15+ Worst Spinoffs Of All Time

Micaela Maringa's avatarBy Micaela Maringa

The Tortellis

The Tortellis
Credit: NBC

In the opening of this Cheers spinoff pilot, Nick Tortelli finds himself in a nightmare where he’s damned to hell for cheating on his wife, Loretta. Unfortunately, things don’t improve from there. Nick lacks any redeeming qualities, making it hard to cheer for his success in love or business. Meanwhile, Loretta is portrayed with such exaggerated airheadedness that she resembles a cartoon more than a real person. Fans felt the Tortellis were too obnoxious to endure, as this family failed to capture hearts outside the familiar Cheers bar.

Mr. T and Tina

Mr. T and Tina
Credit: za.investing.com via Pinterest

This notorious show vanished into obscurity so deeply that finding any footage is like searching for a needle in a haystack. The series starred Pat Morita as Taro Takahashi, an inventor who moves from Japan to Chicago. Despite crafting eight versions of the pilot, early audiences just weren't feeling it. Critics argued that Takahashi was tangled in plots that pushed negative stereotypes about Japanese people. Ultimately, ABC aired just five episodes before pulling the plug. It turns out, a mix of poor writing and a character seen in only one episode of Welcome Back, Kotter wasn't the recipe for success.

The Brady Brides

The Brady Brides
Credit: NBC

After Marcia and Jan Brady get hitched, they and their husbands come up with a money-saving idea: moving in together. The sisters get along just fine and usually see eye to eye, making their scenes a bit predictable and dull. The show tries to mix things up by putting Jan’s straight-laced hubby against Marcia’s free-spirited partner for some laughs. But the writers didn’t quite nail it, and the formula felt stale. While the live audience chuckled a bit, viewers at home weren't as amused. Sadly for the Brady sisters, their spin-off fizzled out after just 10 episodes.

Baywatch Nights

Baywatch Nights
Credit: Syndication

Convincing viewers that Mitch from Baywatch could smoothly transition into a private investigator was already a stretch. When the audience struggled with this leap, the spinoff veered into spooky mysteries. Baywatch Nights introduced paranormal elements onto the beaches of Los Angeles in a dramatic shift. It aimed to capture the allure of X-Files, but the mysteries lacked enough intrigue. More critically, the drastic shift made Mitch seem out of place. Audiences quickly decided the lifeguard hero should stick to saving lives in the surf rather than floundering through Baywatch Nights.

Joanie Loves Chachi

Joanie Loves Chachi
Credit: ABC

While the success of Happy Days spawned seven spinoffs of varying quality, none were as notorious as Joanie Loves Chachi. This sitcom followed a couple chasing music stardom in a new city, surrounded by bandmates and friends meant to be quirky but often just annoying. Joanie and Chachi shone in the Happy Days ensemble, but as co-leads, they lacked the same spark. The writing noticeably faltered after the first few episodes, and as ratings dipped, this duo of lovebirds was swiftly sent back to Milwaukee to help wrap up Happy Days.

Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders

Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders
Credit: Bonnie Davis via Pinterest

The premise of this show drove away many viewers from the spin-off. While Criminal Minds thrived by exploring the minds of American serial criminals, Beyond Borders attempted a global approach. However, by focusing on American victims abroad, it ended up portraying villains mainly as non-Americans, giving it a xenophobic vibe. Episodes were filled with clichéd cultural stereotypes and generalizations. Even without its problematic premise, the characters failed to engage viewers. Unsurprisingly, the show quickly ended, overwhelmed by backlash.

Models Inc.

Models Inc.
Credit: Fox

Imagine a model-focused spinoff of a hit show thriving for six seasons and a movie. While that dream remains elusive, blunders like Models Inc. show why this niche formula struggles. Aimed at blending its characters' daily trials with a murder mystery, the drama began with realism but quickly turned absurd. With plots involving hired killers and mysterious doppelgangers, the show lost its way. Beyond the outlandish plots, it failed to tackle serious issues with nuance. Coupled with lackluster performances, there was little to attract viewers to this Melrose Place spinoff.

