Television programmes have always held viewers’ attention with their intriguing plotlines, well-rounded characters, and engrossing drama. Given the abundance of content, it’s understandable that some series have gained such a following that spin-offs have been created, giving fans even more chances to immerse themselves in their favourite universes. In fact, some episodes have been so popular that they’ve spawned a tonne of spin-offs, each with a distinctive take on the main plot.
It can be challenging to understand the dynamics between a popular TV show and its spin-off. On the one hand, viewers of the original programme frequently want to see more of their preferred actors and locations. However, spin-offs run the risk of losing the enchantment of the original and can occasionally come off as money-grabbing attempts that fall short of capturing the essence of what made the first show so adored.
Despite these dangers, several popular TV shows have produced spin-offs that can stand alone as engaging pieces of television. From comedies to dramas, these programmes have figured out how to expand on the settings and characters that viewers have grown to adore while also telling engaging new tales that entice viewers to watch more.
What then qualifies a TV show for spin-offs? It frequently begins with a compelling basic idea or a group of characters that are so well-rounded that they might support their own television series. In other instances, a show may investigate a vast and complex world that is rife with opportunities for brand-new narratives and characters.
Whatever the circumstances, a spin-success off’s ultimately depends on how audiences react to it. Will original show viewers accept the new version or will they dismiss it as a poor imitation? The answer to this query is frequently unpredictable, but some shows have found popularity more than once, spawning spin-offs that are just as successful as the original, if not more so.
The TV shows on this list will be examined in more detail as we examine what made them successful and how they were able to capture lightning in a bottle not just once, but several times. So take a seat back, unwind, and get ready to explore some of the most popular TV franchises ever.
All in the Family (1971 – 1979)
All in the Family made history when it debuted in 1971. The programme introduced viewers to the legendary Archie Bunker character while deftly tackling contentious social issues. But All in the Family’s phenomenal spin-off success really set it apart.
The first was Maude, which starred Bea Arthur as a pioneering feminist. The following film, Good Times, focused on a black family living in a Chicago housing project. The Jeffersons, which centred on the ascent of an African American family living in a luxurious apartment complex, followed. Gloria, 704 Hauser, Archie Bunker’s Place, Checking In, and other subsequent installments of the series examined various facets of the All in the Family world.
But how did All in the Family become a classic that endures? They addressed significant societal concerns while engrossing audiences with believable people and plots. Additionally, the presentations featured a wide spectrum of opinions and experiences that connected with the audience.
Arrow (2012 – 2020)
Arrow is the programme for you if you enjoy superheroes and the DC world. The programme tells the tale of billionaire Oliver Queen, who after spending five years isolated on an island, comes home. Following his return, Oliver adopts the alias “Green Arrow,” a vigilante who battles crime in his own Star City.
A number of spin-offs, including The Flash, Supergirl, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Batwoman, Vixen, and Freedom Fighters: The Ray, were produced as a result of the great success of Arrow. Each spin-off tells the tale of a different superhero and his or her exploits in the localities where they are set.
All of the spin-offs were popular; Supergirl ran for six seasons, The Flash is in its ninth season, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow ran for seven. These spin-offs serve as evidence of the ongoing expansion of the superhero universe.
Cheers (1982 – 1993)
The cast and customers of a Boston bar are the subjects of the popular American sitcom Cheers. The show is still regarded as a masterpiece because of its powerful characters and sharp dialogue. Frasier Crane actor Kelsey Grammer’s career was sparked by the television series.
The most well-known spin-off, Frasier, centres on psychiatrist Frasier Crane, who relocates to Seattle to begin a new life following a divorce. The show was a huge success and ran for 11 seasons because to its sharp comedy and flawless acting.
Another Cheers spin-off, The Tortellis, focuses on the life of Nick Tortelli, Carla Tortelli’s ex-husband, who is also one of the show’s primary characters. Characters from Cheers appear on a few episodes of the hospital drama St. Elsewhere. Last but not least, Wings is a sitcom about two brothers who own a tiny airline in Nantucket and is set in the same universe.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000 – 2015)
A group of forensic investigators were tracked as they solved crimes in Las Vegas in the ground-breaking procedural dr ama CSI. The programme was renowned for its cutting-edge technology, complex puzzles, and compelling performances.
In CSI: Miami, David Caruso oversaw a group of detectives as they investigated crimes in the Sunshine State. Gary Sinise and his team were followed by CSI: New York as they investigated murders in the Big Apple. With Patricia Arquette and her team, CSI: Cyber investigated the world of cybercrime, while CSI: Vegas, the most recent addition, brought back part of the original cast for a resurrection of the original show.
The fascinating field of forensic investigation was further explored by CSI spin-offs, with each programme putting its own unique spin on the format. The riddles had viewers guessing right up until the very end, and the characters were interesting and complex. What else? The CSI franchise is one of the biggest and most connected in television history because to the episodes’ thrilling guest stars and crossovers.
