In TV spin-offs, the sequel can occasionally surpass the original in surprising ways. These 30 spin-offs demonstrated that they were more than just a continuation, they were exceptional in their own right, with fan-favorite characters receiving their series and inventive new storylines.
1. “Xena: Warrior Princess”
It is pretty easy to see why Xena (Lucy Lawless) was a more popular, likable, and stronger hero character than Kevin Sorbo’s Hercules. Yes, Lawless’ character was spun off from Hercules but went on to run for six seasons (1995-2001), notably in first-run syndication.
2. “The Simpsons”
Did you know that a short vignette from a 1987 episode of The Tracey Ullman Show turned into a primetime animated juggernaut of a series that’s still running after debuting in 1989? Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie, and an unforgettable cast of supporting characters continue to draw laughs at a consistently high rate.
3. “Star Trek: The Next Generation”
It might be sacrilege to claim another Star Trek-related programming on the big or small screen was better than the original William Shatner-Leonard Nimoy classic. However, when it comes to modern-day popularity, it’s hard to top the passion and support fans have for The Next Generation.
4. “Pinky and the Brain”
Pinky and the Brain was born out of the popular Animaniacs cartoon in 1993, which still enjoys a cult following to this day. These genetically enhanced laboratory mice are smart, sarcastic, and quite sly, but always so entertaining. The show ran from 1995-98, but the characters have lived on in various Tiny Toons projects.
5. “NCIS”
What started as a two-episode arc has turned into a more than 20-year run that produced spin-offs of its own. There is just something about this military police procedural that not only keeps fans coming back season after season but also wants more avenues to enjoy the NCIS brand.
6. “Law & Order: SVU”
While everybody loves the original recipe Law & Order, which got it all started, the edgier, gritty, and more emotionally intense SVU (Special Victims Unit) is one of the greatest procedural television dramas of all time. Since it debuted in 1999, SVU continues to deliver, thanks in part to a stellar cast led by Mariska Hargitay as venerable detective Olivia Benson and her partner Elliot Stabler (Chris Meloni).
7. “The Jeffersons”
The Jeffersons ran for 11 seasons (1975-85), two years longer than All in the Family. And, while Archie Bunker and Co. were edgy and innovative, The Jeffersons was groundbreaking in that it portrayed a wealthy black family, and how they dealt with serious racial and societal issues.
8. “The Hills”
A spin-off of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, this show was arguably more popular while following the lives of younger adults in Los Angeles. It was another reality show that made no-namers like Lauren Conrad, Heidi Montag, Audrina Patridge, and Spencer Pratt into household names within the realm of cable pop culture for doing nothing but looking good.
9. “Happy Days”
Sitcom fans of a certain age know that the pilot for Happy Days (1974-84) was an episode of the popular ABC anthology series Love, American Style from 1972. It was eventually turned into a series, and the rest is television and pop culture history, as even the most casual fan of network TV knows about Fonz, Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph, Mr. and Mrs. C, and “Arnold’s.”
10. “Good Times”
Good Times was a spin-off of Maude, starring Bea Arthur, which was itself a spin-off of All in the Family. Now, for the sake of this highlight, the point is that Good Times (1974-79), which featured the first two-parent Black household to be featured on network television, was a more entertaining and important series than Maude.
11. “Emergency!”
Most fans of this classic 1970s series didn’t realize it was a spin-off of the popular half-hour cop drama Adam-12. And, in the annals of fireman and EMS portrayals on television, this show arguably remains the most beloved for Baby Boomers and a certain portion of Gen X.
12. “The Flash”
This tale of the famed DC Comics everyman Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) the crime-scene investigator who gains super-human speed powers following a lab explosion, ran from 2014-2023 and was consistently praised for highlighting one of the more underrated superheroes of all time.
13. “Family Matters”
Family Matters slotted nicely into ABC’s “TGIF” lineup of comedies and successfully ran from 1989-98. Payton opened the door for this sitcom about a middle-class Black family in Chicago, but it was veteran actor Reginald VelJohnson, as Harriet’s husband, and Jaleel White’s iconic Steve Urkel who truly made the show a lasting hit.
14. “The Facts of Life”
Diff’rent Strokes was obviously a likable sitcom and made Gary Coleman a lovable child star. However, when it came to consistent laughs, The Facts of Life remains one of the best ’80s sitcoms. Edna Garrett (Charlotte Rae) went from housekeeper for the Diff’rent Strokes’ Drummond Family to housemother, then dietitian at Eastland, an all-girls boarding school in Peekskill, N.Y.