Sanford Arms

Sanford Arms
Credit: NBC

After the iconic leads of Sanford & Son departed, NBC ventured forward with a spinoff. Enter Sanford Arms, featuring Phil, an original character trying to make a home rental business thrive in the same familiar house. But instead of stepping out from the shadow of its predecessor, the show clung to it. Fans quickly spotted the problem: the supporting characters only highlighted the absence of the beloved leads, and the humor simply didn't hit the mark. Despite its attempts, Sanford Arms couldn't capture hearts or laughs, and just eight episodes in, it was permanently shuttered.

Highlander: The Raven

Highlander: The Raven
Credit: webspace.webring.com via Pinterest

If you didn't know the cult classic film Highlander had an original TV show, you're probably unaware of its failed female-led spinoff. In the pilot of Highlander: The Raven, the main character Amanda uses her immortality for personal gain. However, her perspective shifts when an officer sacrifices himself to save her. Despite this intriguing premise, viewers found the character writing weak. Amanda and her partner Nick lacked the depth and dimension needed to truly engage audiences. While Amanda may live forever, the show's legacy risks fading into obscurity.

Joey

Joey
Credit: via NBC

NBC was eager to keep the Friends magic alive with a spinoff featuring the lovable yet dimwitted actor Joey, played by Matt LeBlanc. Joey's charm and humor were still intact, but the supporting cast and writing couldn't match the original show’s brilliance. While Joey’s acting adventures made for great side plots on Friends, they lost their spark as the central storyline. Although curious fans initially tuned in, the ratings dwindled by the second season, leading to its cancellation. Joey went from a promising show to a cautionary tale about how spinoffs can quickly derail.

Booker

Booker
Credit: Fox

During his stint on 21 Jump Street, Dennis Booker was the quintessential undercover officer, teaming up with fellow cops to take down criminals. But when Booker left the force, he swapped his badge for a gig at a large insurance company, setting the stage for his own spin-off. The writers envisioned this new role as a versatile platform for Booker to dive into a diverse array of cases. Unfortunately, the premise faltered in justifying the random escapades he embarked upon. Critics found the cases dull or mere shadows of greater works.

The Blacklist: Redemption

The Blacklist: Redemption
Credit: NBC

NBC’s decision to expand the universe of this hit thriller made sense after the original’s runaway success. But Redemption felt like déjà vu. It mirrored its parent show with a special agent tangled in a web with a parental figure, chasing high-caliber criminals while unraveling a grander plot. Unfortunately, the spinoff’s leads didn’t shine as brightly as the original cast. The real misstep? Redemption didn’t carve out its own identity, presenting audiences with two nearly identical shows. Why tune into a copy when the original still captivates?

Once Upon A Time In Wonderland

Once Upon A Time In Wonderland
Credit: Shelby Loren Scott via Pinterest

Two years after Disney launched a hit series reimagining its beloved characters, it narrowed focus to Alice and her adventures in Wonderland. This new show promised a darker twist, diving deeper into the heroine’s story. However, Alice’s spin-off struggled to stand out. While crossovers with other Disney characters were possible, the focus on Alice meant fewer guest appearances. The storytelling lagged with a slow romantic subplot, and the CGI didn’t meet contemporary standards. With Once Upon A Time airing simultaneously, audiences found little reason to keep returning to Wonderland.

Living Dolls

Living Dolls
Credit: ABC

How do you waste the talents of celebrated actresses like Halle Berry and Leah Remini? By putting them in a lackluster spin-off! In Living Dolls, both stars played young women living in a house with other aspiring models under a stern yet caring mother figure. The show's jabs at the modeling industry missed the mark and sometimes trivialized the pressures models face. What truly drove viewers away was its weak link to the original show Who's the Boss?. This flimsy connection wasn't enough to attract audiences to give the spin-off a second chance.

Mrs. Columbo

Mrs. Columbo
Credit: NBC

The iconic Columbo captured fans' hearts, prompting executives to launch a spin-off focusing on his wife, who shares his knack for solving mysteries - despite him living offscreen. However, neither fans nor Peter Falk, the actor behind Columbo, embraced this idea. Those who managed to overlook its odd premise were met with a mediocre mystery series, missing the charismatic lead that originally captivated audiences. Mrs. Columbo felt so detached from its predecessor that a new name might have suited it better.

