Spinoffs involve characters that were in a previous show, but with a different focus on their own story
There are many spinoffs that have been released over the past few years. Here are some that worked…
The Simpsons
Many forget that The Simpsons started off as short sketches on The Tracey Ullman Show.
These were created by Matt Groening and animated by the studio Klasky Csupo.
In 1989, Groening joined forces with Fox by taking the yellow family of Springfield and developing it into a weekly half-hour show.
34 seasons and 740 episodes later, the show is clearly showing no signs of slowing down.
Better Call Saul
Seven years before Breaking Bad, it chronicles Jimmy McGill’s downfall as a court lawyer, transforming himself into Saul Goodman.
The show was hailed as an immediate critical success thanks to its fleshed-out characters and a well-realized storyline.
Frasier
The show focuses on Frasier Crane, a psychiatrist who returns to his hometown of Seattle and makes a fresh start as a radio show host.
A spin-off of the long-running sitcom Cheers, it is one of the greatest in television history.
It won 37 Emmy Awards during its 11-season run, and production on a revival series has only just started.
The Flash
This is the first spin-off of The CW’s Arrowverse universe which is based on characters from DC Comics.
The show is about Barry Allen who gets hit by a bolt of lightning and is gifted with superhuman speed.
It paved way for new shows in this universe with Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl and Black Lighting.
Then there are others that sadly did not work…
Joey
Joey Tribbiani had his own show after leaving Monica and Chandler’s apartment.
He moves to Hollywood to not only try to be an actor but to also reunite with his family relatives.
Despite his presence, the show sadly did not have Friends’ charm and heart.
It got pulled off after 2 seasons due to viewership ratings falling to an all-time low.
How I Met Your Father
Premiering on Hulu last year, the long-awaited spinoff to How I Met Your Mother was unfortunately not worth the wait.
It simply lacked the quality and humour that the original show was known for.
It is currently on its second season but I am doubtful that a new season will be greenlit.
That 80s Show
A show was so bad that fans of That 70s Show want to completely forget that it actually exists.
It suffered from lifeless characters, poor production values, and most of all comedy that fell completely flat on its face.
After only 1 season with 13 episodes, Fox saw enough and cancelled the show.
Fuller House
This Netflix show is a continuation of the famous American sitcom Full House with most of the original cast returning.
The show was not well received because of its repetitive formula and is clearly aimed towards fans of the previous show.
Have you watched any of these spinoffs?