20 TV Spinoffs That Surpassed the Original Show

As a lifelong movie and TV fan, I’ve always been fascinated by spinoffs. Some of them really manage to break free and become huge hits on their own, totally eclipsing the show they started from! It’s amazing how a familiar face or setting can launch something completely new that grabs audiences worldwide. In fact, a lot of these spinoffs actually end up running longer and getting better ratings than the original series. I’ve put together a collection of shows that did just that – they took a small start and became massive cultural moments.

‘The Simpsons’ (1989–Present)

What started as short cartoons on ‘The Tracey Ullman Show’ blossomed into the hit primetime series, ‘The Simpsons.’ The show’s funny and often critical look at family life quickly became more popular than the variety show it began on, and it’s now the longest-running scripted primetime show in American history. Creator Matt Groening built a world that continues to inspire comedians and animators, and its influence on popular culture is still felt today, even after being on television for decades.

‘NCIS’ (2003–Present)

The popular crime show began as a two-part episode within the legal drama ‘JAG’. It ultimately became more successful than ‘JAG’, lasting longer and attracting a larger worldwide audience. The series centers around a team of agents who investigate crimes related to the Navy and Marine Corps. Mark Harmon starred in the show for almost twenty years, and the show’s success led to versions being created in other countries.

‘Frasier’ (1993–2004)

I was so excited when Dr. Frasier Crane left Boston after ‘Cheers’ and started his new life in Seattle as a radio psychiatrist! The show that followed was just brilliant, really focusing on the funny, complicated, but ultimately loving bond between Frasier and his dad, Martin. It was a huge hit with critics, and unbelievably, it won a record thirty-seven Emmy Awards! What I loved most was that it really stood on its own, even though it spun off from one of the most popular sitcoms ever. It was just a clever, well-written show with a fantastic cast.

‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ (1999–Present)

Dick Wolf broadened his popular ‘Law & Order’ franchise with a series that tackles sensitive crimes, specifically those involving sexual offenses. This spin-off, ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,’ surprisingly surpassed the original in longevity, becoming the longest-running live-action prime-time show in American TV history. Mariska Hargitay, as Olivia Benson, became the defining star of the series. What sets the show apart is its focus on exploring the emotional and psychological impact of these crimes on both victims and those who commit them.

‘The Jeffersons’ (1975–1985)

After appearing on ‘All in the Family,’ George and Louise Jefferson upgraded their lives, moving from a modest Queens neighborhood to a luxurious apartment in Manhattan. Their own show, which ran for eleven seasons, became a long-running hit, notable for featuring a primarily Black cast. It was known for its funny yet insightful look at tough social issues and the differences between social classes. The series is still considered a landmark achievement in television, connecting with a wide range of viewers.

‘Family Matters’ (1989–1998)

As a critic, I remember when ‘Family Matters’ first arrived on the scene as a spin-off of ‘Perfect Strangers.’ It was a perfectly pleasant show, but honestly, it wasn’t until Jaleel White showed up as Steve Urkel that things really took off. Urkel completely stole the show, and his hilarious antics were the driving force behind its incredible nine-season run. It quickly became a must-watch every Friday night as part of the TGIF block, and it’s amazing to think it actually lasted much longer than the show it came from!

‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987–1994)

Almost twenty years after the first Star Trek series ended, Gene Roddenberry brought the universe back to television. This time, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-D focused on thoughtful problem-solving and peaceful negotiations while exploring space. The new show successfully reignited interest in Star Trek and led to several more series. Many believe it refined the ideas first introduced in the original show.

‘Happy Days’ (1974–1984)

The Cunningham family was first introduced in a segment of the show ‘Love, American Style.’ This popular series, known for its warm look back at the 1950s, made Henry Winkler famous as the Fonz. It aired for eleven seasons and led to several successful spin-off shows. Even today, it’s one of the most well-known and often-referenced shows in TV history.

‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ (1995–2001)

Lucy Lawless first became known as Xena, a former warrior seeking redemption, through guest appearances on ‘Hercules: The Legendary Journeys’. Because she was so popular, Xena got her own show, which quickly developed a dedicated fanbase and actually became more successful than ‘Hercules’. The series combined stories from mythology with exciting action, and it’s especially remembered for the strong and complicated friendship between Xena and her sidekick, Gabrielle. It’s still considered a groundbreaking show with a female lead.

