Television exhibits have lengthy captivated audiences with their compelling storylines, well-developed characters, and addictive drama. With a lot content material accessible, it is no marvel that some exhibits have turn out to be so common that they spawn spin-offs, providing followers much more alternatives to dive into the world they love. In truth, some exhibits have turn out to be so profitable that they’ve given rise to quite a few spin-offs, every with its personal distinctive twist on the unique premise.
The dynamic between a preferred TV present and its spin-off generally is a tough one to navigate. On one hand, followers of the unique present are sometimes wanting to see extra of their favourite characters and settings. On the opposite hand, spin-offs danger diluting the magic of the unique, and may typically come throughout as cash-grabs that fail to seize the spirit of what made the unique present so beloved.
Despite these dangers, many profitable TV exhibits have managed to create spin-offs that stand on their very own as compelling works of tv. From sitcoms to dramas, these exhibits have discovered methods to construct on the worlds and characters that audiences have come to like, creating new and thrilling tales that hold viewers coming again for extra.
So what makes a TV present ripe for spin-offs? It typically begins with a robust central idea or set of characters which are so well-developed that they may carry their very own present. In different instances, a present may discover a wealthy and expansive world that’s stuffed with prospects for brand spanking new tales and characters.
Whatever the case could also be, the success of a spin-off in the end comes all the way down to how it’s acquired by audiences. Will followers of the unique present embrace the brand new iteration, or will they reject it as a pale imitation? The reply to this query is usually unattainable to foretell, however some exhibits have managed to strike gold a number of instances, creating spin-offs which are simply as profitable – if no more so – than the unique.
In this checklist, we’ll take a better have a look at a few of the TV exhibits which have spawned probably the most spin-offs, exploring what made them profitable and the way they managed to seize lightning in a bottle not simply as soon as, however a number of instances. So sit again, loosen up, and prepare to dive into a few of the most profitable TV franchises of all time.
10 JAG (1995 – 2005)
Spin-off Series: NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans and NCIS: Hawai’i
If you are a fan of army dramas, you have doubtless heard of JAG. The present adopted the lives of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers as they navigated the authorized challenges of the US Navy. But what you won’t know is that JAG launched a whole franchise of spin-off exhibits which have stored audiences engaged for over 25 years.
The first spin-off, NCIS, premiered in 2003 and centered on a group of brokers who examine crimes throughout the Navy and Marine Corps. It shortly grew to become one of the common exhibits on tv, and spawned its personal spin-offs – NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and NCIS: Hawai’i – which proceed to draw viewers right now.
What made JAG and its spin-offs so profitable? The mixture of army drama, motion, and complicated characters has confirmed to be a profitable formulation. Each present within the franchise has its personal distinctive spin on the world of the Navy, and viewers have turn out to be invested within the lives of the characters through the years.
9 Star Trek (1966 – 1969)
Spin-Off Series: Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Enterprise, and Star Trek: Picard
When Star Trek first premiered in 1966, few may have predicted the impression it could have on common tradition. The present adopted the crew of the starship Enterprise as they explored the galaxy, encountering unusual new worlds and civilizations alongside the best way.
But what actually set Star Trek aside was its optimistic imaginative and prescient of the longer term, during which humanity had overcome its variations and labored collectively to discover the universe. It’s a imaginative and prescient that has resonated with viewers for over 50 years, and has led to a franchise that features a number of spin-off collection.
Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered in 1987 and launched a new crew and a brand new Enterprise. It was adopted by Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Enterprise, every of which explored completely different points of the Star Trek universe. The most up-to-date addition to the franchise is Star Trek: Picard, which premiered in 2020 and follows the adventures of the beloved character Jean-Luc Picard. Each spin-off has added one thing new to the Star Trek universe, whereas staying true to the spirit of the unique present.