15. “Elsbeth”
For those unfamiliar with this Carrie Preston character from The Good Wife (2009-16) and The Good Fight (2017-22), Elsbeth Tascioni delivered some memorable appearances on both shows as a quirky, comically inquisitive attorney. Two years after The Good Fight ended, Elsbeth got her show, though this time she turned her legal knowledge into a career as a de facto detective now living in New York.
16. “Degrassi: The Next Generation”
The Degrassi franchise of teen drama television began with The Kids of Degrassi Street (1979-86), followed by Degrassi Junior High (1987-89) and Degrassi High (1989-91). Then there was the long-running Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001-15), which was likely the most hard-hitting, intense, and addictive of those series that came before or after.
17. “Daria”
Beavis and Butt-Head remains one of the most popular in MTV history. However, there’s not much substance there. That’s why it can be seriously argued that this spin-off involving a fringe character is time better spent. Bitter and jaded, animated Daria Morgendorffer is a cynical, intelligent teenager who navigates her high school years with her best friend Jane Lane.
18. “The Colbert Report”
The Daily Show continues to trudge on, but one of the best things to come of the Comedy Central favorite was The Colbert Report. With former TDS correspondent Stephen Colbert at the helm, The Colbert Report (2005-14) was funnier and more sarcastic than its originator.
19. “Boston Legal”
Among shows in consideration for the unofficial title of greatest spin-off, Boston Legal should be in the running. Coming from The Practice (1997-2004), Boston Legal (2004-08) followed Alan Shore, the talented, often morally suspect lawyer, and his colleagues.
20. “Angel”
The television version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer was iconic in its own right. However, when it came to the overall better series, from storylines to intriguing characters to general drama, it was tough to beat Angel (1999-2004). Angel star David Boreanaz had already earned a sizable following from his days playing the character on Buffy, so it was only natural he would get his show.
21. “Frasier”
In his spin-off, Frasier Crane, who had previously been a quirky supporting character, became the main character and produced a far more intelligent and humorous sitcom. This show became one of the most critically acclaimed sitcoms of all time thanks to its brilliant writing and outstanding performances.
22. “Better Call Saul”
At first glance, this show appeared to be a straightforward prequel, but it quickly developed into an engrossing character analysis of Jimmy McGill’s development into Saul Goodman. The program has even received more accolades than its predecessor for its careful storytelling and in-depth examination of moral complexity.
23. “Mork & Mindy”
Taking the oddball, alien character of Mork from Happy Days, Mork & Mindy introduced him to a hugely popular program that helped define humor in the 1970s. The show was more memorable than it first appeared because of its original concept and Robin Williams’ excellent improvisation.
24. “Better Things”
Pamela Adlon’s Better Things, which began as a supporting role in Louis C.K.’s Louie, evolved into a complex examination of parenthood, work, and identity. The series was widely praised for its genuine storytelling and emotional depth, with many people finding it more captivating than its predecessor.
25. “The Crown”
The Crown extended the dynamics of the royal family in a far more comprehensive, lavishly produced series, whereas The Queen functioned as a historical drama centered on Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. The first movie was greatly outshone by the show’s enormous critical and financial success.
26. “Supergirl”
This show, which began as a spin-off from Arrow, developed into a stand-alone superhero series with interesting plots and characters. Its combination of humor, political criticism, and female empowerment won it a following that frequently thought it was better than the more somber Arrow.
27. “Vikings: Valhalla”
Following a new generation of legendary warriors, the spin-off to the historical drama Vikings focused on the world of Norse mythology. Compared to its predecessor, Valhalla has a greater appeal to contemporary audiences due to its novel viewpoint and action scenes that move more quickly.
28. “Young Sheldon”
This show adopted a different strategy by concentrating on Sheldon Cooper’s early years, whilst The Big Bang Theory was adored, many fans now favor the spin-off over the original series because of its endearing family dynamic and humorous moments.
29. “The Mandalorian”
This show was a spin-off from the cherished Star Wars universe that revolutionized the brand by introducing new characters and emphasizing adventure. The show received great accolades for its storyline and strong bond with Star Wars fans, which in some ways made it better than the movies.
30. “The Good Fight”
This TV show strengthens the groundwork established by The Good Wife by adding a more acerbic and politically charged tone. It has received more critical acclaim than its predecessor because of its outstanding performances and critical commentary on contemporary themes.
