13 TV Spin-Offs That Flopped Immediately
Spinning off a hit TV show sounds like a sure way to keep fans watching, but it doesn’t always work out. Some spin-offs barely made it past the first few episodes before getting pulled from the schedule. While they came with high hopes, many faded quickly and are rarely remembered today.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
TV networks often try to capture lightning twice by creating spin-offs from successful series. However, not every character or storyline can carry its own show. These short-lived spin-offs struggled to connect with viewers and were canceled almost as soon as they began. They serve as a reminder that even big-name shows can’t always pass the magic on.
1. Joey (Spin-off of Friends)
National Broadcasting Company (NBC) on Wikimedia
After Friends ended, Joey Tribbiani got his own sitcom in Los Angeles. The charm that worked in a group setting didn’t shine on its own. Ratings dropped fast, and the show was canceled after two seasons.
2. The Brady Brides (Spin-off of The Brady Bunch)
BC Television. on Wikimedia The Brady Brides
This show followed Marcia and Jan as they moved in together after getting married. The light humor and family charm from the original didn’t translate well into adult married life. Viewers quickly lost interest, and the show was short-lived.
3. That ’80s Show (Spin-off of That ’70s Show)
Ron Lach on Pexels
Trying to ride on the success of That ’70s Show, this version jumped ahead a decade. It lacked the chemistry and lovable cast of the original. Only 13 episodes aired before it was canceled.
4. AfterMASH (Spin-off of MASH)
JESHOOTS.com on Pexels
Following the lives of three characters after the war, this show couldn’t match the brilliance of MASH. The tone felt too serious and slow for fans of the original. It was taken off the air during its second season.
5. The Golden Palace (Spin-off of The Golden Girls)
Srattha Nualsate on Pexels
After Dorothy left, the remaining ladies ran a hotel instead of living together. The warm friendship and spark that made The Golden Girls special didn’t carry over. The show lasted only one season before being canceled.
6. Time of Your Life (Spin-off of Party of Five)
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
This series followed Sarah as she moved to New York to learn more about her biological parents. It didn’t capture the emotional depth of Party of Five and felt flat. Despite Jennifer Love Hewitt’s star power, it didn’t survive the season.
7. Baywatch Nights (Spin-off of Baywatch)
FremantleMedia on Wikimedia
David Hasselhoff tried to turn lifeguard action into a crime-fighting mystery. The mix of beach drama and supernatural plots confused fans. It was too strange to keep viewers and was canceled after two seasons.
8. The Tortellis (Spin-off of Cheers)
Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
This spin-off focused on Carla’s ex-husband and his new life in Las Vegas. It didn’t have the witty writing or lovable characters that made Cheers a hit. Only 13 episodes aired before it disappeared.
9. Models Inc. (Spin-off of Melrose Place)
Wesley Davi on Pexels
This drama tried to dive into the fashion world with high drama and glossy stories. Without strong writing or memorable characters, it failed to stand out. The ratings plummeted quickly, and the show lasted only one season.
10. Caprica (Spin-off of Battlestar Galactica)
Ron Lach on Pexels
Set decades before Battlestar Galactica, this show explored the origin of the Cylons. It focused more on politics and philosophy than space action. Fans weren’t as interested, and it was canceled after one season.
11. Living Dolls (Spin-off of Who’s the Boss?)
Emmanuel Codden on Pexels
The story followed Samantha’s friend as she entered the modeling world. It featured a young Halle Berry but still couldn’t hold an audience. Only 12 episodes aired before it was pulled.
12. Top of the Heap (Spin-off of Married… with Children)
KoolShooters on Pexels
This sitcom focused on Vinnie and his dad trying to climb the social ladder. The crude humor didn’t land the same way without the Bundys. It was quickly canceled after just a few episodes.
13. Emily’s Reasons Why Not (Loosely spun from Sex and the City vibes)
cottonbro studio on Pexels
ABC hyped this romantic comedy starring Heather Graham as the next big thing. The first episode was poorly received, and the network canceled it immediately. It’s one of the fastest cancellations in TV history.