Doctor Who (1963 – 1989, 2005 – present)
Since the early 1960s, the British science fiction programme Doctor Who has been shown on television. The plot of the programme centres on the exploits of the Doctor, a Gallifreyan alien who travels across time and space in a blue police box known as the TARDIS. With a history of more than 50 years, Doctor Who has built a vast universe that is present in a variety of mediums.
Over the years, the show has had a number of spin-offs, including Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures, K-9, and Class. The adventures of a group of alien hunters headquartered in Cardiff are followed in Torchwood, a show that is edgier and more geared towards adults.
Aimed at a younger audience, The Sarah Jane Adventures chronicles the exploits of Sarah Jane Smith, a former companion of the Doctor. The exploits of the Doctor’s robotic dog, K-9, are the focus of the children’s programme K-9. Last but not least, the spin-off Class recounts the exploits of a bunch of Coal Hill Academy students.
Happy Days (1974 – 1984)
With its nostalgic depiction of the 1950s, the popular sitcom Happy Days won over viewers. The programme followed the Cunningham family and their friends as they dealt with Milwaukee’s ups and downs.
The first spin-off, Laverne & Shirley, chronicled the amusing antics of two roommates who worked at a Milwaukee brewery. Then followed the science fiction comedy Mork & Mindy, about an alien and his human roommate. While Out of the Blue and Blansky’s Beauties continued to broaden the Happy Days universe, Joanie Loves Chachi chronicled the romantic exploits of two characters from the original programme.
The nostalgia, humour, and heart that made the original Happy Days show so popular persisted in each of the spin-offs. These characters were adored by the audience, and the spin-offs satisfied their want to see more of them. Additionally, each show had a distinct tone and aesthetic that catered to a variety of fans.
JAG (1995 – 2005)
You’ve probably heard of JAG if you enjoy military dramas. The programme chronicled the Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers’ daily activities as they dealt with the US Navy’s legal difficulties. You might not be aware, though, that JAG was the first in a long line of spin-off series that have kept fans interested for more than 25 years.
When NCIS, the first spin-off, debuted in 2003, it featured a group of agents that looked into crimes within the Navy and Marine Corps. It immediately rose to prominence as one of the most watched programmes on television and gave rise to three successful spin-offs: NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and NCIS: Hawai’i. These shows still draw large audiences today.
What contributed to the success of JAG and its offshoots? Military drama, action, and complicated personalities together have been a winning combination in the past. Viewers have grown attached to the characters over the years, and each episode of the programme has its own distinctive take on the Navy’s world.
Law & Order (1990 – Present)
In the American police procedural drama Law & Order, crimes in New York City are investigated and prosecuted. The police investigation and the trial are the two main focuses of the show’s structure.
Law & Order has over 20 seasons and several Emmy nominations, and it has established itself as a cultural icon. Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: Trial by Jury, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, LA, Law & Order: True Crime, and Law & Order: Organized Crime are just a few of the spin-offs that the show has given rise to. The most well-known spin-off, Law & Order: SVU, follows the Special Victims Unit as they look into crimes of a sexual nature.
Trial by Jury and LA place more of an emphasis on the legal side of the criminal justice system, while Law & Order: Offender Intent presents cases from the viewpoint of the criminal. Last but not least, the most recent spin-off, Organized Crime, tells the tale of former main-series detective Elliot Stabler as he looks into organised crime in New York City.
Star Trek (1966 – 1969)
Few could have foreseen the impact Star Trek would have on popular culture when it originally debuted in 1966. The programme followed the crew of the spaceship Enterprise as they travelled through the galaxy and came across new, exotic worlds and civilizations.
But what really made Star Trek stand out was its upbeat future scenario, in which humanity had conquered its differences and collaborated to explore the cosmos. It’s a concept that has connected with audiences for more than 50 years, inspiring a franchise with numerous spin-off shows.
A new crew and a new Enterprise were presented in the 1987 television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Enterprise were the ones that came after it, each of which looked into a different area of the Star Trek universe. Star Trek: Picard, the most recent addition to the franchise, debuted in 2020 and chronicles the exploits of the adored figure of Jean-Luc Picard. While maintaining the spirit of the original programme, each Star Trek spin-off has brought something fresh to the franchise.
The Vampire Diaries (2009 – 2017)
The Vampire Diaries is a programme you won’t want to miss if you enjoy the paranormal. The programme centres on the life of Elena Gilbert, a high school student who develops feelings for Stefan Salvatore, a vampire. Elena becomes involved in the supernatural world as the plot develops, and she also finds herself in the heart of a love triangle with Stefan and his brother Damon.
Three spin-off shows were created as a result of the great success and devoted fan base of The Vampire Diaries. The original vampire family’s lives and their struggle for dominance in New Orleans were chronicled in the first spin-off, The Originals. A web series called The Originals: The Awakening covers the family’s history and is preceeded in time by the events of The Originals. The life of Hope Mikaelson, the daughter of Klaus Mikaelson and Hayley Marshall, is followed in the third spin-off, Legacies.
The Originals and Legacies both ran for five seasons each thanks to the success of all three spin-offs. These spin-offs are a must-watch for everyone who enjoys the paranormal and the vampire and werewolf subcultures.