‘Daria’ (1997–2002)

Daria Morgendorffer first appeared on ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ before getting her own show, ‘Daria,’ set in the town of Lawndale. The series perfectly captured the sarcastic and disillusioned attitude of teenagers in the late 1990s. It stood out from ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ with its clever writing and focus on the challenges of high school and family life, and is still remembered today for its realistic depiction of being a teenager.

‘Boston Legal’ (2004–2008)

James Spader reprised his role as Alan Shore from ‘The Practice’ in this new, more lighthearted legal series. The show centered on the unusual lawyers at the firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt. The strong connection between Spader and William Shatner was a key part of the show’s success, earning praise from critics. Compared to its predecessor, this series offered a more playful and funny look at the world of law.

‘Saved by the Bell’ (1989–1993)

The show began as a Disney Channel series called ‘Good Morning, Miss Bliss’ but was later updated to appeal to more viewers. This new version, focusing on the students at Bayside High, became a major hit on Saturday morning TV. Characters like Zack Morris and A.C. Slater were instantly recognizable to a whole generation, and the show’s popularity led to several TV movies and spin-off series.

‘Laverne & Shirley’ (1976–1983)

Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney first appeared as friends of the Fonz on ‘Happy Days’. Their funny physical comedy and natural connection led to a hugely popular spinoff show. By its third season, the show had become the most-watched program in the United States, proving that a comedy about a close female friendship could be a major hit with viewers.

‘The Facts of Life’ (1979–1988)

When the actress who played Mrs. Garrett left ‘Diff’rent Strokes,’ the show changed focus to follow the lives of girls at a boarding school. The series explored the challenges these young women faced as they grew up, and it aired for nine seasons, becoming one of the most popular and long-lasting sitcoms of the 1980s. Many people still enjoy the show today, remembering its strong cast and memorable theme song.

‘Knots Landing’ (1979–1993)

This television drama started as a spin-off from the popular show ‘Dallas,’ following the Ewing family members who had moved to California. While still dramatic, it aimed for a more realistic feel than ‘Dallas.’ The show was a success, running for fourteen seasons and becoming well-known as one of the best dramas of its time.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

Bob Odenkirk returned as Saul Goodman in this ‘Breaking Bad’ prequel, which focused on the character’s backstory. Critics loved the show’s careful attention to character development and its striking visuals. It took a character originally known for comedic moments and turned him into a deeply tragic and complex figure. Many viewers believe it’s as good as, or even better than, ‘Breaking Bad’ itself.

‘Good Times’ (1974–1979)

Before starring in their own series, Florida and James Evans first appeared on the sitcom ‘Maude’. Their show, set in a Chicago housing project, was notable for realistically portraying the everyday challenges faced by a two-parent African American family. It also made J.J. Evans a household name thanks to his memorable lines. The series tackled tough topics like poverty and social issues, using both humor and heartfelt drama.

‘Benson’ (1979–1986)

Benson DuBois, a famously sarcastic butler, transitioned from the family in the show ‘Soap’ to serve a governor. Robert Guillaume brilliantly played Benson, the central character, who later even campaigned for governor himself. Over the show’s seven seasons, it evolved from a comedy about a butler to a sharp political satire, giving Guillaume the chance to demonstrate his comedic talent and earn an Emmy Award for his performance.

‘Diagnosis: Murder’ (1993–2001)

Dick Van Dyke first played Dr. Mark Sloan in an episode of ‘Jake and the Fatman.’ The show, a feel-good mystery series, followed the doctor and his detective son as they solved crimes together. It became a long-running hit on CBS, known for its comforting and engaging mysteries. Van Dyke’s charisma helped the show remain popular, even after the legal drama that initially featured the character ended.

‘Mork & Mindy’ (1978–1982)

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Robin Williams as Mork! It was this totally unexpected, wild dream sequence on ‘Happy Days,’ and he just blew everyone away. People loved him so much they immediately created ‘Mork & Mindy’ just to give him a bigger platform. The show was a huge hit, of course, and it launched Robin into superstardom. Even now, watching it, you can just feel his incredible, unique talent shining through. It really was something special.

Tell us which spinoff series you think improved upon its predecessor the most in the comments.

2025-12-07 17:49