Unbelievable TV Spinoffs That Outshine the Original - Ranked!

This article briefly mentions sexual assault and abuse.

The idea of spinoffs has been prevalent for decades, and certain TV spinoffs have actually outperformed their original shows. Developing a new series based on preexisting material can be a gamble, but spinoffs such as Frasier, Better Call Saul, and The Good Fight have triumphed by establishing their own distinct identity. Naturally, not every spinoff can match the accomplishments or popularity of its predecessor. Nevertheless, spinoffs offer an excellent opportunity to offer a fresh perspective that warrants deeper examination.

There is tremendous potential in original shows that can be nurtured by creating a spinoff. Spinoffs offer the advantage of capitalizing on the success of their parent shows. They present an opportunity to further develop the characters by placing them in a fresh environment and crafting their own storylines. Additionally, spinoffs serve as an excellent means to address any unanswered questions from the main show. A TV spinoff possesses the capability to evolve into a timeless series in its own right, surpassing even the show it originated from.

10 Law & Order: SVU

Law & Order has been a fixture in American homes since its premiere on NBC in 1990. The beloved series has spawned eight spin-offs, including Law & Order: SVU. While the original Law & Order delves into homicides and courtroom procedures, Law & Order: SVU tackles the sensitive subjects of sexual crimes and domestic violence. Boasting an impressive 24 seasons and 538 episodes, Law & Order: SVU holds the distinction of being one of the longest-running scripted primetime shows in American television history.

9 The Flash

Law & Order: SVU has achieved greater success than the original show for various reasons. It fearlessly tackles complex subject matters such as rape, child abuse, and domestic violence. The show is widely recognized for its genuine and sensitive exploration of challenging social issues. Law & Order: SVU features remarkable characters, particularly the powerful female protagonist, Olivia Benson. Olivia has garnered a loyal fan base and played a pivotal role in the show's remarkable rise to fame. Despite drawing inspiration from real-life events, it is important to acknowledge that Law & Order: SVU does not always accurately portray criminal law.

The introduction of Arrow in 2012 marked a significant turning point in the emergence of superhero TV shows within the DC universe. The immense popularity and triumph of the series set the stage for successful spinoffs in the Arrowverse, such as The Flash, which ultimately surpassed its predecessor. By capitalizing on Arrow's accomplishments and taking note of its shortcomings, The Flash was able to deliver an even more refined and visually appealing experience.

While the visual effects in Arrow were less than impressive, The Flash delivered stunning visual effects and exhilarating action sequences. Grant Gustin, the lead actor, flawlessly embodied the speedster, showcasing incredible charm, a sharp sense of humor, and undeniable charisma that perfectly captured the essence of a superhero. In terms of the ensemble, The Flash surpassed Arrow by miles. Each supporting character flawlessly portrayed their roles, and the show remained true to its comic book origins, creating captivating season arcs that expanded the show's repertoire.

8 Angel

Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Joss Whedon's iconic horror TV series, has achieved cult status and continues to captivate fans today. Although numerous spinoff projects were initially planned, only one managed to come to fruition - the beloved show, Angel. Originally introduced as Buffy's love interest, Angel eventually broke free in the third season to headline his own series. Both shows have their strengths and weaknesses, but Angel ultimately surpasses Buffy The Vampire Slayer in terms of quality.

Compared to Buffy, Angel proved to be a more captivating protagonist. His journey as a remorseful vampire seeking redemption held a greater allure than the original show's premise. While Buffy The Vampire Slayer garnered popularity through its use of the high school trope, Angel surpassed it by eliminating the unnecessary high school drama. The supporting characters in Angel were portrayed as dynamic individuals capable of personal growth, avoiding the pitfall of one-dimensionality. Moreover, Angel excelled at depicting moral ambiguity, emphasizing that the world does not always fit into the simple dichotomy of good versus evil. It exemplified the notion that individuals can transition from villain to hero and vice versa.

7 The Originals

The Originals, a spinoff series from CW's supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries, introduces the Mikaelsons, the original vampire family who made their debut in season 2 of TVD as the primary adversaries. Creating a spinoff centered around the first vampire family was a brilliant move, as the Mikaelsons possessed a captivating narrative that warranted its own platform separate from The Vampire Diaries. Although The Vampire Diaries achieved its own success, there were certain areas where the show could have improved. Fortunately, The Originals took lessons from its predecessor and skillfully avoided the potential pitfalls that could have led to its downfall.

The Vampire Diaries was immersed in teenage romance and unnecessary drama, whereas The Originals opted for a more mature approach. Its tone was darker, its depiction of violence more intense, and its villains were of superior quality. In contrast to merely focusing on vampire mythology, The Originals skillfully incorporated other supernatural beings such as werewolves and witches. Moreover, the show ingeniously utilized the rich history of New Orleans's supernatural realm to further its plot. The Originals triumphed because it remained loyal to its core theme of familial love. Most importantly, the series had the foresight to conclude its storyline gracefully, avoiding the pitfalls of repetition.

