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There’s something uniquely fun about a TV spin-off – it’s like revisiting old friends in a new place or meeting side characters – ones that you thought you would never meet again but hadn’t realized you wanted to know better.
What’s also oddly thrilling about spin-offs is how they surprise us. Some go in directions we never expected. And in certain instances, these shows even outshine their original outings, taking on lives of their own. (And no, shows likeHow I Met Your Fatherdo not get a mention on this list) Here’s a ranking of 30 of the best TV spin-offs ever, considering their popularity, quality, and if they indeed, lived up to or superseded the original.
30Joey (NBC)
Spun From:FriendsOriginal Airdates:2004–2006
WhenFriendsended, NBC wasn’t ready to say goodbye entirely, so they took the next logical step: give Joey Tribbiani, the lovable goofball played byMatt LeBlanc, his own series. With the love the character enjoyed, studios would’ve thought it was a home run.Joeyfollows the character as he moves to Los Angeles, trying to make it as an actor and create a new life for himself.
It seemed like a good idea on paper, but it didn’t capture the same magic.Joeystruggled without the chemistry of his original crew, and though it had moments of humor, it just couldn’t matchFriendsin charm or staying power.
29Private Practice (ABC)
Spun From:Grey’s AnatomyOriginal Airdates:2007–2013
Taking Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) out of the Grey’s Anatomy hospital drama and into her practice in California, Private Practice gave her a chance to shine outside of Seattle – a recurring theme in this list. Addison, who was initially introduced as the “other woman” in Derek and Meredith’s story, evolved into a character audiences loved, which is why Shonda Rhimes thought she could carry her show.
The series leaned into medical drama but with a small splash of California sunshine. Though it found a loyal following, it didn’t quite reach the same cult status asGrey’s, and some fans missed the chemistry of the original cast.
28The Cleveland Show (Fox)
Spun From:Family GuyOriginal Airdates:2009–2013
Seth MacFarlane’sThe Cleveland Showtook a background character fromFamily Guy, Cleveland Brown, and gave him a starring role in a TV show. The series follows Cleveland as he moves back to his hometown, marries his high school sweetheart, and finds himself dealing with a new family dynamic.
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WhileFamily Guyfans might appreciate some of the humor,The Cleveland Showdidn’t quite stand out from its predecessor. Although it had a few standout episodes and added some diversity to the animated sitcom scene, it wasn’t able to live up to the zany, over-the-top charm ofFamily Guy.
27Young Sheldon (CBS)
Spun From:The Big Bang TheoryOriginal Airdates:2017–present
Young Sheldonmoves the focus from the full nerdy adult gang onThe Big Bang Theoryto just one character — Sheldon Cooper — and his life growing up as a genius in a small Texas town. We see his family life, particularly his close relationship with his mother and his struggles fitting in as a gifted kid in a regular school.
Young Sheldonbrings a softer, more heartfelt tone than its parent show, with more family-centered humor. Fans ofBig Bangget a deeper look into what made Sheldon the quirky character they love.
26Angel (The WB)
Spun From:Buffy the Vampire SlayerOriginal Airdates:1999–2004
When the vampire-with-a-soul, Angel (David Boreanaz), leftBuffy the Vampire Slayer, he got his own show and headed to Los Angeles to become a supernatural detective.Angeldived into darker and murkier territory thanBuffy, focusing on themes like redemption, morality, and the challenge of doing the right thing in a world filled with evil.
Angel’s brooding presence fit the tone perfectly, and with a mix of supernatural action and strong character arcs,Angelquickly found a fan base that it could call its own. It may not have hadBuffy’s chops, but there is a cult appreciation for this one.
25Good Times (CBS)
Spun From:MaudeOriginal Airdates:1974–1979
Starting as a spin-off ofMaude,Good Timestook Florida Evans, the former maid ofMaude, and put her family front and center. Set in a Chicago housing project,Good Timestackled serious issues facing African American families with heart and an unflinching honesty for its time.
Jimmie Walker’s character J.J. became a breakout star with his signature catchphrase“Dy-no-mite!”But it was the whole Evans family that made the show resonate with a larger audience — facing hardships with resilience,Good Timesgave a voice to stories rarely seen on TV in the 70s.
24NCIS (CBS)
Spun From:JAGOriginal Airdates:2003–present
WhileJAGwas more focused on courtroom drama within the military,NCISfound its niche as a procedural that mixed crime-solving with a bit of quirky humor. Led by Mark Harmon’s stern but lovable Gibbs,NCISintroduced a team of specialists handling crimes related to the Navy and Marine Corps.
The show’s combination of forensic science, intriguing cases, and memorable characters struck a chord, launching it into a phenomenon with multiple spin-offs of its own. Today,NCISis a procedural powerhouse, proving its persistent power year after year.
