7 Backdoor Pilots That Didn’t Move Forward, But Should’ve

Networks sometimes use “backdoor pilots” – episodes within existing shows – as a low-risk way to test out new series ideas without fully committing to a standalone pilot. This approach can be successful, as seen with shows like NCIS, which started as part of JAG. However, not all backdoor pilots lead to new shows; some only last for a single introductory episode.

Spin-off shows, sometimes called ‘backdoor pilots,’ can be a great way to expand a story world. For example, the character Angel became popular enough on Buffy the Vampire Slayer to get his own show, even though there wasn’t room for him on the original. While making a spin-off is always a bit of a risk, it can be very successful.

If audiences respond well to a ‘backdoor pilot’ – essentially a test episode within an existing show – networks are more likely to develop it into a full series. This approach lets networks gauge interest and see the potential for success before fully committing, offering a safer investment than ordering a traditional pilot or entire series upfront. By giving viewers a preview with a few early episodes, networks can better assess if the show has long-term potential.

As a movie and TV lover, it’s always exciting when a show seems to hint at a spin-off – those ‘backdoor pilots’ can really grab you. Sometimes they take off and become full series, which is awesome! But honestly, a lot of the time, even if viewers really want more, those ideas just don’t get developed. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes that we don’t see, and it’s frustrating when something with a lot of promise just… fizzles out.

7. Supernatural – Bloodlines

Season 9, Episode 20

Throughout its fifteen seasons, Supernatural explored the possibility of spin-off series several times. One attempt was the ninth season episode, “Bloodlines.” Although considered one of the show’s weakest episodes by fans, the concept behind it was promising. The episode sent Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) to Chicago to investigate a unique situation.

The planned series featured a fresh group of characters navigating a hidden world filled with conflict between creatures like werewolves, vampires, and shapeshifters. It would have focused on their battles for territory and the relationships between these groups, all while trying to avoid being hunted. Although the idea wasn’t right for Supernatural, it could have been a successful show on The CW as its own series.

6. NCIS: Los Angeles – NCIS: Red

Season 4, Episodes 18 & 19

The hit show NCIS: Los Angeles started as a two-episode arc within the original NCIS series, designed to introduce a new team. These episodes, “Red” and “Red-2,” which aired in 2013 during NCIS: Los Angeles‘s fourth season, created a traveling team within the NCIS universe, allowing them to investigate crimes across the country similar to those handled by the original team.

Unlike the original NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: Red was planned to be a quicker, more dynamic show, able to take place anywhere at any time. It would have offered a fresh take on the series, appealing to fans who were hoping for a tighter team dynamic and a more contemporary style.

5. Smallville – Booster

Season 10, Episode 18

Throughout its ten seasons, Smallville explored several ideas for spin-off shows. The most promising concept appeared near the end of the series with the introduction of Booster Gold (Eric Martsolf). This bold, attention-seeking hero from the future seemed like a great way to continue the Smallville story even after the original show concluded.

Booster Gold’s potential series would have been a bit less serious than Smallville, largely because his stories were meant to be more fun and stylized. The episode showcased a lighthearted, comedic take on his adventures, which felt like a great way for Smallville fans to explore the broader DC universe beyond Superman. However, the show ultimately wasn’t picked up for a full series.

4. The 100 – Anaconda

Season 7, Episode 8

Though The 100 faced challenges with its audience throughout its run, the show hinted at a possible prequel series in its final season. Specifically, season 7, episode 8, “Anaconda,” presented a glimpse into a past, post-apocalyptic world that could have been further developed into its own series.

Despite some flaws throughout its run, a prequel to The 100 – featuring a new group of characters struggling to survive and grappling with difficult choices as they rebuild society – could have revitalized the show as a larger franchise. The episode “Anaconda” particularly highlighted what made The 100 strong: introducing fresh characters facing tough moral dilemmas with no prior baggage, allowing for compelling philosophical exploration.

3. Gilmore Girls – Here Comes The Son

Season 3, Episode 21

Season 3 of Gilmore Girls introduced Jess Mariano (Milo Ventimiglia), a character who proved to be quite controversial among fans. Plans were made for him to have his own spin-off show, moving him away from Stars Hollow, but that series never happened. As Gilmore Girls grew in popularity, the writers began exploring new challenges for Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel), and ultimately decided to remove Jess from the show, even though they had been in a romantic relationship.

Throughout the show, Jess lived with his uncle Luke Danes. A planned spin-off, called “Here Comes The Son”, would have seen Jess travel from their small town of Stars Hollow to Venice Beach to connect with his estranged father. The series would have explored Jess getting to know his father and the people in his life in California. Although the spin-off never happened, a show focused on Jess would have been an interesting new direction for the character.

2. Supernatural – Wayward Sisters

Season 13, Episode 10

During its thirteenth season, Supernatural tried again to launch a spin-off, this time focusing on Sheriff Jody Mills (Kim Rhodes) and Claire Novak (Kathryn Newton). Although it didn’t move forward, the show explored their relationship, offering a compelling female-driven story within the often male-dominated world of Supernatural.

Inspired by the popularity of characters introduced in Supernatural season 13, episode 10, “Wayward Sisters”, a potential spin-off focused on a different, more unconventional family dynamic was explored. While fans showed interest in the idea of a darker, community-focused series, the network ultimately decided not to move forward with the project, despite its potential and diverse representation.

1. Gossip Girl – Valley Girls

Season 2, Episode 24

As a critic, I remember when Gossip Girl was at its peak, everyone was obsessed with the will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Serena’s mom, Lily, and Dan’s dad, Rufus. It was a fascinating setup, and the show actually tried to explore their history with a special episode set way back in the 80s. It was really interesting to see Lily before she was a Manhattan socialite, before she even met Rufus – a clever way to hint at how their complex relationship began.

Throughout the episode, cleverly named “Valley Girls,” we saw a younger Lily (Brittany Snow) getting into mischief with her sister, Carol Rhodes (Krysten Ritter), in California. Though the episode was remarkably well-done, effectively building characters and plot, it felt very different from the original Gossip Girl. It had a lot of potential, making it disappointing for fans hoping for a continuation of the Gossip Girl universe.

2025-11-16 00:51