14 TV Spinoffs That Failed Miserably
These TV spinoffs tried to ride the coattails of popular shows but flopped hard instead.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Not every spinoff captures the magic of its predecessor. Some become hits in their own right, others crash and burn, unable to connect with audiences or recapture the original’s spark. Here are 14 television spinoffs that failed miserably, despite high hopes and familiar faces.
1. Joey (2004–2006)
Richard Goldschmidt on Wikimedia Commons
Following the Friends finale, Matt LeBlanc’s Joey Tribbiani headed to L.A. — but left the laughs behind. The charm didn’t translate solo, and viewers quickly tuned out.
2. AfterMASH (1983–1985)
Jim Ellwanger on Flickr
Trying to continue the MASH* legacy without most of the cast was a tall order. AfterMASH focused on a few side characters in a stateside hospital, but lacked the wit and emotion of the original.
3. The Brady Brides (1981)
Steve Terrell on Flickr
This sequel series tried to combine The Brady Bunch nostalgia with a cheesy sitcom twist. Following Marcia and Jan as newlyweds, it felt dated and unfunny even at the time.
4. Baywatch Nights (1995–1997)
Georges Biard on Wikimedia Commons
David Hasselhoff traded lifeguarding for detective work — and eventually paranormal crime fighting. The tonal whiplash confused fans of the beach drama.
5. Joanie Loves Chachi (1982–1983)
Walt Disney Television on Flickr
Spun off from Happy Days, this romance-focused series never found its footing. Fans loved Joanie and Chachi in small doses — but not enough to carry their own show.
6. The Tortellis (1987)
Alan Light on Wikimedia Commons
A short-lived spinoff of Cheers, The Tortellis followed Carla’s ex-husband and his oddball family. The humor fell flat and lacked the magic of its parent show.
7. Gloria (1982–1983)
Alan Light on Wikimedia Commons
Sally Struthers reprised her All in the Family role in this lackluster spinoff. Without Archie Bunker’s fiery presence, the show felt hollow.
8. Models Inc. (1994–1995)
Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
In an attempt to extend the Melrose Place universe, Models Inc. added drama and fashion but forgot substance. Audiences didn’t bite, and it was quickly axed.
9. The Golden Palace (1992–1993)
Alan Light on Wikimedia Commons
After The Golden Girls ended, three of the women opened a hotel. However, without Bea Arthur, it lacked the original’s chemistry.
10. Caprica (2010)
Streamy Awards on Flickr
A prequel to Battlestar Galactica, this cerebral sci-fi drama had ambition but lacked momentum. Viewers found it slow and overly philosophical.
11. Law & Order: Trial by Jury (2005–2006)
Dominick D on Wikimedia Commosn
This addition to the Law & Order franchise focused solely on courtroom proceedings. While well-acted, it felt one-dimensional and lacked the dynamic flow of the original format.
12. That ‘80s Show (2002)
Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
Hoping to capture lightning twice, Fox gave us this follow-up to That ‘70s Show. However, with no returning characters and forced nostalgia, it missed the mark.
13. Ferris Bueller (1990–1991)
gdcgraphics on Wikimedia Commons
A spinoff of the hit movie, this show lacked Matthew Broderick and the original’s wit. Charlie Schlatter tried his best, but audiences didn’t buy it.
14. Coroner: I Speak for the Dead (2016–2017)
Adrian Swancar on Unsplash
This true crime dramatization tried to follow in the footsteps of popular forensic shows. However, weak reenactments and uninspired storytelling turned off viewers.