Spin-offs are television’s highest high-wire act. They draw on something known—a favorite character, a familiar world. But they must also demonstrate that they can stand alone. Some quickly flame out, but when they succeed, spin-offs can equal—or even beat—the series that spawned them. From sitcoms to science fiction to cartoon favorites, here are 13 of television’s greatest spin-offs that left their mark in the annals of pop culture.
1. Frasier (from Cheers)
Few anticipated that Dr. Frasier Crane’s life in Seattle after Cheers would be a phenomenon. Yet Frasier went on to rewrite the book on how intelligent a sitcom could be, combining urbane wit with complexity of feeling. It did more than keep pace with Cheers—it was itself a critical favorite, garnering over 30 Emmy Awards.
2. The Simpsons (from The Tracey Ullman Show)
What began as a string of rapid-fire animated shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show evolved into a cultural phenomenon. The Simpsons revolutionized the world of television, shaping generations of writers and animators in addition to being the longest-running American sitcom ever.
3. Better Call Saul (from Breaking Bad)
Coming off of one of the greatest dramas in the history of television was no small task, but Better Call Saul managed it. Tracking the tragic transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman, the show brought low-key storytelling, deep character work, and a tone separate from Breaking Bad, while being lauded as one of the greatest dramas in its time.
4. The Jeffersons (from All in the Family)
All in the Family spawned several spin-offs, but none did so loudly as The Jeffersons. Following George and Weezy’s relocation to a “deluxe apartment in the sky,” the show was revolutionary in its depiction of Black achievement and its unflinching approach to race and class in America.
5. NCIS (from JAG)
First introduced via a backdoor pilot on JAG, NCIS was soon a ratings behemoth. Its mix of police investigations, offbeat character relationships, and military setting resonated with audiences, resulting in a continually expanding franchise with several hit spin-offs of its own.
6. Angel (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
When Angel departed Sunnydale, fans did the same. Angel brought the moody vampire to Los Angeles and reveled in dark, mature storytelling. With storylines involving redemption, isolation, and moral complexity, the show established a unique identity while enriching the Buffy universe.
7. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (from The Next Generation)
While The Next Generation broadened Star Trek’s reach, Deep Space Nine boldly went further. Founded on a space station rather than a starship, it delved into long-form storytelling, political maneuvering, and warfare in new ways the franchise had not yet done. While initially polarizing, it’s now universally acclaimed by fans.
8. The Andy Griffith Show (from The Danny Thomas Show)
What started as a solitary episode of The Danny Thomas Show spawned one of television’s most beloved classics. The Andy Griffith Show combined subtle humor and warm lessons in a small town, becoming a staple of 1960s television and American nostalgia.
9. Family Matters (from Perfect Strangers)
Originally focused on the Winslow household, Family Matters soared due to breakout star Steve Urkel. His offbeat charm and catchphrases made the show a ’90s staple, incorporating broad comedy with sincere moments of heart and family bonding.
10. MASH (from the movie MASH)
Although taking its inspiration from the 1970 film, the MASH series evolved into a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Blending seamlessly humor and war atrocities, it expanded the limits of what a sitcom was capable of. Its series finale is one of television’s most-watched episodes ever, a tribute to its emotional power.
11. Batman Beyond (from Batman: The Animated Series)
The DC Animated Universe is populated with iconic spin-offs, and Batman Beyond is still one of the best. Featuring a high-tech, futuristic world and a fresh teen hero in the tutelage of Bruce Wayne, the series infused the Batman mythos with new vitality and appealed to a new crop of fans.
12. The Flash (from Arrow)
One of the sprawling Arrowverse shows, The Flash, got off to a running start—literally. Its lighter tone, strong performances, and emotionally driven storytelling separated it from Arrow, and its first several seasons were singled out for their blend of superhero spectacle and character-driven drama.
13. Young Sheldon (from The Big Bang Theory)
Delving into Sheldon Cooper’s early life might have seemed gimmicky, but Young Sheldon struck a balance between family drama and character humor. With the help of Iain Armitage’s performance and the presence of a fine supporting cast, the show added fresh depth to a beloved character.
Spin-offs begin with a question: “What if we followed that character?” or “What happens next in that world?” Well-crafted, they transcend fan service and instead become innovative new chapters in their own right. These shows didn’t ride the coattails of their predecessors but shaped the legacy of television itself.