Iconic TV Spinoffs Ranked From Best To Worst
The best spinoffs have flawlessly continued the legacy of their original shows, offering engaging storylines and compelling characters. Conversely, the worst spinoffs have left viewers disappointed, with weak narratives and a lack of connection to the original material.
Whether soaring to new heights or plummeting to the depths, here are some of the best and worst TV spinoffs ever made.
Best: The Jeffersons Is A Cultural Phenomenon
Building upon the success of All in the Family, this sitcom introduced the vibrant and ambitious Jefferson family, tackling timely social issues with humor and grace.
With memorable characters, sharp writing, and groundbreaking portrayals of African American life, The Jeffersons solidified its place in television history as a spinoff that not only thrived but soared to new heights of comedic brilliance and social commentary.
Worst: The Tortellis Fell Short In Comedy
The Tortellis is often regarded as one of the worst TV spinoffs due to its inability to capture the charm and appeal of its parent show, Cheers. Focused on the eccentric and bumbling Tortelli family, the spinoff failed to replicate the wit and ensemble chemistry that made Cheers a hit.
With weak writing, unlikable characters, and a lack of the original's comedic magic, The Tortellis fell short.
Best: Boston Legal Had Thrilling Performances
Boston Legal is widely recognized as one of the best TV spinoffs due to its exceptional blend of sharp writing, brilliant performances, and thought-provoking storytelling. Building upon the success of The Practice, this legal drama created a unique and compelling world that showcased the complex lives and cases of attorneys.
With its witty dialogue, moral dilemmas, and standout performances, the series not only honored its predecessor but surpassed it.
Worst: Mama's Family Lacked On-Screen Chemistry
Mama's Family is often regarded as one of the worst TV spinoffs due to its struggles to capture the magic of its source material, The Carol Burnett Show. Despite the talented cast, the sitcom failed to recapture the comedic brilliance and chemistry of the original sketches.
With lackluster writing, repetitive storylines, and a general feeling of being a watered-down version, Mama's Family didn't live up to its potential.
Best: Family Matters' Breakout Star Shined On TV
Family Matters is widely considered one of the best TV spinoffs due to its unique blend of heartwarming family dynamics and breakout character, Steve Urkel. Initially spun off from Perfect Strangers, this sitcom brilliantly evolved into its own cultural phenomenon, tackling relatable themes with humor and warmth.
With memorable characters, heartfelt storytelling, and its ability to address social issues, Family Matters is now a beloved staple of 90s television.
Worst: Baywatch Nights Didn't Set A Great Tone
Baywatch Nights is often cited as one of the worst TV spinoffs due to its drastic departure from the lighthearted beach drama of its parent show, Baywatch.
With a shift towards supernatural and crime-solving storylines, the spinoff struggled to find its footing and failed to capture the same appeal. With subpar writing, inconsistent tone, and a lack of the iconic beach setting, Baywatch Nights left viewers upset.
Best: Angel Became A Supernatural Success
Angel is widely regarded as one of the best TV spinoffs due to its remarkable ability to carve out its own distinct identity while expanding upon the rich mythology of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
With its brooding protagonist, complex narratives, exploration of redemption, and existential themes, Angel delivered compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and a darker, more mature tone that resonated with audiences.
Worst: Beverly Hills Buntz Left Viewers Upset
Beverly Hills Buntz is often criticized for its inability to capture the charm and success of Hill Street Blues. The spinoff lacked the ensemble dynamics and gritty realism that made its predecessor a classic.
With weak writing, lackluster storylines, and a failure to capture the essence of its source material, Beverly Hills Buntz left viewers disappointed and longing for the original series' compelling police drama.
Best: Rhoda Combined Comedy And Heart
Rhoda is widely regarded as one of the best TV spinoffs due to its ability to successfully transition the beloved character from The Mary Tyler Moore Show into her own captivating series.
With its relatable storylines, endearing characters, and the incredible talent of Valerie Harper, Rhoda showcased a perfect blend of comedy and heart.
Worst: Saved By The Bell: The College Years Lost Its Nostalgia
Saved by the Bell: The College Years couldn't capture the charm and nostalgia of the original series. With the shift to a college setting, the spinoff lost the lightheartedness and relatability that made the original show a hit.
