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It is not unusual for successful television shows to have spin-offs. However, them becoming as beloved as the actual title is somewhat surprising.
Over the last few decades, a lot of shows have defined the new age of television. From comedy to drama to politics, era-defining shows have become a staple in every household. The success of a television show encourages the makers to create spin-offs that may dive deeper into characters' lives. With a built-in fan base of an already popular show, spin-offs can sometimes be a dream come true if done the right way. Very few shows have managed to attain the viewership and love as the original one.
Television has the power to move people, as it creates a lot of value that every viewer preserves. The makers try to build on that feeling and create spin-offs that can hold the original charm and pave the way for new characters and ideas. TV Spin-Offs can be an intelligent decision only if the right story is devised that does justice to the legacy of its predecessor.
There have been several shows that have managed to create spin-offs that were arguably better than the original. Here’s a list of the most beloved television spin-offs.
Family Matters (1989-1998)
Family Matters is a spin-off based on the famous sitcom Perfect Strangers. It focuses on the Winslow family from the original and their next-door neighbor, Steve Urkel. Originally intended to focus on the family, the show had moderate ratings during its first few episodes. Family Matters truly picked up pace after introducing the character Steve Urkel who eventually became one of the most iconic characters of the show.
With funny moments and lovable next-door neighbors, the family show was deeply relatable and comfortable for its viewers. This 90s classic was outshone by Jaleel White’s Urkel, who outperformed every character on the show. Family Matters aired on television for sixty-five episodes more than its predecessor, Perfect Strangers.
Frasier (1993-2004)
A spin-off of the much-loved show Cheers, Frasier aired a few months after the original show ended in May 1993. The series picked up from one of the show’s main characters Dr. Fraiser Crane (Kelsey Grammar), a psychotherapist who relocated from Boston to Seattle and navigated life and relationships.
The two series were distinct in their styles and created different fan bases during their time on television. With firm character developments, interesting supporting characters, and smarter jokes, Fraiser became a family favorite. During its 11-year run, Frasier won over 31 Emmys, three more than Cheers.
The Colbert Report (2005-2015)
The impact of The Daily Show With Jon Stewart was astronomical and influential in the early 2000s. The blend of powerful commentary and strong command by Jon Stewart created a talk show that was a must-watch. Many TV shows have tried to master the formula that Stewart used in his show, and the only person who came the closest was Stephen Colbert with his Daily Show spin-off, The Colbert Report.
The Colbert Report starred Stephen Colbert as a conservative commentator. The show adjusted to the times and shaped the way political commentary reached homes. Colbert garnered a lot of praise for his character portrayal and joke wizardry.
With a tireless sense of empathy and joy for the right-wing, Colbert hit across every spectrum of politics. He earned several accolades, including Emmys and Peabody Awards, for his work. The Colbert Report reigned on the television until 2015, after which Colbert took over for David Letterman at The Late Show.
Better Call Saul (2015- Present)
With a clever plot and tangible intensity similar to its predecessor Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul is every bit as spectacular as one would expect. The spin-off follows the story of Saul Goodman portrayed by Bob Odenkirk in the similar backdrop of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and delves deeper into the criminal underworld.
With tremendous performances from the cast, including newcomers Rhea Seehorn and Michael McKean, the series has a balance between the old and the new. Breaking Bad is considered one of the best shows in the Golden Age of Television, but some consider Better Call Saul to be superior. The wait for the final season has everyone at the edge of the seats as it shall reversal many intricate details of the show.
The Simpsons (1989- Present)
As the longest-running sitcom of all time, there is no better spin-off ever made than The Simpsons. The animated series first garnered attention when it aired as a short series on The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987. Two years later, the show aired on Fox and became the most popular thing on television. Created by Matt Groening, The Simpsons is based on his family, including the characters' names.
A transcending show that inspired countless new animated sitcoms, The Simpsons is known for its humor and underlying deep meaning to bring change in society. A parody of a middle-class American family of five, the satirical comedy ended Season 32 in May 2021. Due to its immense popularity in pop culture, The Simpsons was even commemorated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
It is a bold call to create a spin-off of a successful TV series and ensure that it lives up to the expectations and name of its predecessors. It is quite a gamble to pick up a series from a different standpoint and create a benchmark. With solid character build-up, a stellar cast, and deep backgrounds, these shows have proved that spin-offs possess the ability to become better than the original series itself.
Source: TV Insider, Business Insider, Mental Floss, Indie Wire