9 Unmade Backdoor Pilots That Could Have Changed TV Forever!

Some TV shows never moved beyond their initial episode, including those that presented what are known as ‘backdoor pilots’. These are episodes designed to introduce new characters or storylines within an existing series, with the intention of potentially launching a spin-off show if they prove successful. However, not all backdoor pilots end up leading to a full series. The production of a TV show typically involves a lengthy process before it can be broadcasted or streamed, and this process officially commences with a pilot episode. This is a self-contained episode created primarily to attract a network or distributor, serving as a trial run to gauge the potential success of the show. In some cases, the pilot becomes the first official episode, while others may be re-shot or never even see the light of day.

As a dedicated movie critic, I must say that in the world of television, there’s a unique concept known as backdoor pilots. These aren’t ordinary episodes of your favorite shows; they serve as stepping stones for potential spin-offs. They might introduce new characters or delve into a fresh storyline within an existing series. Whether the spin-off gets greenlit or not, the backdoor pilot is always aired because it forms part of the main TV show.

While some backdoor pilots have indeed paved the way for successful franchises like NCIS, others have merely been additional episodes in an established series, even though they were quite engaging. It’s a risky endeavor, but one that can potentially breathe new life into a beloved series.

9. Magnum, P.I. – “J. “Digger” Doyle”

Magnum, P.I. Season 1, Episode 17

The TV series known as Magnum, P.I. featured Tom Selleck portraying Thomas Magnum, a private detective. This crime drama show had Magnum handling various cases while enjoying a lavish lifestyle in Hawaii. In its initial season, the episode titled “J. ‘Digger’ Doyle” served as a backdoor pilot, introducing the character of Digger, played by Erin Gray. Digger was brought in to assess security at the estate, and she gained access undercover as a fan of Robin Masters (voiced by Orson Welles).

In this story, Magnum and Digger joined forces when it became clear that Robin’s life was in peril. Fortunately, they were able to rescue him. However, an episode intended to start a spin-off series focusing on Digger didn’t get approved, even though it sounded intriguing.

8. The Brady Bunch – “Kelly’s Kids”

The Brady Bunch Season 5, Episode 14

In one of the most famous instances of a failed backdoor pilot, “The Brady Bunch” Season 5’s episode “Kelly’s Kids” introduced Carol and Mike’s friends Ken and Kathy Kelly, who decided to adopt a boy named Matt. Interestingly, they also ended up adopting Matt’s best friends, Dwayne (a Black child) and Steve (an Asian child). However, their decision was met with disapproval from their neighbor, Mrs. Payne.

The aim behind “Kelly’s Kids” was to create a version of The Brady Bunch with a more diverse cast, centering around the Kelly family. Unfortunately, this idea didn’t get off the ground, meaning that a spinoff of The Brady Bunch featuring the Kelly family was never made. However, its function as a ‘backdoor pilot’ ensured it left an impact on TV history.

7. Sabrina the Teenage Witch – “Witchright Hall”

Sabrina the Teenage Witch Season 5, Episode 18

As a dedicated fan, I’d like to share that “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” was my favorite sitcom revolving around Sabrina Spellman, a character hailing from Archie Comics. The show followed Sabrina (played by Melissa Joan Hart) as she juggled her life as a witch alongside typical teenage struggles. In its fifth season, “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” introduced Sabrina’s rebellious cousin Amanda, who came to live in the Mortal Realm for a year. Interestingly, Sabrina’s aunts decided to help Amanda acclimate to a school for young witches with behavioral issues – none other than the prestigious Witchright Hall.

This installment aimed to introduce a new series focused around Witchright Hall, featuring an eclectic group of witches who may be misfits, leading us through their unpredictable yet entertaining escapades. Regrettably, this concept didn’t resonate with The WB and was declined; however, it did present another Spellman family member to the audience.

6. Gilmore Girls – “Here Comes The Son”

Gilmore Girls Season 3, Episode 21

If the backdoor pilot episode “Here Comes The Son” from Gilmore Girls’ third season had been picked up, the spinoff series could have been titled Windward Circle. In this episode, character Jess (played by Milo Ventimiglia) traveled to Venice, California to reconnect with his estranged father Jimmy. Upon arrival, he encountered Jimmy’s girlfriend and her daughter who were initially unfriendly towards him. Jimmy was reluctant to take Jess in until he learned that he had no other place to stay.