23A Different World (NBC)
Spun From:The Cosby ShowOriginal Airdates:1987–1993
Originally focused on Denise Huxtable’s college experience,A Different Worldquickly found its own rhythm when Denise left and the show refocused on an ensemble cast of students at Hillman College, a fictional HBCU (Historically Black College/University). It tackled big issues like race, gender, and economic disparity with sensitivity; no wonder it resonates deeply with certain audiences.
It became especially popular for its honest portrayal of Black college life, creating an impact that went beyond TV. It is this show’s characters that made it one of the more impactful spin-offs of its time.
22Melrose Place (Fox)
Spun From:Beverly Hills, 90210Original Airdates:1992–1999
Melrose Placewas a spin-off from90210, originally intended to bring a more mature tone to the hit teen show’s audience. It, however, quickly found its own voice (and ratings) with over-the-top storylines. Heather Locklear’s Amanda Woodward, a ruthless advertising exec, stole the show and became one of TV’s most iconic villains.
The series thrived on simplistic and dramatic twists, like love triangles, shocking betrayals, and of course, that unforgettable pool scene.Melrose Placebecame a soap opera sensation in its own right, thanks to its unabashed embrace of scandal.
21Fear the Walking Dead (AMC)
Spun From:The Walking DeadOriginal Airdates:2015–present
Fear the Walking Deadtook fans back to the early days of the zombie apocalypse, a periodThe Walking Deadhad largely skipped over. Set in Los Angeles (and later in various other locations), the show explores how ordinary people’s lives are shattered by the emergence of zombies.
Though it began as a prequel,Fearhas developed its own identity, characters, and storylines over time. Fans ofThe Walking Deadget a fresh perspective on familiar horrors, though some felt it lacked the intense drama of the original. Over time, however, it has carved out its place in the franchise.
20Mork & Mindy (ABC)
Spun From:Happy DaysOriginal Airdates:1978–1982
WhenHappy Daysintroduced Mork, an alien played byRobin Williams, many were intrigued by his quirky, offbeat humor. As it often happens with Williams, the character was so popular that he eventually got his own show —Mork & Mindy— set in Boulder, Colorado, where Mork tries to learn about human life and figure out Earth’s seemingly strange customs.
Robin Williams’ performance brought the show to life with his improvisational brilliance and physical comedy, making Mork one of the most beloved characters of his time.Mork & Mindy, when looking back, was a unique mix of sci-fi and comedy, and it became a pop culture hit thanks to Williams’ energy.
19Torchwood (BBC)
Spun From:Doctor WhoOriginal Airdates:2006–2011
As one ofDoctor Who’s most ambitious spin-offs,Torchwoodtook a darker, edgier approach to theDoctor Whouniverse. Focusing on Captain Jack Harkness, an immortal character first introduced onDoctor Who,Torchwoodexplores his work with a covert organization investigating extraterrestrial threats.
The show was more raw than its parent series, with relatively mature themes, complex character relationships, and high-stakes stories.Torchwoodgave fans ofDoctor Whoa fresh, intense look into the world beyond the Doctor’s adventures.
18The Jeffersons (CBS)
Spun From:All in the FamilyOriginal Airdates:1975–1985
Spinning off fromAll in the Family,The Jeffersonsfollowed George and Louise Jefferson, the Bunkers’ Black neighbors, as they “moved on up” from Queens to the Upper East Side of Manhattan. With a mix of humor and social commentary,The Jeffersonsaddressed issues like racism, class, and family in a way that was accessible and memorable.
Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford brought so much charisma to George and Louise, the show had to be a major hit. It ran for over a decade and remains a classic in the genre of sitcoms that aren’t afraid to tackle tough issues.
17The Colbert Report (Comedy Central)
Spun From:The Daily Show with Jon StewartOriginal Airdates:2005–2014
What started as a parody of conservative punditry onThe Daily Showevolved into one of the funniest and sharpest political satire shows on television. Stephen Colbert, as the fictionalized version of himself, took on issues with a satirical taste, lampooning everyone from politicians to media personalities.
The Colbert Reportwasn’t just funny; it was so much more than that – insightful and pushing viewers to think critically about media and politics. Colbert’s “character” became so well-known that when he moved toThe Late Show, fans mourned the loss of his satirical alter-ego. For nine years,The Colbert Reportwas a comedic tour-de-force in late-night TV.
16Flash (CW)
Spun From:ArrowOriginal Airdates:2014–2023
When Barry Allen made his first appearance inArrow, fans immediately latched onto his quick-on-the-feet feel and compelling backstory.The Flashtook the fast-paced hero and gave him his own story, filled with villains, close relationships, and big moral questions.
