10 Sitcom Spin-Offs That Flopped and Were Quickly Canceled
These sitcom spin-offs tried to ride the coattails of TV legends but fizzled fast, proving that lightning doesn’t always strike twice.
- Alyana Aguja
- 3 min read
Spin-offs typically vow additional helpings of what viewers adore, but when they fail, they become cautionary tales of TV excess. From Joey to The Tortellis, these cancelled series attempted to bottle the magic of legendary sitcoms but disappeared from the airwaves all too soon. Their swift cancellations illustrate just how difficult it is to repeat lightning in a bottle, even with such fondly remembered starting material.
1. Joey (2004–2006)
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A spin-off from the huge hit Friends, Joey tracked Matt LeBlanc’s character as he came to Los Angeles to try his hand at acting. The series launched with good ratings but rapidly fizzled out with poor writing and a supporting cast that could not recreate the same chemistry. NBC cancelled it after two seasons and 46 episodes, with eight episodes never having aired in the U.S.
2. AfterMASH (1983–1985)
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A spinoff of the iconic MASH*, this series introduced three characters — Colonel Potter, Klinger, and Father Mulcahy — working in a stateside hospital after the war. While the parent series went out on a cultural high, AfterMASH was deemed tonally disconnected and unnecessary. It ran two seasons but was cancelled in mid-season two as its ratings dropped dramatically.
3. The Tortellis (1987)
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A spin-off of Cheers, The Tortellis was set around Carla’s shabby ex-husband Nick and his new Las Vegas family. The actor, who played small parts on Cheers, had difficulty supporting a full series. It was cancelled after only 13 episodes with terrible reviews and atrocious viewing.
4. Joanie Loves Chachi (1982–1983)
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This Happy Days spin-off spotlighted Joanie and Chachi’s budding music careers in Chicago. Though it initially drew attention, especially among young fans, the show’s writing and pacing were widely criticized. It was canceled after only 17 episodes.
5. Three’s a Crowd (1984–1985)
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Meant as a spin-off from Three’s Company, this series focused on Jack Tripper (John Ritter) as he became domesticated with his new live-in lover. Viewers didn’t accept the more “mature” household environment, missing the comedic friction of the original trio. It lasted only one season of 22 episodes.
6. Gloria (1982–1983)
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An All in the Family spin-off, Archie Bunker’s daughter Gloria lived as a single mother as a veterinarian’s assistant. The series glossed over the grit and social commentary of the parent show for safer sitcom fare. Despite good early ratings, it was canceled after one season.
7. Enos (1980–1981)
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This spinoff of The Dukes of Hazzard tracked deputy Enos Strate after he moved from Hazzard County to the LAPD. The fish-out-of-water concept didn’t work, and the show’s effort to blend humor with cop drama failed. CBS axed it after only 18 episodes.
8. Baywatch Nights (1995–1997)
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Although not a conventional sitcom, this strange spin-off must be noted — it brought Baywatch’s Mitch Buchannon into the realm of private investigation, and eventually even paranormal cases. Its change in genre bewildered and alienated audiences. Even with David Hasselhoff’s popularity, it was canceled after two strange seasons.
9. The Golden Palace (1992–1993)
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A spin-off of The Golden Girls after Bea Arthur’s departure, the other three women operated a Miami hotel. Without Dorothy’s stabilizing influence, the magic didn’t work even with a good cast and additions such as Don Cheadle. It only lasted one season of 24 episodes before CBS shut it down.
10. Sanford Arms (1977)
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Once Sanford and Son went off the air, NBC premiered this spin-off based on the Sanford boarding house operated by new characters after Fred Sanford departed. Without Redd Foxx or Demond Wilson, the show was in trouble from the beginning. It lasted only four episodes before being canceled.