In my humble opinion as a film critic, “Windward Circle” was a potential series that would have delved into the heartwarming yet challenging journey of a character named Jess, set amidst the vibrant backdrop of Venice Beach. The story revolved around Jess’s pursuit of a relationship with his elusive father, while simultaneously grappling with the absence of his mother’s support. Unfortunately, the network, The WB, passed on this project due to the substantial costs associated with filming on location in Venice Beach. Consequently, Jess was denied the chance to star in his own show.

5. The Twilight Zone – “Cavender Is Coming”

The Twilight Zone Season 3, Episode 36

One of the most unusual episodes from “The Twilight Zone” was intended to spawn a spinoff series, distinct from the original. The episode titled “Cavender is Coming” hails from the third season and chronicles angel Harmon Cavender (portrayed by Jesse White), who becomes Agnes Grep’s (played by Carol Burnett) guardian angel. Agnes is a clumsy woman who has recently lost her job, yet Cavender provides her with a grand mansion and substantial wealth. However, as the story unfolds, Cavender comes to understand that despite all her hardships, Agnes remains content.

The comedic TV show titled “Cavender is Coming” deviated from the typical sci-fi and horror style of “The Twilight Zone.” Interestingly, during its initial broadcast, laughter sounds were added (later eliminated in DVD releases, reruns, and streaming versions). This show was intended to start a comedy series starring Cavender, but unfortunately, it failed to take off.

4. The Nanny – “The Chatterbox”

The Nanny Season 2, Episode 25

In a sitcom titled “The Nanny,” created by Peter Marc Jacobson and Fran Drescher, the main character is Fran Fine, a fashion enthusiast from Flushing, Queens. After being let go from her boyfriend’s bridal shop, she unexpectedly becomes the nanny for the affluent Sheffield family. In the second season episode “The Chatterbox,” the spotlight shifted from Fran’s romantic entanglement with Maxwell Sheffield, their children, and her personal life, to focus on Mary Ruth, an aspiring yet jobless actress.

Fran persuaded Mary Ruth to take up the role as the new shampoo specialist at “The Chatterbox,” which sparked her interfering in the private affairs of the owner, Mr. Anthony, and his son, Mimo. Notably, “The Chatterbox” functioned as a precursor for a potential spinoff series centered around the beauty salon’s staff, but Mary Ruth and Mr. Anthony’s relationship bore too much resemblance to that from The Nanny.

3. Supernatural – “Bloodlines” & “Wayward Sisters”

Supernatural Season 9, Episode 20 – Season 13, Episode 10

In its ninth season, the show “Supernatural” tried twice to launch a spinoff series using backdoor pilots. The first attempt was with the episode “Bloodlines,” where Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) tackled a case in Chicago, revealing that monster families controlled the city’s underworld without humans being aware. Had it been greenlit, Supernatural: Bloodlines would have centered around conflicts between hunters and monsters, but unfortunately, the pilot did not get selected.

Four seasons down the line, “Supernatural” introduced another backdoor pilot in its thirteenth season, christened as “Wayward Daughters”. This episode featured Sam and Dean mysteriously disappearing, prompting Jody Mills to join forces with renegade hunter Claire Novak in their search for the brothers. Unfortunately, “Wayward Daughters” shared the same destiny as “Bloodlines”, leaving only “The Winchesters” – a prequel series – as the spinoff for “Supernatural”. However, this too was axed after just one season.

2. Gossip Girl – “Valley Girls”

Gossip Girl Season 2, Episode 24

The show called “Gossip Girl” delved into the lives of an elite high school’s wealthy teenagers, with their private matters often revealed by the enigmatic blogger, Gossip Girl. In its second season, “Gossip Girl” attempted to create a spin-off series and used “Valley Girls” as a trial episode for this purpose. Simultaneously unfolding with the current narrative, “Valley Girls” offered flashbacks to the 1980s, focusing on young Lily (Brittany Snow) and the sequence of events that culminated in her first arrest.

Although “Valley Girls” was well-received, it didn’t secure a series with the same name. To make matters worse, The CW’s fall schedule had only three vacant slots, and other shows with completed pilot episodes were also vying for them. Ultimately, “Melrose Place,” “The Beautiful Life,” and “The Vampire Diaries” claimed those spots.

1. The Office – “The Farm”

The Office Season 9, Episode 17

During its ninth season, there was an attempt to create a spin-off series based on one of The Office‘s beloved characters. Using the same mockumentary style as the original show, an episode titled “The Farm” featured Dwight Schrute (played by Rainn Wilson) traveling to Schrute Farms for his Aunt Shirley’s funeral. This episode introduced Dwight’s family, but unfortunately, it wasn’t well-received by critics and fans alike – ultimately leading to the spinoff not being produced.

2025-05-29 23:59