3 Disastrous TV Spinoffs That Should Have Been Great

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It’s disappointing when spin-off TV shows fall short compared to their original series, especially considering that many had the potential to be excellent continuations. Over time, production companies have attempted to build on the success and acclaim of famous TV shows by creating spinoffs to expand their worlds. Unfortunately, not all of these spinoffs have thrived, and some have been downright terrible.

Over the past few years, shows like “Gen V”, “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon”, and “Better Call Saul” have gained significant recognition comparable to their original series, while timeless classics such as “The Simpsons”, “NCIS”, and “Frasier” might even outshine the originals. However, success in spin-offs isn’t guaranteed for every TV series – shows such as “How I Met Your Father”, “That ’80s Show”, and “The Golden Palace” fall into this category. On the other hand, some shows had all the right ingredients for success but unfortunately didn’t take off as expected.

3) Caprica (2010)

Approximately a year following the conclusion of “Battlestar Galactica” in October 2009, a prequel series titled “Caprica” was introduced, taking place a staggering 58 years before the iconic sci-fi show. With the potential to capitalize on Battlestar Galactica’s significant impact on science fiction history, Caprica had the chance to delve deep into the origin story of the Cylon androids who would later betray their creators. This could have provided a thought-provoking exploration of the ethical, psychological, and philosophical debates surrounding artificial intelligence, an exploration that would have been groundbreaking for its time. Unfortunately, Caprica fell short in recapturing the original show’s humor, genuine portrayal, and thrilling excitement.

2) The Lone Gunmen (2001)

The second offshoot of the hit show “The X-Files,” airing in 2001, focused on the trio of characters known as The Lone Gunmen, who operated a magazine dedicated to conspiracy theories and served as private investigators. Unlike “The X-Files,” which often delved into paranormal and extraterrestrial themes, “The Lone Gunmen” was more grounded in reality. However, this shift may have contributed to its decline in popularity compared to the original series, ultimately leading to its cancellation after a single season. It’s worth noting that “The Lone Gunmen” didn’t reach the same level of success as “The X-Files,” which ran for eleven seasons.

The TV series “The Lone Gunmen” concluded on June 1, 2001, with a significant cliffhanger that was later resolved in “The X-Files” season 9, episode 15, titled “Jump the Shark.” Despite receiving positive feedback during its broadcast, the show struggled to captivate viewers and did not achieve notable success. Consequently, it is often criticized as a weak spinoff from the acclaimed TV series, “The X-Files.” In contrast, the first spinoff of “The X-Files,” 1996’s “Millennium,” was much more successful, spanning three seasons and earning a special episode in the parent show. It is often praised as one of the best science fiction shows ever made.

1) Joey (2004 – 2006)

As a die-hard fan of sitcoms, I can’t help but reflect on the unforgettable 10-season journey of “Friends” from 1994 to 2004 – a series that continues to reign as one of the greatest and most impactful sitcoms ever made. The heartbreaking conclusion in ’04 left countless fans yearning for more, making spinoff shows like “Joey” an inevitable attempt to fill the void.

Unfortunately, the journey for “Joey” was far from smooth sailing. Missteps such as moving Joey from his beloved New York and introducing a fresh, lackluster cast of characters without the charm and wit that made the original series so captivating, resulted in a disappointing show. In hindsight, it’s hard to deny that “Joey” tarnished the legacy of this iconic character on television history.

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2025-09-02 16:15