As someone who grew up with the original SpongeBob SquarePants and That ’70s Show, I must confess that my heart sank a little when I heard about The Patrick Star Show and That ’80s Show. It seems like these spin-offs are trying to capitalize on the nostalgia of their predecessors without truly understanding what made them special in the first place.
Initially, it might appear that numerous fans would prefer uninterrupted episodes of their beloved TV comedies. However, spinoffs serve a dual purpose: they broaden an existing universe and introduce the universe once more, this time through the lens of a different character. The longevity of the series depends on how deeply viewers become invested in the journey of any given secondary character, as they take center stage in their own series.
Although series like Frasier achieved great success, spinning off a new show from an established one is no simple task. Often, shows capitalizing on the popularity of their original counterparts have faced struggles instead. This can be attributed to the overemphasis of familiar characters, mediocre humor, or a lack of unique narrative elements in these spinoffs, which frequently fail to meet the high standards set by their predecessors.
10 The Golden Palace (1992)
The Golden Palace continues the story of the beloved women who once captivated television audiences with their hit series, The Golden Girls, in a fresh setting. Following Dorothy’s (Bea Arthur) departure, the remaining three ladies opt to revamp a nearby hotel instead. With just two staff members maintaining the building, the friends choose to lend a hand and participate in renovating the hotel.
Carrying Through Without a Core Soul
One notable letdown in “The Golden Palace” was missing Bea Arthur’s character. Even though her character received a satisfying resolution for her storyline, her absence was definitely felt. The spinoff struggled when it relied heavily on familiar jokes and structures without its central member, making it less enjoyable overall.
Although The Golden Palace had an engaging plotline and smooth continuity from its preceding shows, it ultimately fell short of meeting viewers’ anticipations. However, even with its initial poor reviews, the series saw a resurgence when it was made available for streaming on Hulu.
Stream The Golden Palace on Hulu
9 Mama’s Family (1983)
Mama’s Family originated as a spin-off from the comedy sketches on The Carol Burnett Show. Starring Vicki Lawrence as the main character, the show revolves around the humorous escapades of the Harper family and their neighborhood. A lot of the trouble in the storyline is instigated by Thelma, the family matriarch (portrayed by Lawrence), who is known for her brash personality.
A Few Laughs and Much Contempt
Although I consider this spinoff one of the more successful ones, many fans share their disappointment due to the lackluster humor that seems to fall short compared to the original skits. The humor often leans towards nonsensical, which has led both fans and critics to label it as overly predictable. However, in the years since its release, the series has gained a cult following, with new and returning viewers finding appeal in its unique structure.
8 AfterMASH (1983 – 1985)
Following the broad acclaim of the military comedy-drama M*A*S*H, it appeared that there was demand for more stories about the cherished soldiers and medical personnel from the series. Consequently, production on a follow-up titled AfterMASH commenced in 1983 for its release.
The show centers around Colonel Sherman T. Potter (Harry Morgan), Sergeant Maxwell Klinger (Jamie Farr), and Father John Mulcahy (William Christopher) following the end of the war. Packed with post-war stories and romantic escapades, AfterMASH could have given fans a peek into life beyond the 4077th MASH, but it received lukewarm reception upon its debut.
A Weaker Sequel to a Legendary Series
Many viewers felt that the storylines in the show were less engaging compared to other series. Despite the fact that the main characters in M*A*S*H have been beloved by fans during their time on screen, it seems that they weren’t able to deliver the mix of humor and emotion that made the original series a cable sensation.
After just two seasons, the show was unfortunately taken off the air. Many devoted viewers were disappointed by the missed opportunities for character development and storytelling in comparison to the original series, often referring to AfterMASH as less impactful than its predecessor.
7 Joey (2004-2006)
Investigating a cultural phenomenon as notable as Friends can be quite challenging. Despite Joey‘s aspirations to generate the same level of fascination, it’s clear that many shows fall short in comparison to their forerunner. The return of this iconic character (Matt LeBlanc) in a fresh setting marks the start of a series that delves into Joey’s struggles as an aspiring actor in Hollywood. As he navigates through new relationships, the lovable yet air-headed optimist aims to make his mark in the entertainment industry, picking up valuable lessons along the way.
Too Nonsensical for Its Own Good
Although viewers have grown fond of Joey due to his laid-back character, the show struggles to explore fresh and innovative storylines based on Joey’s personality traits. Despite having talented actors, the program is plagued with repetitive plotlines. Combined with the excessive stereotyping of the main character, it’s no wonder that the series ended after just two seasons.
6 Saved by the Bell: The College Years (1993)
The television show Saved by the Bell is often compared to other iconic high school comedies such as Boy Meets World and Family Matters, captivating viewers through lively and amusing discussions between an energetic group of friends, while also providing educational content.
As a dedicated cinephile, let me share my perspective on “Saved by the Bell: The College Years.” This captivating series is set in the vibrant city of Palisades, California, but it’s not just any ordinary university that’s at the heart of this tale. Instead, we follow our beloved characters from high school and welcome new faces into the fold as they navigate through a fictional California University. Themes such as substance abuse, sexuality, women’s rights, and other thought-provoking topics deemed controversial in society are skillfully woven into the narrative.
