7 Incredible TV Spin-Offs That Actually Made The Originals Better

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It’s common for a popular show to get a spin-off, but these often start with a built-in challenge. Usually, spin-offs feel like attempts to extend a franchise, reuse familiar faces, or simply keep the story going. However, sometimes something special happens: a spin-off finds its own unique voice, changes the overall feel, develops supporting characters, and explores themes the original show missed. In these successful cases, the spin-off actually enhances our understanding of the original, either by improving on its weaknesses or presenting its ideas in a more sophisticated way.

Sometimes, a story can be revitalized simply by changing its perspective, tone, or by focusing on a previously underappreciated character. This list showcases 7 spin-offs that were incredibly successful – not only were they great on their own, but they actually improved the original series they came from.

7) Angel

The spin-off series, Angel, succeeds because it doesn’t try to be Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Instead of following the same formula, Angel is much darker and geared towards adults. The show centers on Angel (David Boreanaz) in Los Angeles, where he runs a detective agency specializing in supernatural cases, all while grappling with his own troubled past. This new direction is significant because the focus shifts from typical teen relationships to flawed characters striving to do good in a harsh world.

What’s truly compelling about Angel is how it enhances Buffy the Vampire Slayer while forging its own path. Characters like Wesley and Cordelia are significantly developed, gaining depth and complexity they didn’t have before. The show also explores the idea of redemption in a more nuanced way. Unlike Buffy, which generally maintained a hopeful tone, Angel acknowledges that not all problems have happy endings – battles aren’t always won, and sacrifices don’t always pay off. It’s a more sophisticated series, demonstrating that this world could support a much grimmer and more complex narrative.

6) The Originals

Although The Vampire Diaries frequently revolved around repetitive romantic relationships, The Originals stands out by taking a different approach – and that’s a big reason why many viewers still enjoy it more. The show centers on the Mikaelson family, the very first vampires, as they return to New Orleans to regain control. They encounter witches, werewolves, and past rivals while battling centuries of family conflict. Ultimately, the show is less about romantic pairings and more about the pursuit of power, the importance of family history, and the destructive nature of internal strife. The plot is complex, but unlike its predecessor, The Originals has a much more defined central theme.

The Originals feels like a more complete, grown-up, and genuinely emotional show. Klaus (Joseph Morgan) develops from a simply charming villain into a complex character you can really sympathize with, and Elijah (Daniel Gillies) and Rebekah (Claire Holt) finally get storylines that make you invested in their journeys – something that was often missing from The Vampire Diaries. Ultimately, this spin-off highlights the weaknesses of the original series while demonstrating that this world is stronger when it focuses on deeper, more serious character development.

5) Frasier

Do you remember the show Cheers? Frasier was a spin-off, and it’s one of those rare times when the supporting character’s new show actually surpasses the original! Frasier follows Dr. Frasier Crane (played by Kelsey Grammer) as he moves to Seattle after leaving the bar from Cheers and begins hosting his own radio show as a psychiatrist. The series also explores his often-complicated relationships with his equally pretentious brother, his retired police officer father, and his tendency to make questionable choices. While the initial idea was fairly straightforward, the show quickly becomes captivating thanks to its excellent writing and performances.

This new series stands out because of its excellent writing. It’s full of quick, witty dialogue, clever situations, and well-developed characters. This immediately makes it feel fresh and original, as it doesn’t depend on viewers’ memories of the original show. Instead, it quickly establishes its own unique personality. As the series progresses, it evolves into a more polished, consistent, and emotionally engaging comedy. While Cheers first introduced audiences to Frasier, it was this spin-off that really allowed his character to shine and explore his full potential beyond being a supporting role.

4) The Good Fight

Often underestimated, The Good Fight brilliantly picks up where The Good Wife left off, plunging into the turbulent world of modern politics. The series begins with Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) losing everything and rebuilding her career at a new firm. She soon finds herself tackling cases involving issues like misinformation, racial injustice, the rise of authoritarianism, and the dangers of unchecked technology. This focus on relevant, timely topics is what makes the show so engaging. The Good Fight doesn’t just use the law as a setting; it uses it as a powerful way to examine and critique society. It’s a subtle approach, but incredibly effective.

Okay, let me tell you, this spin-off actually surprised me! It’s better than the original The Good Wife, and that’s saying something. Where the original was all about elegance and playing it safe, this show, The Good Fight, isn’t afraid to be bold, even a little jarring at times – and I mean that as a compliment! We’re talking episodes that feel almost like satire, storytelling that takes risks, and a willingness to really tackle tough social issues head-on. It’s this fearlessness that takes the world they built in The Good Wife and makes it feel incredibly relevant and thought-provoking. Honestly, it’s a fantastic evolution.

3) House of the Dragon

Following the divisive finale of Game of Thrones, many worried House of the Dragon would also disappoint. However, the spin-off took a different approach, concentrating on the Targaryen family’s brutal civil war and how issues of power, pride, and bad choices led to their downfall. This narrower focus proved successful, surprising many viewers, despite a few minor flaws. The show spans several generations, depicting the breakdown of alliances and the growing inevitability of war. But what accounts for its success?

Unlike the original Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon isn’t focused on constant, large-scale action. While it appears visually impressive, the show often slows down to build political intrigue and develop its characters. This approach echoes the early seasons of Game of Thrones, where private conversations were just as important as battles. The spin-off doesn’t try to change Westeros; it successfully revisits what initially made the world so captivating and popular. It also helps to redeem some of the disappointment caused by the original series’ finale.

2) Boston Legal

Despite being underrated, Boston Legal should be part of any discussion about great spin-offs. Unlike its predecessor, The Practice, it doesn’t try to be a typical legal show. The series centers on the lawyers at a Boston firm, particularly Alan Shore (James Spader) and Denny Crane (William Shatner), as they tackle cases and openly discuss politics, ethics, and flaws within the American system – often in a very direct and humorous way. It shares a similar boldness with The Good Fight, and arguably influenced The Good Wife’s spin-off series.

I have to say, what really makes this show stand out is the amazing connection between the main actors and its really fun, slightly rebellious attitude. Unlike The Practice, which always felt so straightforward and safe, this series is wonderfully strange, makes you think, and is totally in on the joke. It doesn’t shy away from being over-the-top or even bending the rules a bit, and honestly, that’s brilliant! It lets the show go way beyond just legal cases and actually offer a fresh perspective on what’s happening in the world – something the original never even attempted.

1) Better Call Saul

Given the massive success of Breaking Bad, a spin-off was inevitable, and Better Call Saul successfully carries on that show’s spirit. The series begins by following Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk), an earnest lawyer, and gradually evolves into a tragic story about who we are and the decisions we make. It charts Jimmy’s path to becoming Saul Goodman, while also fleshing out compelling characters like Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) and carefully constructing the world seen in Breaking Bad. Though it’s a prequel, Better Call Saul stands on its own and doesn’t depend on the original series to feel worthwhile.

What I love about Better Call Saul is that it’s all about the journey, not just big surprises. Breaking Bad had those huge twists, and they were great, but this show is smarter in a different way. Everything builds so slowly, with little choices adding up until you realize there’s no going back. The writers really take their time, and it makes the characters feel so real. Because of that, watching Jimmy McGill fall apart is way more powerful – it’s not sudden, it’s a slow burn. Honestly, Better Call Saul doesn’t just feel like a good addition to Breaking Bad; it actually deepens the whole story and makes it feel more complete emotionally.

Have you checked out any of these spin-offs? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-04 19:14