Top 10 Spin-Offs That Were More Successful Than the Original Show
Some of the original series are long forgotten, but these spin-offs keep enjoying the spotlight.
1. Frasier (Spin-off of Cheers)
Dr. Frasier Crane first appeared in the iconic Boston bar Cheers, where he was a regular patron. Little did viewers know then, that this side character, played by Kelsey Grammer, would go on to star in his own equally successful spin-off, Frasier. The show, set in Seattle, sees Frasier as a radio psychiatrist grappling with his high-brow life, his quirky family, and a constant onslaught of comedic crises.
It ran for an impressive 11 seasons and won an unprecedented 37 Emmy Awards. Notably, it holds a 'Certified Fresh' rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing Cheers both in terms of awards and critical acclaim. Grammer's nuanced portrayal of the lovable, yet pompous Frasier Crane, made the spin-off a cultural phenomenon.
2. The Simpsons (Spin-off of The Tracey Ullman Show)
You'd be forgiven for not knowing this, but America's longest-running sitcom, The Simpsons, was initially just a series of animated sketches on The Tracey Ullman Show. The cheeky adventures of Bart Simpson and his rather unconventional family struck a chord with viewers, leading to their own half-hour show in 1989.
Now, with over 30 seasons under its belt, The Simpsons has far surpassed its predecessor in both longevity and popularity. Garnering a solid 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and spawning a media franchise, the show's satirical take on a working-class American family has earned it a cult following.
3. Better Call Saul (Spin-off of Breaking Bad)
Originally introduced as a slippery lawyer in Breaking Bad, Saul Goodman (or Jimmy McGill, as we get to know him) became the focus of this critically acclaimed spin-off. Better Call Saul, set before the events of Breaking Bad, delves into Jimmy's transformation into Saul Goodman, providing a depth of character that even surpasses its original show at times.
Critics have praised the show for its writing, character development, and moral complexities. With a phenomenal 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and numerous award nominations, Better Call Saul has not only matched the success of Breaking Bad but has, in some respects, overshadowed it.
4. The Jeffersons (Spin-off of All in the Family)
When George and Louise Jefferson moved on up to a deluxe apartment in the sky, they also moved into a sitcom that would outlast its progenitor, All in the Family. The Jeffersons was a groundbreaking show for its time, tackling issues of race and class with humor and depth, and providing representation with its predominantly Black cast. Running for 11 seasons, as opposed to the nine of All in the Family, The Jeffersons holds an 85% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
5. Laverne & Shirley (Spin-off of Happy Days)
With a peppy theme song and an enduring friendship at its core, Laverne & Shirley stole the hearts of viewers in the 70s and 80s. Originally friends of Fonzie in Happy Days, Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney soon landed their own show, detailing their lives as roommates and brewery workers in Milwaukee.
The show was a ratings success, often surpassing Happy Days, and is known for its slapstick humor and memorable characters. It holds a 'Fresh' rating of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and is considered one of the most successful spin-offs in TV history.
6. Star Trek: The Next Generation (Spin-off of Star Trek: The Original Series)
This one's a bit of a hot take, but hear us out. Set 70 years after the original Star Trek, The Next Generation made its own mark in the science fiction world and won over a new generation of fans. With Patrick Stewart at the helm as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the show delved into a multitude of societal and ethical issues, all while exploring the final frontier.
The Next Generation ran for seven seasons, matching the combined run of its predecessor's original and animated series, and also spawned four feature films. Critics applauded the series for its thought-provoking storylines and complex characters, earning it an impressive 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and cementing its place in the Star Trek franchise.
7. The Colbert Report (Spin-off of The Daily Show)
Stephen Colbert, a former correspondent of The Daily Show, found great success with his spin-off, The Colbert Report. The show ran for nearly a decade, offering satirical commentary on politics and media in the guise of a right-wing, high-status idiot pundit.
The Colbert Report won numerous awards, including multiple Emmys and two Peabody Awards, often equaling, if not surpassing, the accolades of The Daily Show. It maintains a strong 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and its cultural impact, particularly in political humor, is undeniable.
8. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (Spin-off of Law & Order)
The sexually based offenses considered especially heinous have kept Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on air for over 20 years, a feat surpassing its original show, Law & Order. With compelling characters like Detective Olivia Benson, portrayed by Mariska Hargitay, and heart-wrenching cases, the show has captured the attention of audiences worldwide.
Boasting a 91% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it's not only one of the longest-running scripted U.S. primetime series, but also one of the most impactful, having sparked important conversations around sexual assault and domestic violence.
9. NCIS (Spin-off of JAG)
Originating from a two-part episode of JAG, NCIS went on to become a phenomenon in its own right. With Mark Harmon leading the team as Agent Gibbs, the show has consistently drawn viewers with its blend of action, humor, and emotional storylines. NCIS has been a ratings powerhouse for CBS, running for over 18 seasons and spawning its own spin-offs, while JAG ran for 10 seasons. It holds a strong 80% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and with its continued popularity, it's clear that NCIS has surpassed its predecessor long ago.
10. Daria (Spin-off of Beavis and Butt-Head)
Daria, the sardonic teenager from Beavis and Butt-Head, quickly outgrew her supporting character status and received her own show. The spin-off provided a satirical and often cynical view of high school life, with Daria Morgendorffer's intelligent and dry humor resonating with many viewers. Lasting for five seasons compared to Beavis and Butt-Head's four, and with a higher rating of 8.1 on IMDb, Daria is a great example of a spin-off outshining its original series.