Every so often, a television series will produce a spinoff show, and that’s why we are here to talk about 5 Spinoff shows. Frequently, the spinoff shows do okay, but they might be canceled after one or two seasons. They’re largely forgotten. But once in a while, the spinoff shows will catch lightning in a bottle. They may even end up becoming more popular than the original. Let’s check out 5 Spinoff Shows that ended up gaining a wider audience than the original.
5 Spinoff Shows That Proved Better Than The Original
A spinoff is a show generated by the original TV series, following a character into their own life and world. While it incorporates many elements similar to the initial show, the spinoff typically goes in a different direction, endearing even more viewers to the show. Let’s take a look at those 5 Spinoff Shows that stole the limelight.
1. NCIS
NCIS stands for Naval Criminal Investigation Service. Many people don’t realize that the 22-season-long show actually came from JAG (Judge Advocate General), starring David James Elliott and Catherine Bell. NCIS was born in a perfect spot where crime lab shows were all the rage. It’s still running strong today, with several spinoffs of its own. It definitely deserves a place on the top five spinoff shows list.
2. The Jeffersons
All in the Family had as much love as it did squabbling. The show followed working-class husband and father, Archie Bunker, who quibbled constantly with his family over almost everything. Their neighbors, the Jeffersons, George and Louise, ended up getting their own spinoff show, The Jeffersons, which ran a couple of seasons longer. Both shows were amazing and not afraid to touch on racial issues.
3. Law & Order: SVU
Show creator Dick Wolf might want to wear rubber soled shoes, as he has created lightning in a bottle many times with his Law & Order franchise! Wolf has had multiple spinoffs, but the one we’re focused on is Law & Order: SVU. Although his flagship show, Law & Order, is still on today, Law & Order: SVU has now eclipsed it by two seasons.
4. The Simpsons
What isn’t cool and noteworthy about The Simpsons? It’s been on the air for over four decades, it’s had multiple guest stars, and it’s even predicted the future! So now we’re learning it’s a spinoff? Seriously? Many people don’t know that it’s from The Tracey Ullman Show. Dan Castellaneta and Julie Kavner got their start with Ullman, where they originated their beloved characters of Homer and Marge! Such a legacy deserves to be in the 5 Spinoff Shows list.
5. Better Call Saul
Breaking Bad was certainly a groundbreaking series. Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Giancarlo Esposito, and Jonathan Banks (among others) all gave outstanding performances. Another character, sleazy lawyer Saul Goodman (played fantastically by Bob Odenkirk), became an important figure in the show. Better Call Saul came out just after Breaking Bad ended, following Jimmy McGill as he became attorney Saul Goodman. Although both series in their own right did very well, Better Call Saul lasted a little longer and made Bob Odenkirk a household name. We would love to see where Jimmy/Saul ends up after his prison time. It’s all good, man.
Wrapping Up
A couple of honorable mentions include The Jetsons, which came from the beloved series The Flintstones, though both shows were successful. Also, The Flash originated from Arrow, and it had good reviews on the CW. Last but not least, Happy Days came from Love, American Style. Then, Laverne & Shirley came from Happy Days! In a similar fashion, The Facts of Life sprouted from Diff’rent Strokes. So, as you can see, these five spinoff shows we listed went in favorable directions, and loyal viewers became engaged in the second and third “chapters,” so to speak!