6 The Jeffersons

All in the Family exerted a lasting impact on the television landscape, boldly delving into controversial topics such as race, gender, social injustice, and prejudice with an authentic and nuanced approach. The acclaimed series, which garnered four Emmy Awards, spawned a total of seven spinoff shows, including the beloved classic, The Jeffersons. Much like its predecessor, The Jeffersons skillfully navigated intricate social issues without resorting to a preachy tone. The dynamic chemistry among the characters further contributed to the show's comedic respite. Undoubtedly, The Jeffersons' significance and its profound influence on Black television cannot be overstated, solidifying its status as one of the most formidable sitcoms of the 1980s.

5 The Good Fight

The Good Fight is a standout legal drama amidst the abundance of similar TV shows. Serving as a spinoff from The Good Wife, the series shifts its focus to Diane Lockhart as she navigates the aftermath of a financial setback caused by a scam. Together with her goddaughter Maia, they embark on a fresh start at the prestigious law firm Reddick, Boseman, & Kolstad. In contrast to its predecessor, The Good Fight draws inspiration from real-life political events like the Trump presidency, COVID-19, and the MeToo movement.

The show has garnered praise for its ability to accurately capture the collective experiences of the world. It fearlessly delves into important and timely themes such as race, sexism, and political turbulence that demand open discussion. The cast delivers remarkable performances that truly resonate with the chaotic reality people find themselves in. The Good Fight stands as a bold series, unafraid to confront controversial topics head-on. Its relevance, exceptional writing, and the extraordinary talent of its cast establish it as one of the most significant political dramas on television.

4 Frasier

Cheers is a highly acclaimed and successful sitcom that has left a significant mark in television history. As a spinoff of this iconic show, Frasier had big shoes to fill. Despite the challenge, Frasier managed to exceed expectations and stand out as a favorable choice.

One factor that sets Frasier apart is its smaller cast. Throughout its 11 seasons, the show maintained a core group of five talented actors, allowing them to play integral roles in driving the storyline. Additionally, Frasier Crane's humor shines brighter in his own show, with him often being the butt of jokes, adding to the comedic charm. Moreover, the exploration of three generations of father-son relationships in Frasier adds a relatable aspect to the series. However, it should be noted that Frasier lacks diversity, which is reflective of its time. The upcoming Frasier reboot in 2023, set to premiere on Paramount+ on October 12, holds promise to address this issue and bring greater inclusivity to the show.

3 Better Call Saul

Breaking Bad has made a lasting impact in the realm of television. With its exceptional writing, unforgettable characters, and meticulous attention to detail in portraying the world of drugs and the underlying science, it has garnered critical acclaim. However, one could argue that Better Call Saul surpasses its predecessor in certain aspects. Taking a risk by creating a spinoff from such a beloved series, Better Call Saul has undeniably delivered.

In a nuanced manner, Better Call Saul effectively conveys its message and progresses the storyline without unnecessary embellishment. Bob Odenkirk's exceptional portrayal of Saul Goodman/Jimmy McGill further elevates the show, and it boasts standout scenes that outshine its foundation. The series adeptly delves into themes of relationships, ambition, and morality, captivating its audience. While building upon the legacy of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul has rightfully cemented its place in television history.

2 Star Trek: The Next Generation

It is impossible to discuss the science fiction genre without acknowledging the significant influence of Star Trek. Star Trek has produced a total of 11 spinoff shows, with Star Trek: The Next Generation standing out as one of the most exceptional. This particular series played a vital role in rejuvenating the franchise. Being the premier live-action spinoff television series, TNG faced significant pressure to succeed. However, it effortlessly achieved blockbuster success through its well-developed characters, intricate relationships, compelling storylines, and groundbreaking concepts. This innovative show consistently delivered exceptional quality over its seven-season run. Although an eighth season was originally planned but never materialized, the series finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation undeniably marked its pinnacle achievement.

1 The Simpsons

The TV show called The Simpsons has become a cultural phenomenon unlike any other. Initially, it derived from an animated series named The Tracy Ullman Show. Despite running for just four seasons, The Tracy Ullman Show paved the way for The Simpsons, which has now been on air for over thirty years. While The Tracy Ullman Show leaned more towards sketch comedy, The Simpsons incorporated various characters and storylines that contribute to its widespread appeal. This award-winning show has managed to stay relevant for multiple reasons. Its clever incorporation of pop culture allows its comedy to remain current and in touch with the happenings of the world.

The Simpsons, with its 34 seasons and 750 episodes, has successfully maintained its innovative plot lines and dark humor, which have been crucial to its enduring success. It has also served as a source of inspiration for popular cartoons like Futurama, Rick and Morty, and Family Guy. Despite the initial risk taken by Fox in placing a cartoon in a prime-time slot, the decision evidently paid off. As evidence of its continued popularity, The Simpsons has been renewed for a 36th season, scheduled to air in 2024.