With weak character development, contrived storylines, and a departure from the core dynamics, it left fans longing for the simpler days of Bayside High.
Best: Ed Asner Was The Fan-Favorite On Lou Grant
Lou Grant went through a seamless transition from The Mary Tyler Moore Show into a hard-hitting drama.
With Ed Asner reprising his iconic role as Lou Grant, the series brilliantly explored the world of print journalism, tackling timely issues and showcasing exceptional storytelling. With its stellar cast, gripping narratives, and a perfect balance of drama and social commentary, Lou Grant set the standard for spinoffs.
Worst: The Golden Palace Was Missing A Familiar Face
The Golden Palace failed to capture the magic of The Golden Girls. With the absence of Bea Arthur's beloved character, Dorothy, the spinoff struggled to replicate the witty banter and comedic chemistry that made the original series a hit.
With weak writing, lackluster storylines, and a failure to recapture the essence of its predecessor, The Golden Palace lacked the dynamic quartet of the original Golden Girls.
Best: Laverne & Shirley Are An Iconic TV Duo
Laverne & Shirley stands as one of the best TV spinoffs due to its infectious energy, endearing characters, and undeniable comedic chemistry.
Spun off from Happy Days, this beloved sitcom showcased the hilarious misadventures of the titular duo, capturing the hearts of audiences with its relatable humor, memorable catchphrases, and heartfelt storytelling.
Worst: The Dr. Oz Show Lacked Credibility
The Dr. Oz Show is often criticized as one of the worst TV spinoffs due to its questionable medical advice, sensationalism, and lack of scientific rigor.
While Dr. Mehmet Oz gained popularity as a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, his own show received backlash for promoting pseudoscience, endorsing unproven health products, and potentially misleading viewers.
Best: Kenan & Kel Were Nickelodeon's Funny Guys
Kenan & Kel is celebrated as one of the best TV spinoffs due to the hilarious comedic chemistry between its two talented leads.
Derived from the hit sketch show All That, the sitcom showcased Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell's infectious energy, delivering unforgettable catchphrases, slapstick humor, and memorable characters. Its clever writing and family-friendly humor still make it worth watching today.
Worst: Joanie Loves Chachi Was Forgettable
Joanie Loves Chachi didn't match the magic of Happy Days. With the focus shifting to Joanie and Chachi's romantic escapades, the spinoff lacked the charm, wit, and ensemble chemistry that made the original series a success.
With weak storytelling, forgettable characters, and a departure from the nostalgic appeal, Joanie Loves Chachi failed to resonate with audiences and left fans longing for the nostalgic days of Arnold's Drive-In.
Best: The Colbert Report Delivered Fearless Satire
The Colbert Report is hailed as one of the best TV spinoffs due to its brilliant satire, a razor-sharp wit, and the unparalleled talent of Stephen Colbert.
Spun off from The Daily Show, this mock news program flawlessly showcased Colbert's iconic character, delivering biting political commentary and hilarious segments that satirized the media and political landscape.
Worst: AfterMASH Wasn't Anything Like MASH
AfterMASH didn't even compare to MASH. With a focus on the post-war lives of beloved characters, the spinoff lacked the depth, humor, and compelling storytelling that made MASH a classic.
With weak writing, a shift in tone, and a failure to recreate the original series' magic, AfterMASH fell short of expectations and left viewers longing for the poignant and comedic brilliance of its predecessor.
Best: Frasier Came With Intelligent Humor
Frasier stands as one of the best TV spinoffs due to its exceptional writing, stellar ensemble cast, and intelligent humor. Derived from Cheers, the sitcom masterfully continued the story of Dr. Frasier Crane, delivering witty dialogue, sophisticated storytelling, and a perfect balance of comedy and heartfelt moments.
With its timeless charm, memorable characters, and multiple Emmy Awards, Frasier remains a beloved spinoff that stands tall among television's greatest achievements.
Worst: Joey Suffered As A Sitcom
Joey wasn't anything like Friends. Despite Matt LeBlanc's charismatic performance, the spinoff suffered from weak writing, lackluster storylines, and a failure to recapture the ensemble chemistry that made its predecessor a hit.
