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TVLanFan · 07-13-2001, 05:39 PM

Hi Davester -

I would probably define a "spinoff" as a show in which a supporting character from one show is given the lead role in a show of their own, and continues to play the same character.

For example, "Rhoda" and "Phyllis" were both spun off from the Mary Tyler Moore Show.

"Maude" was spun off from "All in the Family" and "Good Times" was spun off from "Maude" (i.e. Florida the maid gets her own show).

Another example would be Jim Nabors leaving Andy Griffith to join the Marines as "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.".

I would differentiate the above examples from a situation such as that which occured on "Mad About You" and "Friends". I would probably classify that more as a "cross-over" concept than a spinoff. There have been a number of "cross over" episodes of sitcoms through the years, and it differs from a true spin off in that a character from one show will make an occassional guest appearance on another show, as opposed to becoming the main character of their own sitcom. Examples of Cross over appearances are:

1) Green Acres and Petticoat Junction characters appearing in each other's shows. Lisa Douglass would occassionally appear on P.Junction, and Sam Drucker was on both shows. I believe even Granny from the Beverly Hillbillies appeared on P.Junction in another cross over move (must have been a sweeps month) :-)

2) Estelle Getty of the Golden Girls (whom I can't stand, btw) appearing on "Empty Nest" with Richard Mulligan & Kristy McNichol. Neither one's a "spin off" of the other, but they do appear on each other's shows as guest stars.

If Michael Richards were to be given his own show playing "Kramer", THAT would be a spin off of Seinfeld. Richards did get his own short-lived show, but since he didn't reprise the "Kramer" character, it wasn't a spin off.

Others may have a different take on this question, and other replies are certainly welcome! Thanks for listening...and have a great day!

And, regarding "Kelly's Kids", that episode was actually a pilot for an unsold series that was never picked up. Had it been picked up, I think you could call it a spin off from the Bradys.

[This message has been edited by TVLanFan (edited 07-13-2001).]

07-13-2001, 05:39 PM	#2
TVLanFan Member Frequent Poster Join Date: May 31, 2001 Location: Florida Posts: 199	Hi Davester - I would probably define a "spinoff" as a show in which a supporting character from one show is given the lead role in a show of their own, and continues to play the same character. For example, "Rhoda" and "Phyllis" were both spun off from the Mary Tyler Moore Show. "Maude" was spun off from "All in the Family" and "Good Times" was spun off from "Maude" (i.e. Florida the maid gets her own show). Another example would be Jim Nabors leaving Andy Griffith to join the Marines as "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.". I would differentiate the above examples from a situation such as that which occured on "Mad About You" and "Friends". I would probably classify that more as a "cross-over" concept than a spinoff. There have been a number of "cross over" episodes of sitcoms through the years, and it differs from a true spin off in that a character from one show will make an occassional guest appearance on another show, as opposed to becoming the main character of their own sitcom. Examples of Cross over appearances are: 1) Green Acres and Petticoat Junction characters appearing in each other's shows. Lisa Douglass would occassionally appear on P.Junction, and Sam Drucker was on both shows. I believe even Granny from the Beverly Hillbillies appeared on P.Junction in another cross over move (must have been a sweeps month) :-) 2) Estelle Getty of the Golden Girls (whom I can't stand, btw) appearing on "Empty Nest" with Richard Mulligan & Kristy McNichol. Neither one's a "spin off" of the other, but they do appear on each other's shows as guest stars. If Michael Richards were to be given his own show playing "Kramer", THAT would be a spin off of Seinfeld. Richards did get his own short-lived show, but since he didn't reprise the "Kramer" character, it wasn't a spin off. Others may have a different take on this question, and other replies are certainly welcome! Thanks for listening...and have a great day! And, regarding "Kelly's Kids", that episode was actually a pilot for an unsold series that was never picked up. Had it been picked up, I think you could call it a spin off from the Bradys. [This message has been edited by TVLanFan (edited 07-13-2001).]