Galactica 1980

Galactica 1980
Credit: Amazon via Pinterest

When the original Battlestar Galactica series was canceled, fans urged ABC to reconsider. Unfortunately, their wish led to disappointment. To cut costs on the Galactica 1980 spin-off, the network removed or replaced beloved characters. The original series thrived with a civilization fleeing a cosmic enemy, while the new show awkwardly set its storylines on Earth. This premise lacked the dramatic impact of its predecessor's space adventures. Fans were upset to see their favorite characters sidelined or forgotten. After facing negative feedback, Galactica 1980 was canceled after just ten episodes.

Checking In

Checking In
Credit: CBS

After Florence, the beloved maid from The Jeffersons, became a breakout character, executives eagerly gave her a chance to lead her own series. In Checking In, she managed the quirky staff at a swanky hotel, bringing her humor and wit. However, while Florence shone, her co-stars didn't quite match her charm. Despite the potential of a hotel setting, most scenes unfolded in dull offices. The network canceled the show after just four episodes. Thankfully, Florence returned to The Jeffersons after the executives announced her hotel - and show - had gone up in flames!

The Walking Dead: World Beyond

The Walking Dead: World Beyond
Credit: Zovolias Nikos via Pinterest

Set in the familiar zombie-infested world of the original hit, The World Beyond followed four teens on a daring cross-country journey. It aimed to explore the Walking Dead universe and unravel its mysteries. However, the series focused more on teen drama. Despite strong performances, the characters lacked the appeal of legends like Rick Grimes and Daryl Dixon. The real issue was a slow-moving storyline. Ultimately, The World Beyond struggled to capture fans' hearts.

AfterMASH

AfterMASH
Credit: CBS

In AfterMASH, three characters from the original series moved from the Korean War to a veteran's hospital. The show aimed to recapture the drama-comedy magic but lacked the original's chemistry. The laugh track often made scenes cringe-worthy. Despite some highlights, fans preferred newer shows. As season 2 ratings fell, AfterMASH was canceled mid-season.

CSI: Cyber

CSI: Cyber
Credit: CBS

CSI: Cyber ventured boldly into digital crimes but faced heavy criticism. Viewers struggled with the computer jargon, often needing explanations. Watching characters focused on laptops and delivering expositional dialogue was less engaging than the intrigue of morgue scenes. Despite adding Ted Danson in season 2, his presence couldn’t retain viewers. With poor reception and fluctuating viewership, Cyber is the least successful CSI spinoff.

Three's a Crowd

Three's a Crowd
Credit: ABC

When Three’s Company wrapped up its eight-season run on ABC, the network wasn’t ready to let go without leaving a trace. Enter this spinoff, sparked by the introduction of Vicky Bradford as Jack Tripper’s love interest during the final episodes of Company. Vicky’s aversion to marriage leads them to live together, but her disapproving father is always meddling with their relationship, adding a twist of drama and humor. Despite this intriguing setup, the audience didn’t latch on, and the show bid farewell after just one season.

Saved By the Bell: The College Years

Saved By the Bell: The College Years
Credit: NBC

Unlike its predecessors, Saved by the Bell: The College Years took a bold leap from Saturday mornings to primetime, transitioning the beloved characters from high school halls to the bustling dorms of the fictional California University, or Cal U. Familiar faces like Zack, A.C. Slater, and Screech were joined by fresh newcomers, embarking on weekly adventures filled with mild mischief, always tidily wrapped up in 23 minutes. Despite the charm of this new chapter, it struggled to capture viewers' hearts and concluded its journey after just 19 episodes.

Tabitha

Tabitha
Credit: ABC

By the time Tabitha hit the airwaves, viewers had already moved on from Bewitched, which had ended five years earlier. The spinoff followed Tabitha, the enchanting daughter of witch Samantha Stevens, who had grown from a toddler into a young woman, now portrayed by Lisa Hartman. Robert Urich added charm as a womanizing talk show host and occasional love interest for Tabitha. Sadly, this spinoff lacked the original series' magic and wit, leading to its short-lived run.

Law & Order: Trial by Jury

Law & Order: Trial by Jury
Credit: NBC

This Law & Order spinoff attempted to shine with a star-studded cast, featuring Bebe Neuwirth from Cheers, Fred Dalton Thompson, a real-life U.S. Senator from Tennessee, and the iconic Jerry Orbach. However, it took a detour from the thrilling crime and punishment narrative of the original series. Instead of delving into captivating mysteries, it zeroed in on the intricacies of legal procedures, such as jury selection, deliberations, and mock courtroom dramas. Unfortunately, viewers were left unimpressed, and this departure lasted only a dozen episodes on NBC, with a lone appearance on Court TV.