It brought a lighter, more hopeful tone to the CW’s superhero lineup, perhaps, in an attempt to balance action with heartwarming moments. Grant Gustin’s portrayal of Barry made the character both relatable and heroic, winning the show a loyal fanbase and ensuring it became one of the CW’s most popular series.
15Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC)
Spun From:Law & OrderOriginal Airdates:1999–present
SVUtook the classicLaw & Orderformula and added an emotional depth by focusing on crimes of sexual violence and abuse. Led by Mariska Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson, the series went beyond the typical procedural format, developing character arcs that highlighted the impact of these cases on both victims and detectives.
Hargitay’s performance made Benson an iconic character in TV history, and her dedication to the role has madeSVUone of the longest-running dramas on television. With its sensitive handling of difficult topics,SVUfound a loyal fan base and inspired other shows to take on similar subjects.
14House of the Dragon (HBO)
Spun From:Game of ThronesOriginal Airdates:2022–present
As a prequel to the highly successfulGame of Thrones,House of the Dragonlooks at the history of House Targaryen and the events leading to the infamous Civil War – the Dance of the Dragons.
With a promising start, and building on it with another impactful season, the series is picking up steam and is being appreciated by both audiences and critics for its high production value and complex characters. While it faces the challenge of living up to its predecessor’s legacy, its initial reception indicates that it may carve out its own identity.
13The Mandalorian (Disney+)
Spun From:Star WarsUniverseOriginal Airdates:2019–present
TheStar Warsuniverse is rich with stories. ButThe Mandalorianbecame a true fan favorite thanks to its Western-inspired storytelling, new characters, and, of course, the introduction of “The Child” (aka Baby Yoda). How it’s shot and produced is a cherry on top for hardcore film-making enthusiasts.
Following Din Djarin, a lone bounty hunter through the galaxy,The Mandalorianhas action, humor, and heart in a way that feels both fresh and rooted in classicStar Warslore. It’s one of the most successful examples of a franchise spin-off and can capture the imagination of both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
12Star Trek: The Next Generation (Syndicated)
Spun From:Star TrekOriginal Airdates:1987–1994
After the originalStar Trekseries became a cult classic, expectations were high forThe Next Generation. Initially met with skepticism,TNGquickly won over fans withPatrick Stewart’sCaptain Jean-Luc Picard and an incredible ensemble cast.
The show truly expanded on theStar Trekuniverse with more sophistication and became a phenomenon in its own right.TNGnot only reinvigorated the franchise but set the stage for futureStar Trekseries. With its focus on philosophical themes and rich world-building,TNGremains a high point in the sci-fi genre.
11The Andy Griffith Show (CBS)
Spun From:The Danny Thomas ShowOriginal Airdates:1960–1968
The Andy Griffith Showintroduced us to Mayberry, a small town filled with quirky, lovable characters led by the kind and wise Sheriff Andy Taylor. Originally appearing onThe Danny Thomas Show, Griffith’s character became an instant hit, prompting CBS to give him his own series.
With its rather gentle humor and charming slice-of-life storytelling,The Andy Griffith Showis an enduring classic. Don Knotts as Barney Fife stole the show with his hilarious antics, and the series still holds a special place in the hearts of viewers for its wholesome depiction of small-town life.
10CSI: Miami (CBS)
Spun From:CSI: Crime Scene InvestigationOriginal Airdates:2002–2012
CSI: Miamitook the hit forensic drama format ofCSIand transplanted it to the sunny, sometimes seedy streets of Miami. David Caruso’s sunglasses-wearing, one-liner-dropping Horatio Caine became iconic, and the show was known for its dramatic style and intense cases.
With its vibrant colors and its unique vibe,CSI: Miamiset itself apart and quickly became a fan favorite. The show maintained high ratings and eventually inspired a host of spin-offs within theCSIuniverse. While doing so, it kind of proved the point that crime scene investigation could be as compelling as it was entertaining.
9Rhoda (CBS)
Spun From:The Mary Tyler Moore ShowOriginal Airdates:1974–1978
As Mary Richards’ best friend onThe Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda Morgenstern was so lovable that fans had to see more of her.Rhodafollows her life back in New York City, where she lives through tribulations of love, work, and family with her trademark wit and warmth.
Valerie Harper’s portrayal of Rhoda earned her an Emmy, and the show was celebrated for its funny, relatable take on single life in the city. The series managed to maintain the charm ofMary Tyler Moorewhile allowing Rhoda’s personality to shine.
8Laverne & Shirley (ABC)
Spun From:Happy DaysOriginal Airdates:1976–1983
Introduced as two factory workers onHappy Days, Laverne DeFazio (Penny Marshall) and Shirley Feeney (Cindy Williams) were such a hit that they knew more of it was required.Laverne & Shirleyfollow the two best friends who navigate work, relationships, and all kinds of wacky misadventures in 1950s Milwaukee.