8 All within the Family (1971 – 1979)
Spin-Off Series: Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons, Checking In, Archie Bunker’s Place, Gloria, and 704 Hauser
When All within the Family premiered in 1971, it was groundbreaking. The present tackled controversial social points with humor and humanity, and launched audiences to the long-lasting character of Archie Bunker. But what actually set All within the Family aside was its unbelievable spin-off success.
First got here Maude, which starred Bea Arthur as a feminist trailblazer. Next was Good Times, which adopted a black household in a Chicago housing mission. Then got here The Jeffersons, which centered on the upwardly cellular lives of an African American household in a luxurious condominium constructing. The franchise continued with Checking In, Archie Bunker’s Place, Gloria, and 704 Hauser, every of which explored completely different points of the All within the Family universe.
But how did All within the Family flip into an everlasting authentic? Well, they tackled vital social points whereas additionally entertaining audiences with relatable characters and storylines. The exhibits have been additionally extremely various, that includes a spread of views and experiences that resonated with viewers.
7 Happy Days (1974 – 1984)
Spin-Off Series: Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, Joanie Loves Chachi, Out of the Blue and Blansky’s Beauties
Happy Days was a success sitcom that captured the hearts of audiences with its nostalgic have a look at the Nineteen Fifties. The present adopted the lives of the Cunningham household and their pals as they navigated the ups and downs of life in Milwaukee.
Laverne & Shirley was the primary spin-off, following the hilarious hijinks of two roommates who labored at a Milwaukee brewery. Then got here Mork & Mindy, a sci-fi comedy about an alien and his human roommate. Joanie Loves Chachi explored the romantic adventures of two characters from the unique present, whereas Out of the Blue and Blansky’s Beauties continued to broaden the Happy Days universe.
Each of the Happy Days spin-offs continued to convey the identical sense of nostalgia, humor, and coronary heart that made the unique present so common. Audiences cherished these characters and have been wanting to see extra of them, and the spin-offs gave them precisely that. Plus, every present had its personal distinctive tone and magnificence that appealed to completely different viewers.
6 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000 – 2015)
Spin-Off Series: CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, CSI: Cyber, and CSI: Vegas
CSI was a groundbreaking procedural drama that adopted a group of forensic investigators as they solved crimes in Las Vegas. The present was recognized for its high-tech gadgetry, intricate mysteries, and gripping performances.
CSI: Miami took the motion to Florida, with David Caruso main a group of investigators as they tackled crimes within the Sunshine State. CSI: New York adopted Gary Sinise and his group as they solved crimes within the Big Apple. In distinction, CSI: Cyber explored the world of cybercrime with Patricia Arquette and her group, whereas the latest addition, CSI: Vegas, reunited a few of the authentic forged for a revival of the unique present.
CSI spin-offs went on to discover the fascinating world of forensic investigation, with every present placing its personal spin on the format. The characters have been advanced and likable, and the mysteries stored audiences guessing till the very finish. What’s extra? The exhibits featured a spread of thrilling visitor stars and crossovers, making the CSI franchise one of the expansive and interconnected in tv historical past.
5 The Vampire Diaries (2009 – 2017)
Spin-Off Series: The Originals, The Originals: The Awakening, Legacies
If you are a fan of the supernatural, then The Vampire Diaries is a present you do not wish to miss. The present follows the lifetime of Elena Gilbert, a highschool pupil, who falls in love with a vampire named Stefan Salvatore. As the story progresses, Elena turns into entangled with the supernatural world and finds herself in the course of a love triangle with Stefan and his brother, Damon.
The Vampire Diaries was an enormous hit and garnered a large fan following, resulting in not one, however three spin-off collection. The first spin-off, The Originals, adopted the lives of the authentic vampire household and their quest for energy in New Orleans. The Originals: The Awakening is an internet collection that’s set earlier than the occasions of The Originals and explores the origin story of the household. The third spin-off, Legacies, follows the lifetime of Hope Mikaelson, the daughter of Klaus Mikaelson and Hayley Marshall.
All three spin-offs have been profitable, with The Originals working for 5 seasons and Legacies for 4 seasons. For anybody who’s a fan of the supernatural and loves the world of vampires and werewolves, these spin-offs are a must-watch.
