12 TV Spin-Offs from the ’80s That Flopped Miserably
Some spin-offs tried to capture the magic of their predecessors but failed to keep audiences hooked.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
The ’80s was a golden era for television, but not every spin-off struck gold. Some shows attempted to ride the success of popular series but instead crashed and burned. Whether due to weak storylines, unmemorable characters, or simply bad timing, these spin-offs never gained traction. Here are 12 TV spin-offs from the ’80s that missed the mark.
1. AfterMASH (1983-1985)
Evert F. Baumgardner on Wikimedia Commons
MAS*H was a cultural phenomenon, but its spin-off, AfterMASH, failed to capture the same magic. It followed familiar characters adjusting to civilian life yet lacked the charm and wit of the original. Viewers quickly lost interest, leading to its cancellation after just two seasons.
2. Joanie Loves Chachi (1982-1983)
American Broadcasting Company on Wikimedia Commons
Happy Days fans may have loved Joanie and Chachi but did not love their spin-off. The show’s attempt to blend romance and music never resonated with audiences. It only lasted two seasons before getting the boot.
3. The Brady Brides (1981)
ABC Television on Wikimedia Commons
The Brady Bunch had a long-lasting legacy, but this spin-off struggled. It followed Marcia and Jan as newlyweds, trying to live under one roof. Unfortunately, it lacked the heartwarming appeal of the original and quickly faded into obscurity.
4. The Dukes (1983)
CDC on Wikimedia Commons
The Dukes of Hazzard worked well as a live-action show, but turning it into a cartoon was a bad move. The animated version felt like a watered-down version of the original. It failed to attract kids and loyal fans, leading to a short run.
5. Galactica 1980 (1980)
The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek on Wikimedia Commons
Battlestar Galactica had a dedicated fanbase, but its spin-off did not. Galactica 1980 tried to continue the story with a new generation but lacked compelling storytelling. It was canceled after just 10 episodes.
6. Flo (1980-1981)
HAMZJAHANZEB on Wikimedia Commons
Spinning off from the hit sitcom Alice, Flo focused on the sassy waitress opening her own bar. However, the magic of the original did not translate well. After just one season, the show closed its doors.
7. Three’s a Crowd (1984-1985)
Ulman Mlg. Co. on Wikimedia Commons
Three’s Company was a hit, but its sequel struggled. It followed Jack Tripper navigating life with his new girlfriend, but the charm was gone. The series only lasted one season before being shelved.
8. Sanford (1980-1981)
City of Sanford on Wikimedia Commons
Sanford and Son was a classic, but this spin-off did not meet expectations. With Lamont missing and Fred Sanford running a boarding house, fans felt the magic was lost. It lasted two short seasons before disappearing.
9. The New Monkees (1987-1988)
William J Sisti on Wikimedia Commons
Trying to recreate The Monkees’ success with a new cast was a mistake. The New Monkees never captured the fun or energy of the original band. It flopped hard, disappearing after just one season.
10. Beverly Hills Buntz (1987-1988)
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A spin-off of Hill Street Blues, this show followed Norman Buntz in a more comedic setting. Unfortunately, the shift from drama to humor did not work, and the series flopped and was quickly forgotten.
11. Ace Crawford, Private Eye (1983)
Julian Tysoe on Wikimedia Commons
This spoof of detective shows, starring Tim Conway, never took off. Despite its attempt at slapstick humor, audiences were not impressed, and it was canceled after just five episodes.
12. Magnum, P.I. (1988 Reboot Attempt)
CBS Television (US) / NBCUniversal Television (Intl) on Wikimedia Commons
The original Magnum, P.I. was a hit, but an attempted soft reboot in the late ’80s flopped. With changes to the supporting cast and a shift in tone, it lost what made the original work. The idea was scrapped before it could take off.