The show’s slapstick humor and lovable, quirky characters quickly made it one of the top-rated sitcoms of its time. And Marshall and Williams’ chemistry was undeniable, with their portrayal of friendship making the show something special.
7The Bionic Woman (ABC/NBC)
Spun From:The Six Million Dollar ManOriginal Airdates:1976–1978
The Bionic Womanfollows Jaime Sommers, a former tennis pro who becomes a government agent after a near-fatal accident leaves her with bionic enhancements. The show offered an empowering female perspective within the action genre and was groundbreaking in its portrayal of a female superhero. Lindsay Wagner’s role as Jaime earned her a loyal fanbase, andThe Bionic Womanbecame a sci-fi classic, inspiring later female-led action shows
6Xena: Warrior Princess (Syndicated)
Spun From:Hercules: The Legendary JourneysOriginal Airdates:1995–2001
Xena started as a villain onHercules: The Legendary Journeys, but her popularity was so intense that she was given her own show.Xena: Warrior Princesstook the legendary Greek warrior and made her a hero, with themes of redemption, friendship, and courage littered across the show (Even though the show was intended for a younger audience).
Lucy Lawless became a cultural icon as Xena, and her adventures with Gabrielle became a staple for fans of fantasy and action. The show’s campy yet liberating style was a hit, and Xena remains a pioneering female character in the action genre.
5Futurama (Fox)
Spun From:The SimpsonsOriginal Airdates:1999–2013
When Matt Groening took his talents into the future withFuturama, he concocted a sci-fi comedy that would rivalThe Simpsonsin wit and imagination. Following Fry, a slacker who wakes up 1,000 years in the future, and his misfit crew,Futuramabecame a cult classic for its clever jokes, touching moments, and satirical take on society.
While it didn’t reachThe Simpsons‘ commercial success, it’s loved for its own voice in storytelling and the slew of memorable characters.
4Better Call Saul (AMC)
Spun From:Breaking BadOriginal Airdates:2015–2022
WhenBreaking Badfans heard that Saul Goodman, Walter White’s hilariously shady and offbeat lawyer, was getting his show, the reaction was mixed. Could it really live up to Breaking Bad’s legacy? A fair concern, no doubt. However, not only didBetter Call Saulsucceed, it became a masterpiece and then some, giving us the complex, tragic backstory of Jimmy McGill (Saul’s real name).
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The show takes a deep plunge into moral ambiguity, with brilliant performances fromBob Odenkirkand Rhea Seehorn, and has often been praised as one of the best prequels ever. ForBreaking Badfans, it would be a shame to miss this one.
3Daria (MTV)
Spun From:Beavis and Butt-HeadOriginal Airdates:1997–2002
Daria Morgendorffer’s dry wit and keen observations struck a chord with viewers who found themselves less than impressed with high school norms.Dariatook this background character fromBeavis and Butt-Headand put her into a world that perfectly matched her sarcasm and intellect.
The show became an interesting and alternate look at high school from the perspective of someone who didn’t fit in, making it a relatable favorite for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.
2Frasier (NBC)
Spun From:CheersOriginal Airdates:1993–2004
AfterCheersended, NBC took a gamble onKelsey Grammer’scharacter, Frasier Crane, and it paid off in a big way.Frasierfollows the psychiatrist’s life in Seattle, where he works as a radio host and tries to navigate relationships with his eccentric brother Niles, their gruff father Martin, and a host of other quirky characters.
Known for its witty, sophisticated humor,Frasierbecame a critical darling, winning a record 37 Emmy Awards. It’s one of those rare spin-offs that arguably surpassed its original in terms of both acclaim and popularity, remaining beloved for its smart writing and memorable cast.
1The Simpsons (Fox)
Spun From:The Tracey Ullman ShowOriginal Airdates:1989–present
Who could’ve guessed that a few animated shorts onThe Tracey Ullman Showwould turn into the longest-running scripted series in American television history?The Simpsonshas been around since 1989, following the lives of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie in the town of Springfield.
Its sharp satire, memorable characters, and incredible cultural impact makeThe Simpsonsone of the most iconic and well-remembered TV shows of all time. (It’s still going on!) It’s, moreover, been credited with influencing countless others, sometimes predicting the future, and remains beloved for its ability to capture (and skewer) the quirks of American life.
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Whether you’re after the laughs, action, or drama, these spin-offs prove that sometimes, the second act is just as good (or better) than the first.
Jayant Chhabra
Articles Published :123
Jayant Chhabra is a long-form writer and Creative Producer, who has worked with several renowned publications and production houses. Yet, there’s more to Jayant than meets the word count. You’ll find him cheering for the Red Devils, trying to produce music, or yet again being enamoured by the countless films, essays, and books that he holds close to his heart.
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