The Most Successful Spin-off TV Show, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the show you think is the most successful!
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:58
Spin-off TV shows often capture our attention by continuing the stories of beloved characters or exploring new facets of a familiar universe. These shows keep us engaged, bridging the gap between nostalgia and new adventures. As viewers, we find ourselves debating which spin-offs do justice to their originals or even surpass them. It's insightful to see which ones resonate most with audiences.
Your opinions help shape the ongoing discussion about these series, highlighting trends and preferences in the world of television. By voting for your favorites, you contribute to a broader consensus on what makes a spin-off successful. This dynamic ranking reflects collective preferences and offers a real-time glimpse into how these shows stack up against one another. It’s a fun way to see how your choices compare with those of other viewers.
What Is the Most Successful Spin-off TV Show?
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153votesThis spin-off of Cheers was a critical and commercial success, winning multiple Emmy Awards and running for 11 seasons. Its focus on the titular character's career as a psychiatrist in Seattle allowed it to stand on its own while still retaining some of the charm of its predecessor.Frasier (1993-2004) is a highly successful spin-off TV show that follows the life of psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane after he leaves Boston, where he appeared in the hit show Cheers, and moves to Seattle to host a radio talk show.
- Genre: Sitcom
- Number of Seasons: 11
- Number of Episodes: 264
- Original Network: NBC
- Original Air Date: September 16, 1993
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237votes
The Simpsons (1989-present)
Matt GroeningOriginally a segment on The Tracey Ullman Show, The Simpsons became its own series in 1989 and has since become a cultural phenomenon, winning numerous awards and becoming the longest-running American sitcom. Its iconic characters and satirical humor have made it a beloved classic.The Simpsons (1989-present) is an animated sitcom that follows the lives of the Simpson family, consisting of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, as they navigate through the ups and downs of life in the fictional town of Springfield. Known for its wit, satire, and cultural references, the show has become one of the most successful and iconic pieces of entertainment in television history.- Genre: Animated sitcom
- Running time: Approximately 22 minutes per episode
- Number of seasons: 32 (as of 2021)
- Number of episodes: 706 (as of 2021)
- Broadcast network: FOX
The Simpsons (1989-present) in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most successful piece of entertainment
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322votesThis spin-off of the original Law & Order series has been on the air for over 20 years and has become one of the most popular and influential crime dramas on television. Its focus on crimes of a sexual nature and the personal lives of its detectives has made it a standout in the genre.Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (often abbreviated as SVU) is a popular American crime drama television series that first aired in 1999. It is the first spin-off of the original Law & Order series and follows a dedicated team of detectives in the Special Victims Unit of the New York City Police Department, who investigate sexually based crimes.
- Genre: Crime drama
- Original release: September 20, 1999 – present
- Country of origin: United States
- Language: English
- Number of seasons: 22
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422votesA spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel followed the titular character as he moved to Los Angeles and set up a supernatural detective agency. Its darker tone and exploration of more mature themes made it a fan favorite, and it remains a cult classic to this day.Angel is a supernatural drama television series that aired from 1999 to 2004. It is a spin-off of the popular TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and follows the character of Angel, a vampire with a soul who helps people in need. The show chronicles Angel's journey as he battles evil and embarks on various adventures in the dark underworld of Los Angeles.
- Genre: Supernatural drama
- Original release: 1999-2004
- Spin-off of: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- Main character: Angel (played by David Boreanaz)
- Setting: Los Angeles, California
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58votes
The Colbert Report (2005-2014)
Stephen ColbertA spin-off of The Daily Show, The Colbert Report saw Stephen Colbert adopt the persona of a conservative pundit and mock the right-wing media. Its biting satire and clever writing made it a critical darling and a major influence on political comedy.The Colbert Report (2005-2014) was a late-night satirical television program that aired on Comedy Central. Created by Stephen Colbert, the show was a spin-off of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and featured Colbert portraying a fictionalized version of himself as a conservative political commentator and pundit. The format of the show consisted of comedic segments, interviews with guests, and satirical commentary on current events and politics. Known for its sharp wit and faux conservative persona, The Colbert Report gained a significant fan base and critical acclaim during its nine-year run.- Original Run: October 17, 2005 - December 18, 2014
- Genre: Late-night comedy, satire
- Network: Comedy Central
- Number of Seasons: 9
- Number of Episodes: 1,447
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613votes
Better Call Saul (2015-present)
Vince Gilligan, Peter GouldA spin-off of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul follows the early career of Saul Goodman, the shady lawyer who helped Walter White in the original series. Its focus on character development and intricate plotting has made it a critical success, and it has been praised for its ability to stand on its own while still tying into the Breaking Bad universe.Better Call Saul is a critically acclaimed American television drama series that serves as a prequel and spin-off to the popular series Breaking Bad. The show follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer struggling to make a name for himself, into the morally compromised criminal lawyer Saul Goodman.- Country: United States
- Language: English
- Genre: Crime drama
- Original Network: AMC
- Original Release: February 8, 2015
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715votesA spin-off of Arrow, The Flash follows the adventures of Barry Allen, a forensic scientist who gains superhuman speed after being struck by lightning. Its colorful visuals, likable characters, and thrilling action sequences have made it a hit with both comic book fans and casual viewers.The Flash (2014-present) is a highly successful spin-off TV show based on the DC Comics superhero character, Barry Allen/The Flash. It follows the story of Barry Allen, a forensic scientist, who gains superhuman speed after being struck by lightning and becomes the fastest man alive. The show is set in the same universe as the TV series Arrow.