Phyllis

Phyllis
Credit: CBS

The Mary Tyler Moore Show spun off a couple of comedy gems. One was Rhoda, a brilliant, Emmy-winning hit. The other was Phyllis, featuring the talented Cloris Leachman, who snagged an Emmy nomination in 1976 for her role as Phyllis Lindstrom. However, despite its two seasons and 48 episodes, Phyllis never quite hit its stride. The storyline followed Phyllis and her daughter Bess moving to San Francisco from Minneapolis after Phyllis's husband passes away, leaving her broke. Did you chuckle yet? Well, neither did most viewers, even with its star-studded pedigree.

The Brady Bunch Variety Hour

The Brady Bunch Variety Hour
Credit: ABC

From the title alone, you could tell this was destined for disaster. It all started as a one-time variety special, reuniting most of the Brady Bunch cast just two years after the original series wrapped up. The special snagged massive ratings, prompting ABC to order eight more episodes. But instead of a genuine variety series, it turned into a show-within-a-show concept, where the family was cast to star in one, like an extended run of hilariously clunky Brady Bunch episodes. Within six months, it faded into nothing more than a regrettable memory.

How I Met Your Father

How I Met Your Father
Credit: Hulu

The How I Met Your Mother spinoff introduced us to Sophie Tompkins (played by Hillary Duff) and her lively circle of friends navigating life in Manhattan. The show cleverly used a flash-forward to 2050, where an older Sophie, brought to life by Kim Cattrall of Sex and the City fame, shares the tale of her journey to finding love with her unseen son. Sophie, a romantic photographer on a quest for her soulmate, initially offers a sweet and intriguing premise. However, despite its promising start and Cattrall's charismatic presence, HIMYF struggled to maintain its charm and wrapped up after just 18 months.

Ravenswood

Ravenswood
Credit: ABC Family

From the start, poor ratings haunted this ABC Family spinoff of Pretty Little Liars. Set in the mysterious town of Ravenswood, Pennsylvania, it follows five strangers united by a deadly curse that has lingered for ages. They must join forces to unravel the mystery, racing against the clock with only a 10-week order and no promise of renewal. Though the cast was unfamiliar, the suspense was a slow burn, causing viewers to switch off before truly diving into the captivating intrigue.

American Juniors

American Juniors
Credit: Fox

Back in 2002, Fox struck gold with American Idol, so they decided to hit another home run by adapting the concept for younger talent. Enter American Juniors, a spin-off dreamed up by the same production team, but with a quirky twist: instead of one winner, they aimed to create a singing group from five contestants. Sounds intriguing, right? However, here's the catch: chemistry can't be forced, and that's where American Juniors stumbled. The resulting group managed to release just one album that fizzled out, and the show itself disappeared after only 17 episodes.

A Man Called Hawk

A Man Called Hawk
Credit: ABC

Spenser: For Hire was a modest hit for Robert Urich in the mid-1980s on ABC. Riding its success, ABC gave one of the show's vibrant co-stars, Avery Brooks - who played Hawk - his own spotlight. They moved him from Boston to Washington, D.C., pairing him with a father figure, Old Man, played by Moses Gunn, hoping for TV magic. Unfortunately, it didn't work, though Brooks later excelled as Captain Sisko in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. A Man Called Hawk was quickly canceled, ending just 13 weeks after its 1989 debut.

The Golden Palace

The Golden Palace
Credit: NBC

Fans of The Golden Girls were heartbroken when the series ended. However, 75% of the iconic cast wasn't ready to say goodbye. Enter The Golden Palace, where Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty returned. Though Bea Arthur left, new faces like Don Cheadle and Cheech Marin joined. This spinoff moved our favorite ladies from Miami to a hotel, where staff and guest interactions sparked the story. Despite a two-part appearance by Arthur, the show struggled to capture the original's charm, ending after one 24-episode season.

The Finder

The Finder
Credit: Fox

Bones creator Hart Hanson crafted a captivating quasi-spinoff based on a character introduced in a backdoor pilot during the sixth season of his Fox drama. Inspired by Richard Greener's The Locator series, the show stars Geoff Stults as the Finder, a retired U.S. Army major with a unique twist - a brain injury that gives him the ability to find what others cannot. Michael Clarke Duncan from The Green Mile joined the cast. Despite its intriguing premise, the show struggled and was canceled after just half a season.

