5 Spinoff Shows That Were As Good As the Original & 5 That Were Unnecessary

5 Spinoff Shows That Were As Good As the Original and 5 That Were Unnecessary

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks of spinoff TV shows that equal or exceed their predecessors — and ones that are basically pointless.

#5 Unnecessary: “The Lone Gunmen” (2001)

In the ‘90s and early 2000s, “The X-Files” was a hot show for Fox. A spinoff was developed based on the recurring side characters, the Lone Gunmen — a trio of private eyes who also run a conspiracy theory magazine. On their own show, the guys get into much more comedic adventures than Mulder and Scully. Although the show was well-received critically, audiences didn’t seem that interested. The series was canceled after a single season. The show was good, just not essential viewing. It probably inspired its own conspiracies though, considering the pilot’s somewhat eerie prediction of the events of 9/11.

#5 As Good: “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (1993-99)

While “Star Trek: The Next Generation” is a tempting alternative, we’d argue that this spinoff of that spinoff is as good or better. “Deep Space Nine” eschews most of the space exploration “Star Trek” is famous for and instead focuses on the titular space station. The series arguably delves further into character development than its predecessors. The extensive supporting cast all receive their time in the limelight. Additionally, “DS9” doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of the 24th century, with a prolonged war arc and other heavy topics that still ring true today. “Deep Space Nine” reaches for optimism, while still providing a mirror to the real world, which helps make it among the best “Star Trek” has to offer.

#4 Unnecessary: “Joey” (2004-06)

Look, we all love Joey Tribbiani! Who doesn’t? But on “Friends,” he’s part of an ensemble, where his personality has room to bounce off the others. When he’s left as the leading man to carry this spinoff, we find the character ill-suited for the task. Despite some talented supporting cast members, “Joey” just lacks the same spark and effortless chemistry of its predecessor. The show never quite finds its voice, and, much like Joey’s own acting career, meanders from one thing to another. While it’s nice to see Joey grow a bit more as a character, it honestly feels too little too late.

#4 As Good: “Angel” (1999-2004)

Given that he was one of the most popular characters on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” a spinoff focusing on Angel — the vampire cursed with a soul — was only natural. While it takes a bit for the show to find its groove, once it does “Angel” is every bit as good as “Buffy,” albeit in a different way. “Angel” retains the dry, snarky humor of its predecessor, yet takes a more somber, darker approach to battling vampires and other dark supernatural forces in Los Angeles. Its more mature tone, excellent ensemble, and ability to reinvent itself proved that “Angel” was indeed blessed by “the powers that be.”

#3 Unnecessary: “AfterMASH” (1983-85)

We get the thought process behind doing a sequel spinoff to “M*A*S*H.” It was a huge success that ran for over a decade. The idea of following the lives of the characters after the Korean War might have been compelling in theory. But in practice, it just didn’t work. “AfterMASH” only shows us what happens to a few of the members of the M*A*S*H ensemble, which made it feel even more like the cash grab it was. Additionally, despite being a sitcom, its comedic chops weren’t up to the standards set by its predecessor. “M*A*S*H” would be a tough act for a good show to follow — and this was not.

#3 As Good: “The Simpsons” (1989-)

Even the people who know “The Simpsons” is a spinoff probably forget from time to time. The characters originated in animated shorts on the sketch comedy series “The Tracey Ullman Show.” While you might be hard pressed to find many who remember its origins, “The Simpsons” is a veritable giant in television history. The characters are recognizable worldwide. Its comedy has influenced countless future TV shows and even culture at large. Whether you think its golden days are over or you still swear by the later seasons, “The Simpsons” far surpassed its humble origins.

#2 Unnecessary: “Baywatch Nights” (1995-97)

“Baywatch” may be iconic, but the show itself is no masterpiece. Making a watchable follow-up shouldn’t have been that hard, yet “Baywatch Nights” still flubbed it. You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a show about pretty people saving people from drowning, but this time at night. Yet it’s somehow even more ridiculous. We’re not sure who thought it was a good idea to have Mitch Buchannon and Garner Ellerbee start a detective agency — or who they thought would want to watch that. As if that wasn’t absurd enough, in the show’s second season, they tried to get some of that sweet “X-Files” demographic by investigating paranormal crimes. Somehow, this didn’t work either.

#2 As Good: “Frasier” (1993-2004)

“Cheers” was a landmark sitcom with a fantastic ensemble. While a few spinoffs of it were attempted, the one that really stuck was “Frasier.” Following Frasier Crane’s return to his home city of Seattle, the show has a talented cast of its own, with Frasier’s family, friends, and coworkers becoming every bit as iconic as those on “Cheers.” The fussy psychiatrist’s neuroses and the frequently farcical plots that see him scrambling to maintain appearances are absolutely hysterical. Critics and viewers agreed on the appeal of the show’s razor-sharp wit. It was even popular enough to merit a revival run decades later.

#1 Unnecessary: “That ‘80s Show” (2002)

Although not technically a spinoff of “That ‘70s Show” — there are no characters or storylines shared between the two — we’re still counting it because of the name and creative team overlap. It definitely feels like a pale imitation of its predecessor. The show follows a group of twenty-somethings in the 1980s, yet it lacks the same universal “coming of age” feeling that made the original a success. Although several of the cast members would go on to bigger and better things, few of the characters felt grounded or easy to connect with. The show arrived too early for the wave of ‘80s nostalgia, but was far from being ahead of its time.

#1 As Good: “Better Call Saul” (2015-22)

“Breaking Bad” is among the most critically acclaimed TV series of all time. Yet somehow, creators Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould followed it up with a prequel spinoff that equals and, in some ways, surpasses it. The story of Jimmy McGill’s journey to becoming the seedy lawyer Saul Goodman is gripping. Its plot might not be as tight as its predecessor’s. However, the character development and acting from the whole cast — as well as the spectacular cinematography and top-notch writing — could put it above “Breaking Bad” for many. Like the character himself says, “It’s all good man!”

Is there a spinoff series that our list is worse off for forgetting? Let us know in the comments!