4 Arrow (2012 – 2020)
Spin-off Series: The Flash, Supergirl, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Batwoman, Vixen, Freedom Fighters: The Ray
If you are a fan of the DC universe and love superheroes, Arrow is the present for you. The present follows the story of Oliver Queen, a billionaire who returns dwelling after being stranded on an island for 5 years. After his return, Oliver takes on the persona of the Green Arrow, a vigilante who fights crime in his hometown of Star City.
Arrow was an enormous success and led to a number of spin-offs, together with The Flash, Supergirl, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Batwoman, Vixen, and Freedom Fighters: The Ray. Each spin-off follows the story of a distinct superhero and their adventures of their respective cities.
The spin-offs have been all well-received, with Supergirl working for six seasons and The Flash at the moment on its ninth season, whereas DC’s Legends of Tomorrow aired for seven seasons. The world of superheroes is consistently increasing, and these spin-offs are proof of that.
3 Doctor Who (1963 – 1989, 2005 – current)
Spin-Off Series: Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Ok-9 and Class
Doctor Who is a British sci-fi collection that has been on the air for the reason that early Sixties. The present’s story follows the adventures of the Doctor, an alien from the planet Gallifrey who travels by means of time and area in a blue police field referred to as the TARDIS. With over 50 years of historical past, Doctor Who has created an in depth universe that spans throughout numerous media codecs.
The present has had a number of spin-offs all through the years, together with Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Ok-9, and Class. Torchwood, a darker and extra adult-oriented present, follows the adventures of a group of alien hunters based mostly in Cardiff.
The Sarah Jane Adventures, geared toward a youthful viewers, follows the adventures of a former companion of the Doctor, Sarah Jane Smith. Ok-9 is a kids’s present centered on the adventures of the Doctor’s robotic canine, Ok-9. Lastly, Class is a spin-off that follows the adventures of a bunch of scholars attending Coal Hill Academy.
2 Cheers (1982 – 1993)
Spin-Off Series: Frasier, The Tortellis, St. Elsewhere, and Wings
Cheers is a beloved American sitcom that follows the lives of the employees and patrons of a Boston bar. With its sturdy characters and witty dialogue, the present stays a traditional to today. The collection launched the profession of Kelsey Grammer, who performed the character of Frasier Crane.
Frasier, the hottest spin-off, follows the story of Frasier Crane, a psychiatrist who strikes to Seattle to start out a brand new life after a divorce. The present, with its witty humor and impeccable performances, grew to become a significant hit, working for 11 seasons.
The Tortellis, one other spin-off, facilities across the lifetime of Nick Tortelli, the ex-husband of Carla Tortelli, who is without doubt one of the essential characters of Cheers. St. Elsewhere is a medical drama that options a couple of crossovers with characters from Cheers. Lastly, Wings, falling in the identical universe, is a sitcom in regards to the lifetime of two brothers working a small airline in Nantucket.
1 Law & Order (1990 – Present)
Spin-Off Series: Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: Trial by Jury, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, LA, Law & Order: True Crime Law & Order, and Law & Order: Organized Crime.
Law & Order is an American police procedural drama that follows the investigation and prosecution of crimes in New York City. The present’s format revolves round two distinct components: the police investigation and the trial.
With over 20 seasons and quite a few Emmy nominations, Law & Order has turn out to be a cultural establishment. The present has spawned a number of spin-offs, together with Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: Trial by Jury, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, LA, Law & Order: True Crime, and Law & Order: Organized Crime. Law & Order: SVU, the preferred spin-off, follows the Special Victims Unit as they examine crimes of sexual nature.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent options instances from the attitude of the legal, whereas Trial by Jury and LA focus extra on the authorized facet of the legal justice system. Lastly, Organized Crime, the most recent spin-off, follows the story of Elliot Stabler, a former detective from the principle collection, as he investigates organized crime in New York City.