The Ropers

The Ropers
Credit: ABC

This Three’s Company spinoff revolves around the quirky senior duo, Stanley and Helen Roper, but therein lay the issue. Audiences were less than thrilled by the antics of a penny-pinching retiree and his social-climbing, romantically unfulfilled wife. The show debuted with dismal ratings, which only plummeted further after being shuffled to the dreaded Saturday night slot. It seems ABC underestimated young adults' reluctance to tune into a series about life as a golden-aged couple. Astonishingly, however, the show held on for 28 episodes - surpassing the typical season length.

The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.

The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.
Credit: NBC

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. was a hit for NBC, so they took a gamble with a spinoff. But in 1966, instead of The Woman from U.N.C.L.E.,"they chose "Girl," which lessened its impact. Casting Stefanie Powers as the lead agent was a smart move, but cross-promotion efforts only highlighted it as a lesser version of the original. It lasted parts of two seasons before fading into TV history.

Beverly Hills Buntz

Beverly Hills Buntz
Credit: NBC

Beverly Hills Buntz was a half-hour dramedy centered on the morally and ethically-challenged cop, Norman Buntz. The show took viewers on a journey as Buntz left the police force, moved to the glamorous Beverly Hills, and reinvented himself as a private eye. Cast in prime slots following hits like Cheers and Night Court, the show seemed poised for success. However, the charm Dennis Franz displayed on Hill Street Blues was lacking here; Buntz came across as more bumbling and unsettling than endearing. Despite the initial promise, only nine of the 13 episodes made it to air.

That '80s Show

That '80s Show
Credit: Leslie Bemetz via Pinterest

For nine years and eight captivating seasons, That '70s Show became a beloved sitcom favorite. Four years in, its creators launched a spin-off: That '80s Show. Set in San Diego during the '80s, it introduced a new cast, but couldn't match the original's charm and humor. Despite having the same creators and writers, the spin-off flopped and was canceled after just one season. While the cast was dedicated, it lacked the magic to succeed.

Top of the Heap

Top of the Heap
Credit: NightWatch19 via YouTube

This spin-off of Married... with Children dives into the chaotic lives of Vinnie Verducci and his perpetually jobless father, Charlie. Given that Married... with Children is celebrated as one of the greatest sitcoms ever, you'd expect a spin-off featuring two of its characters to at least offer some solid entertainment. Unfortunately, Top of the Heap misses the mark, lasting only a single 7-episode season. Why? The characters lack charm, the jokes fall flat, and nothing about the show hints at its origin from one of television's biggest successes.

Katy Keene

Katy Keene
Credit: Cosmopolitan via Pinterest

Katy Keene, a spin-off from the wildly popular mystery teen drama Riverdale, takes a bold leap into the realm of musical dramedy. This shift in tone and genre sets it apart, offering something more obscure rather than mirroring its predecessor. The talented Lucy Hale leads as Katy Keene, making a brief cameo in Riverdale before launching into her own adventure set five years in the future - yet airing alongside the original show.

Better Call Saul Presents: Slippin' Jimmy

Better Call Saul Presents: Slippin' Jimmy
Credit: IMDb

Better Call Saul is the top television spin-off, expanding on Jimmy McGill's Breaking Bad character and capturing fans from start to explosive finish. Vince Gilligan's universe captivated viewers. However, an animated comedic spin-off about Jimmy's childhood was unexpected. Each Slippin' Jimmy episode, an ode to a different film genre, felt bizarre in a universe detached from cinema. Silly, lazy, and nonsensical, Slippin' Jimmy easily ranks among the worst TV shows.

The Winchesters

The Winchesters
Credit: eonline.com via Pinterest

Supernatural captivated audiences on The CW for an impressive 15 years, becoming a fan-favorite series. However, when it concluded and the spin-off, The Winchesters, debuted, it struggled to capture the same magic. Despite Jenson Ackles' return as the narrator and his appearance later in the first season, the prequel couldn't rise to its predecessor's heights. Sadly, fans weren't the only ones who noticed, as the networks chose to cancel the show after just one season.