With a departure from the beloved Central Perk gang and a lack of memorable characters, Joey left viewers disappointed and longing for the original series' comedic brilliance.
Best: The Flash Stayed True To The Source Material
The Flash is one of the best TV spinoffs due to its thrilling storytelling, charismatic lead performance, and faithful adaptation of the beloved DC Comics character. Derived from Arrow, this superhero series captivated audiences with its engaging plotlines, impressive visual effects, and a perfect blend of action, drama, and heart.
Also, the series had a passionate fanbase, a strong ensemble cast, and a commitment to honoring the source material.
Worst: Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders Lacked Suspense And Emotion
Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders didn't live up to the hype of Criminal Minds. With weak character development, repetitive storylines, and a lack of the original's psychological depth, the spinoff failed to create the same level of suspense and emotional investment.
With lackluster writing and a failure to resonate with viewers, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders left audiences longing for the gripping narratives of its predecessor.
Best: Why Daria Remains A Cult-Classic TV Show
Daria is widely acclaimed as one of the best TV spinoffs due to its brilliant blend of biting satire, relatable characters, and intelligent storytelling.
Spun off from Beavis and Butt-Head, this animated series brilliantly explored the trials and tribulations of its deadpan protagonist, delivering sharp social commentary, witty dialogue, and an authentic portrayal of teenage life.
Worst: The Conners Had A Decline In Quality
The Conners is often criticized as one of the worst TV spinoffs due to its inability to capture the same charm and comedic brilliance of its parent show, Roseanne.
With the absence of its lead character, the spinoff struggled to find its footing, resulting in lackluster writing, contrived storylines, and a notable decline in quality. Despite the efforts of the talented cast, The Conners failed to gain good ratings.
Best: Star Trek: The Next Generation Continued The Legacy
Star Trek: The Next Generation is one of the best TV spinoffs due to its groundbreaking storytelling, compelling characters, and continuation of the Star Trek legacy.
With a fresh cast led by Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the series expertly explored philosophical themes, delivered thought-provoking narratives, and pushed the boundaries of science fiction television.
Worst: Fuller House Didn't Have The Same Charm
Fuller House is often regarded as one of the worst TV spinoffs due to its lackluster writing, forced nostalgia, and reliance on recycled jokes and plotlines.
With a significant absence of key cast members and a heavy reliance on callbacks to the original Full House, the spinoff failed to capture the same heart and charm, resulting in a shallow and uninspired continuation of the beloved sitcom.
Best: Better Call Saul Has Thought-Provoking Stories
Better Call Saul is widely acclaimed as one of the best TV spinoffs due to its masterful storytelling, exceptional character development, and stunning performances.
Derived from Breaking Bad, this prequel delves into the complex backstory of Jimmy McGill, brilliantly portrayed by Bob Odenkirk. The series has meticulous attention to detail, nuanced writing, and excellently explores moral dilemmas.
Worst: That '80s Show Had Weak Characters And Writing
That '80s Show is often considered one of the worst TV spinoffs due to its failure to capture the nostalgia and cultural significance of its predecessor, That '70s Show.
With unconvincing characters, weak writing, and a lack of the original's humor and charm, the spinoff struggled to resonate with audiences, resulting in a forgettable and disappointing attempt to capitalize on the success of its predecessor.
Best: The Simpsons Has Evolved With The Times
The Simpsons is hailed as one of the best TV spinoffs due to its unparalleled longevity, iconic characters, and unmatched cultural impact.
Starting out as a segment on The Tracey Ullman Show, this animated sitcom revolutionized the genre, delivering sharp social commentary, hilarious satire, and heartwarming family dynamics that are rarely found in animated shows.
Worst: Galactica 1980's Production Value Was Weak
Galactica 1980 is often regarded as one of the worst TV spinoffs due to its significant departure from the quality and appeal of its parent show, Battlestar Galactica.
With a noticeable decline in production values, weak storytelling, and an ill-fitting shift to a more lighthearted tone, the spinoff failed to capture the same epic scope and engaging narratives.
