12 Canceled Cartoon Spin-Offs That Actually Sounded Amazing
These canceled cartoon spin-offs had big potential but never made it to our screens.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Some cartoon ideas get greenlit, while others never make it past the drawing board. Networks may have pulled the plug too soon, but the concepts still live on in what-ifs and fan discussions. Here are the most fascinating cartoon spin-offs that were canceled before they even had a chance.
1. Krusty’s Sidekick: The Sideshow Bob Show
Eliedion on Wikimedia Commons
This proposed Simpsons spin-off would have followed Sideshow Bob in his chaotic attempts to go straight, only to constantly get dragged back into his scheming ways. The idea was to show him in different towns causing trouble while trying to redeem himself. Fans still wonder what bizarre adventures he could have had.
2. Plucky Duck Takes the Spotlight
Logotta2 on Wikimedia Commons
Tiny Toon Adventures nearly gave Plucky Duck his own show, building off his fan-favorite antics. It would have leaned heavily into slapstick humor, similar to Daffy Duck, but with a ’90s twist. The show was developed but scrapped before it aired.
3. Codename: Aftermath
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Cartoon Network considered a darker Codename: Kids Next Door sequel that followed the kids as teenagers. The tone would have been more serious, tackling the challenges of growing up after leaving their secret organization. Fans only got a glimpse through concept art before it was canceled.
4. Gotham High
DC Comics (Warner Bros. Discovery) on Wikimedia Commons
DC almost launched an animated series featuring teenage versions of Batman, Joker, and other Gotham characters attending high school together. It would have blended superhero action with high school drama. The unusual mix sounded wild, but the project never took flight.
5. Rugrats: All Grown Up (But Darker)
Rugrats on Wikimedia Commons
Before the lighter version we saw, Nickelodeon toyed with a darker teen-centered Rugrats spin-off. The idea was to focus on heavier teen struggles like fitting in, identity, and rivalry. Executives decided it was too heavy for kids and changed course.
6. Pinky and the Brain… and Elmyra
Tomasz Molina on Wikimedia Commons
This spin-off technically aired but was quickly canceled because fans disliked the new direction. Instead of their normal antics, Pinky and Brain were forced to live with Elmyra from Tiny Toons. It sounded quirky but proved too strange to work.
7. Rocket Power: The Next Wave
Corey McPherson Nash, Fred/Alan, Inc. (® Viacom International, Inc.) on Wikimedia Commons
Nickelodeon considered continuing Rocket Power with the gang as older teens chasing pro sports dreams. It would have leaned more into competition and surf culture. Unfortunately, it was shelved before production began.
8. The Flintstones: Bedrock Teens
BOMBA on Wikimedia Commons
Hanna-Barbera once planned a teenage version of Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm set in Bedrock. The show would have centered around dating, high school, and growing up in prehistoric times. The concept got tossed before it even hit the pilot stage.
9. Daria’s Adult Life
MTV (Music Television) on Wikimedia Commons
MTV considered a Daria spin-off focusing on her post-college life in a big city. It would have explored her career, friendships, and struggles as an adult. Fans of dry humor still wish this one made it.
10. The Zuko Chronicles
TheCuriousGnome on Wikimedia Commons
Avatar: The Last Airbender almost had a spin-off focused on Zuko’s journey as Fire Lord. The show would have gone deeper into his leadership and battles against rebellion. It never materialized, leaving fans hungry for more of his story.
11. Freakazoid Returns
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Warner Bros. once floated a Freakazoid! revival in the 2000s, imagining him dealing with modern internet culture. The absurd humor could have fit perfectly with the times. Sadly, the revival never left the idea stage.
12. Monsters High
Mattel on Wikimedia Commons
Nickelodeon thought about a spin-off of Aaahh!!! Real Monsters set in a monster high school. It would have introduced new characters while keeping the creepy humor of the original. Plans were scrapped as executives moved away from darker cartoons.