10 TV Spin-offs That Completely Missed the Mark

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When a series resonates deeply with viewers, it’s only expected that they yearn for additional content featuring their cherished characters or an expanded world. This longing often triggers the production of numerous spin-offs from popular TV programs. While some spin-offs like “The Jeffersons” and “Frasier” have risen to fame on their own, others failed to take flight and fell short of expectations.

Just as every successful spin-off has its origins in an original hit, there are those that fall short. This could be due to poor scriptwriting, ill-conceived casting decisions, or veering off course. No matter the reasons, these TV spin-offs left us puzzled and asking “What were they thinking?” The 10 shows on this list, for one reason or another, missed their targets and became casualties of poor execution. They were disappointments that had the potential to thrill us, but ultimately fell short.

10
‘Tabitha’ (1976 – 1978)

‘Bewitched’

Back in 1977, I found myself starring in a spin-off series titled “Tabitha,” which was a delightful offshoot from the cherished sitcom “Bewitched.” This time around, I’m none other than Tabitha Stephens, the grown-up daughter of Samantha and Darrin, who is both a witch and a mortal. In this new chapter of my life, I reside in the bustling city of Los Angeles, where I work as a production assistant on a television show. Balancing my magical lineage and dealing with life’s challenges has become quite an adventure!

Tries to Benefit From a Faded Spark

In the years following the original series, Tabitha tried to recapture the enchanting allure of its predecessor but often fell short, feeling more like a watered-down version instead of standing on its own merits. Lead actress Lisa Hartman gave an admirable performance, yet the plot failed to match the same degree of cleverness, humor, and emotional depth that made Bewitched a timeless classic. The mood and pacing also seemed disjointed, which is why Tabitha as a spin-off never gained lasting popularity.

9
‘Katy Keene’ (2020)

‘Riverdale’

Originally, Riverdale was a gritty and atmospheric drama with compelling character interactions and unexpected storylines that kept viewers hooked. However, it faced criticism for its disjointed storytelling and decline in exceptional writing, which characterized the earlier seasons’ success. Deriving from Riverdale is Katy Keene. This show focuses on the eponymous character, a fashion designer pursuing her Broadway ambitions alongside three other ambitious artists: singer-songwriter Josie McCoy, drag queen and entertainer Jorge, and popular socialite Pepper.

Never Had Potential to Begin With

The goal for this series was to present a new take on the Riverdale franchise, but since it closely followed the Archie Comics character of the same name and had minimal connection with the original series, it didn’t resonate with fans. Despite its stylish visuals and talented cast spearheaded by Lucy Hale, it faced difficulty in creating a cohesive charm. The transition of Josie from Riverdale felt disjointed, and the fact that the series is set five years after the main show and continues to run concurrently gave an overall feeling of purposelessness.

8
‘The Lone Gunmen’ (2001)

‘The X-Files’

Regarding ’90s science fiction shows, “The X-Files” stood out as one of the top dramas. It borrowed elements from “The Twilight Zone” and “Twin Peaks,” delving into paranormal dangers and intricate conspiracies for nine seasons. In 2001, “The Lone Gunmen” was introduced, centering around a trio of conspiracy theorists named Frohike, Byers, and Langly. They provided comedic relief in contrast to the original series by conducting investigations with a lighter, sometimes slapstick approach.

When Cult Favorites Become Awkward Mains

The X-Files had a chilling, suspenseful atmosphere that kept viewers captivated by gradually revealing clues about an ongoing mystery. In contrast, The Lone Gunmen struggled to establish the main characters as central heroes since they seemed more interested in solving cases such as alien conspiracies and questionable deaths. The initial episode even drew some attention for its resemblance to actual events happening at the time. Ultimately, the show lacked continuity and the absence of Mulder and Scully was noticed more frequently than not.

7
‘Baywatch Nights’ (1995 – 1997)

‘Baywatch’

In a bid to cash in on the popularity of Baywatch, a show about lifeguards managing both their professional duties on sunny California beaches and their personal lives, Baywatch Nights was a night-time spinoff. Initially, it focused on Mitch Buchannon’s secret life as a detective. The first season followed the traditional crime-of-the-week format, but the second season took an unforeseen twist, introducing supernatural elements such as monsters, aliens, and even vampires.

Took Off in a Direction That Confused Everyone

Besides capitalizing on the fame of its precursor, Baywatch Nights also attempted to challenge the dominance of The X-Files during its time. As anticipated, this approach didn’t work out, and the show struggled to establish its own identity. It was a confusing blend of crime drama and supernatural thriller that left viewers puzzled, and as a result, it is often remembered for its unusual shifts in tone rather than the stories it presented.

6
‘The Winchesters’ (2022 – 2023)

‘Supernatural’

In an alternate universe, the TV series The Winchesters functions as a prequel to Supernatural, delving into the compelling backstory of John Winchester and Mary Winchester, the parents of Sam and Dean. This narrative transports viewers to the 1970s, where we witness the events that led to John, a Vietnam War veteran just returning home, crossing paths with Mary, a seasoned monster hunter. Together, they embark on a quest to combat supernatural beings, search for their lost fathers, and develop romantic feelings for each other throughout their shared journey.