Flailing in Uncharted Waters
Although it drew a good number of viewers, the show struggled due to fierce competition from other popular shows like ‘Full House’ and ‘Rescue 911’, which were also being broadcast at the time. Additionally, the college setting provided more chances for writers to create humorous content that resonated with an older audience. Since it lacked the family-friendly humor that had previously sustained ‘Saved By The Bell’, the series was unfortunately canceled shortly after finishing its first and only season.
5 Three’s a Crowd (1984)
In 1984, “Three’s Company” spun off to introduce us to “Three’s a Crowd”. This new show continued the story after the previous one ended, focusing on Jack Tripper (played by John Ritter) and Victoria “Vicky” Bradford (Mary Cadorette), who decide to share a living space together. However, this arrangement displeases Vicky’s father, James (Robert Mandan), causing tension. The series follows their attempts to adjust to this new living situation while Jack and Vicky strive to preserve their relationship.
A Promising Spinoff Lacking in Confidence
First appearing with a solid audience base, the show encountered rivalry from programs such as The A-Team. Furthermore, the series received unfavorable criticism, being labeled as “lacking direction” when compared to its original counterpart by critics.
Due to this decision, the show was limited to 13 episodes rather than the usual 26. This reportedly led John Ritter to threaten to leave unless they got a full season. Eventually, ABC opted for Diff’rent Strokes over it, ultimately canceling the series after just one season.
Stream Three’s A Crowd on Tubi
4 The Tortellis (1987)
As a movie reviewer, let me share my thoughts on “Cheers,” a TV series that truly made its mark and gave birth to numerous spin-offs. Unfortunately, one of these offshoots, “The Tortellis,” didn’t manage to reach the same heights of success as its predecessor.
Featuring Dan Hedaya and Jean Kasem, the series centers around Loretta Tortelli (Kasem), a woman once known as a trophy wife who seeks a fresh start in Las Vegas. Her husband Nick (Hedaya), with his cunning and devious ways, trails behind her in hopes of changing his ways and reclaiming her affection. The show primarily revolves around their conflicting characters, resulting in humorous situations, while also delving into the complexities of estranged relationships and the allure of fame.
Underwhelming and Borderline Offensive
In my humble opinion, the controversial series was harshly criticized, particularly by Italian-Americans, for perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Despite the uproar, it failed to captivate audiences, with poor ratings during its debut, ultimately leading to its swift termination. Interestingly, the Tortellis’ storylines were later revisited and concluded in the beloved sitcom “Cheers”, where both Nick and Loretta made a comeback, shedding light on the aftermath of their Las Vegas adventure.
3 The Brady Bunch Hour (1976)
The Brady Bunch transforms well-known symbols into a variety program when the family’s patriarch, Mike Brady (Robert Reed), chooses to abandon his architectural profession for an enticing entertainment opportunity. The series offered numerous skits and guest star performances, becoming a popular hit. Regrettably, the show was discontinued after airing only nine episodes.
A Trendhopping Extension of an Established Franchise
Among the various projects in the Brady Bunch franchise, “The Brady Bunch Hour” is less frequently mentioned in the cast’s overall career. This is primarily due to the show’s cheesy nature, as well as more captivating content found in other spinoff series. The variety format of the show was often overshadowed by the numerous variety shows that came before or ran concurrently with it, which led to unfavorable comparisons.
In a twist that left many fans scratching their heads, The Brady Batch Hour, which featured some comedic scenes that didn’t quite hit the mark, only lasted one season and isn’t often brought up in the ongoing narrative of The Brady Bunch’s illustrious history. As a devoted fan, I find myself reminiscing about the original series rather than discussing this lesser-known spinoff.
2 The Patrick Star Show (2021 – Present)
In “The Patrick Star Show,” the secondary character from the popular “SpongeBob SquarePants” cartoon series takes center stage. This fresh addition to the expanding franchise features Patrick as a talk show host, interviewing familiar faces. He collaborates with his family members in an attempt to create intriguing and amusing conversations on-air.
A Parody of a Once Entertaining Character
In simpler terms, “The Patrick Star Show” continues the traditional physical comedy, similar to that which made SpongeBob and Patrick well-known figures in pop culture. However, this new series seems to oversimplify Patrick’s character, relying excessively on familiar gags and antics to amuse both his onscreen audience and viewers at home.
If you’re expecting a tale with a touch of magical charm, blending the inventiveness and humor that first endeared us to Patrick, then you might find The Patrick Star Show falls short of those particular expectations.
Stream The Patrick Star Show on Paramount Plus
1 That ’80s Show (2002)
Stepping back into the realm of television criticism, let me share my thoughts on ‘That ’70s Show’. This series offered a heartwarming cast of characters, bound by friendship, as they navigated their way through adolescence and growing up. As for its spin-off, creatives endeavored to rekindle the charm of the original with ‘That ’80s Show’, but alas, it was not quite the same magic we saw in the ’70s.
Featuring popular actors such as Chyler Leigh from “Grey’s Anatomy” and Eddie Shin from “Agent Carter”, this series centers around a vibrant group of friends living in San Diego. Over the course of 13 episodes, their day-to-day lives unfold as they grapple with understanding the world around them.
A Convoluted and Undercooked Exploration of Maturity
Similar to its model, “The ’80s Show” introduced vibrant characters, each with unique traits. However, since its debut, it has faced considerable criticism. Critics have pointed out its weak script, unfunny humor moments, and even the dynamics among the characters. Additionally, some retrospective reviews suggest that the show missed the mark when it came to understanding its intended audience, making the series all the more disappointing.
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2024-08-18 03:36