- Genre: Superhero/Action
- Original Network: The CW
- First Episode Air Date: October 7, 2014
- Number of Seasons: 7 (ongoing)
- Number of Episodes: 151 (as of March 2021)
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811votes
Private Practice (2007-2013)
Shonda RhimesA spin-off of Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice followed Dr. Addison Montgomery as she moved to Los Angeles and started a new life at a private medical practice. Its exploration of complex medical cases and personal relationships made it a hit with fans of Grey's Anatomy, and it received critical acclaim for its performances and writing.Private Practice (2007-2013) is a spin-off TV show that follows Dr. Addison Montgomery as she leaves Seattle Grace Hospital to join a private medical practice in Los Angeles. The show focuses on the personal and professional lives of the doctors at the practice as they navigate complex medical cases and personal relationships.- Genre: Medical Drama
- Original Network: ABC
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 111
- Main Cast: Kate Walsh, Tim Daly, Audra McDonald, Paul Adelstein, KaDee Strickland, Caterina Scorsone, Brian Benben, Benjamin Bratt
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93votes
American Broadcasting Company (ABC) · Public domainLaverne & Shirley (1976-1983)
Garry MarshallA spin-off of Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley followed the titular characters as they moved to Milwaukee and started working at a brewery. Its clever writing and charming performances made it a hit with audiences, and it remains a beloved classic of 70s television.Laverne & Shirley (1976-1983) is a popular spin-off TV show that originally aired on ABC. It follows the comedic adventures of two best friends, Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney, who work as bottle-cappers in a Milwaukee brewery. Created by Garry Marshall, the show became a huge success due to its relatable characters and hilarious situations. The chemistry between the lead actors, Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams, played a significant role in the show's popularity.- Genre: Comedy
- Original Network: ABC
- Original Release: January 27, 1976 - May 10, 1983
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Number of Episodes: 178
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109votes
The Originals (2013-2018)
Julie PlecA spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, The Originals followed the Mikaelson family, the original vampires of New Orleans, as they navigated their complicated relationships and supernatural politics. Its focus on family drama and supernatural mythology made it a hit with fans of The Vampire Diaries, and it received critical praise for its performances and storytelling.The Originals is a supernatural drama television series that premiered in 2013 and concluded in 2018. It is a spin-off of the popular TV show The Vampire Diaries, set in the fictional city of New Orleans. The story focuses on the Mikaelson family, who are the original vampires, as they navigate complex power struggles, family drama, and the supernatural world.- Genre: Supernatural drama
- Original Network: The CW
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 92
- Main Characters: Klaus Mikaelson, Elijah Mikaelson, Rebekah Mikaelson, Hayley Marshall, Marcel Gerard
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Discussion
Ranking factors for successful show
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PopularityHow well-known and beloved the original series is can greatly influence the success of its spin-off.
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Ratings and ViewershipThe ratings of the spin-off will help determine its success, as well as the number of viewers who tune in to watch each episode.
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Critical ReceptionReviews and critical acclaim can help boost a spin-off's reputation and drive viewership.
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StorylineThe plot and premise of the spin-off should be compelling and original enough to entice audiences to watch.
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Casting and PerformancesThe quality of the acting and chemistry among the cast members can greatly enhance the success of a spin-off.
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Writing and DirectionThe quality of the writing and direction of the spin-off can greatly impact its success in terms of storytelling and overall quality.
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Length of RunThe number of seasons and episodes a spin-off receives can impact its overall success and legacy.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most successful spin-off TV show. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or show is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1927 views
- 194 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each show once every 24 hours. The rank of each show is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most successful spin-off tv show
Spin-off TV shows have become increasingly popular in recent years. These shows are a derivative of an already existing show and are usually based on a particular character or concept from the original series. The idea behind a spin-off is to capitalize on the popularity of the original show and create a new series that appeals to a similar audience. While not all spin-offs are successful, some have gone on to become highly successful and beloved shows in their own right. In this article, we will be exploring the question of what is the most successful spin-off TV show and examining the factors that contribute to their success.
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