Failed to Conjure the Same Magic

Instead of a fresh take on the supernatural genre like its predecessor “Supernatural”, the spin-off show “The Winchesters” is told from Dean’s perspective, acted by Jensen Ackles. Its intention is to broaden the “Supernatural” world, honor its origins, and reveal the influences behind the Winchester family’s history, creating an atmosphere of curiosity and excitement. However, the show is let down by mediocre acting and weak storytelling. Nostalgic references from the original series don’t quite compensate for the hasty plot development. After only one season, “The Winchesters” was unfortunately canceled.

5
‘AfterMASH’ (1983 – 1985)

‘M*A*S*H’

For eleven consecutive seasons, the show M*A*S*H solidified its position as a highly praised series during its time, by skillfully combining wartime drama and satirical humor. Essentially, it paved the way for the dramedy genre. The spin-off AfterMASH, focusing on Colonel Sherman T. Potter, Sergeant Maxwell Klinger, and Father John Mulcahy, explores their experiences as they transitioned from the Korean War and navigated the difficulties of readjusting to civilian life.

Too Much of a Legacy to Imitate

After the spin-off series, titled “AfterMASH,” made an effort to preserve the wit and emotional depth of the original show, it largely fell short. This was primarily due to its shift in focus towards civilian struggles, which diminished the warmth and social insight that had made “M*A*S*H” a significant TV milestone. The absence of beloved characters such as Hawkeye and BJ was deeply felt. Despite a mild response, the show ultimately faltered because it was constantly compared to “M*A*S*H,” a comparison that was unfair since nothing could truly measure up to the greatness of “M*A*S*H.

4
‘Joanie Loves Chachi’ (1982 – 1983)

‘Happy Days’

Happy Days, a highly beloved ABC sitcom, charmed audiences with its charming characters and their poignant growing-up stories. However, in the spin-off titled “Joanie Loves Chachi“, the adored pair of Joanie Cunningham and Chachi Arcola, portrayed by Erin Moran and Scott Baio, take the limelight. They relocate to Chicago in pursuit of their musical aspirations, achieve success, and grapple with their romantic complications.

Lacks the Context of the Original

It was entirely plausible to imagine a spin-off series featuring Joanie and Chachi from Happy Days, given their captivating characters and budding romance. However, despite their strong chemistry, the new show struggled to maintain its appeal due to an overemphasis on saccharine romantic scenes and simplistic conflicts. The overall tone lacked the original’s vibrancy, and it fell short in delivering both comedic and musical elements effectively.

3
‘The Brady Brides’ (1981)

‘The Brady Bunch’

One notable flop among TV spin-offs is undeniably “The Brady Brides“. Picking up after the end of “The Brady Bunch“, this series focuses on Marcia and Jan Brady, portrayed by Maureen McCormick and Eve Plumb, as they embark on married life with their husbands. The intention was to maintain the tradition of displaying wholesome family interactions and amusing humor similar to “The Brady Bunch“. However, it seems that didn’t quite work out.

The Brady Charm Simply Didn’t Translate

As a fan, I attempted to breathe new life into the cherished classic, “The Brady Brides,” by transforming it into an adult-centric series. However, the transition from the mayhem of family life to the trials of the newlywed Brady siblings felt unnatural and contrived. The storylines often followed predictable patterns, and the characters of Marcia and Jen seemed shallow, offering little for viewers to truly connect with emotionally.

2
‘Joey’ (2004 – 2006)

‘Friends’

After 10 years of providing fans with enduring catchphrases, amusing outbursts, and lovable couples, the beloved sitcom “Friends” concluded, leaving a significant gap on TV. Known for shaping an entire generation, it attempted – both successfully and unsuccessfully – to rekindle its humor and warmth through a spin-off series named “Joey“, centered entirely around Matt LeBlanc’s character Joey Tribbiani. As he embarked on a journey to Los Angeles with the goal of establishing himself as an actor, Joey’s life became a mix of auditions and interesting encounters.

Lost Without the Original Ensemble

In 2004, it was clear that fans couldn’t let go of “Friends” just yet, and the endearing, carefree, and romantic character of Joey, played by LeBlanc, was a crowd favorite. This made it apparent to the creators that they would find a way to bring this character back on screen. However, without the balance of the original ensemble cast, Joey’s character—which was initially endearing in small doses—became diluted and overextended, feeling like a less vibrant version of the original. His signature humor and witty remarks lost their appeal, leading to the cancellation of “Joey” after two seasons that were met with negative responses.

1
‘That ’80s Show’ (2002)

‘That ’70s Show’

Mark Brazill, Terry Turner, and Linda Wallem chose to capitalize on the popularity of That ‘70s Show, yet they opted not to produce a direct sequel but instead created a series that drew inspiration from its atmosphere, style, and layout. The show titled That ‘80s Show took audiences back to the era characterized by neon fashion and rock music, focusing on Corey Howard, a budding musician, as he juggles his quirky family, friends, and love life, particularly with June Tuesday.

All Nostalgia and No Substance

Regrettably, ‘That ’80s Show’ struggled to gain traction as it seemed overly eager. The fresh characters and their adventures aimed to recapture the same feelings of generational tension and growing pains, but they fell flat due to a lack of depth and chemistry among them. The intended romantic friction between Corey and Tuesday felt contrived instead. Consequently, the show’s ratings plummeted so rapidly that it was canceled after just 13 episodes.

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2025-03-09 02:04