Top 5 TV Spin-Offs That Turned Out Better Than the Original

Usually, spin-offs don't do as well as the original because they're written worse. But as they say, there's an exception to every rule. Here are just five spin-offs that turned out better than their mother shows.

Xena: Warrior Princess (1995 - 2001, 6 seasons, 6.7 on IMDb)

The spin-off of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys aired concurrently with the original show and was watched by the same audience. However, if you compare the two shows, Xena is the clear winner as it has a more nuanced storyline, fascinating character development (Gabrielle's arc is a prime example), beautiful armor and epic battles. Plus, having a female lead who can kick the ass of any monster or bandit is a huge advantage.

Young Sheldon (2017-present, 7 seasons, 7.6 on IMDb)

The prequel to the hit CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory is nothing like its parent show. The spin-off features more complicated and true-to-life characters, smarter jokes and juicier drama as it follows the Coopers and Sheldon's other friends and acquaintances. In essence, unlike TBBT, YS provides viewers with a complex experience that evokes both laughter and sympathy.

Frasier (1993-2004, 11 seasons, 8.2 on IMDb)

Although set in a different city, the Cheers spin-off has a lot in common with the original show. Both are classic sitcoms in form. Both were filmed in front of a live studio audience whose laughter can be heard in the background. And both revolved around a motley crew of dysfunctional characters. But somehow Fraiser turned out to be more satisfying – perhaps thanks to the charm of its title character and his brother Niles and their bad luck in love.

The Legend of Korra (2012-2014, 4 seasons, 8.3 on IMDb)

This may be a highly controversial take, but the sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender is more interesting in many ways. First of all, it has a much better developed and shaped world, whose politics and economy are just as fascinating as the overall plot. Second, TLOK is much more mature narratively, as it follows older characters who have more complex relationships, feelings, and thoughts. Finally, it deals with more serious issues such as poverty, inequality, lies, and social pressure.

Boston Legal (2004 - 2008, 5 seasons, 8.5 on IMDb)

This legal comedy-drama, an offshoot of The Practice, is better than the original for one simple reason – its lightheartedness. While Boston Legal also follows a team of attorneys working on complicated civil and criminal cases, it brims with fun as it focuses on the antagonistic relationship between Machiavellian Alan Shore and honor-obsessed Denny Crane, who happen to be good friends despite their many differences.