written. The voice cast has not yet been decided.

NTV will air the new series in a prime-time slot: Mondays at 7:00pm. The show begins in January.

It was also recently announced that "Yatterman" is being turned into a live-action film, directed by Takashi Miike. The movie is due out in the spring of 2009.