Would a Chatsworth Spinoff Have Been Successful - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

howilu · 09-03-2012, 12:38 AM

Looking back at the passing of Steve Franken, I read on a couple of websites that his appearances on the show limited to about once a month because the producers didn't want Chatsworth to dominate the story lines the way Fonzie and Urkel did years later on Happy Days and Family Matters. So I was wondering if the producer would have considered a Chatsworth spinoff and would it have been successful?

My thinking about this would be if they gave him the right situation as well a strong supporting cast, it would have the makings of a hit.

Schmoopie · 09-03-2012, 06:42 AM

I think so. I would watch something like that. I mean, look at Frasier Crane. He wasn't a huge character on Cheers and his spin-off was extremely successful. I think the writers were smart in that they didn't want it to be a continuation of Cheers. Probably the fact that he wasn't featured that much would have made viewers interested in seeing more about his character.

ZeldaGilroy · 09-17-2012, 01:46 AM

I don't know if it would have worked. I liked Chatsworth on Dobie. He was funny and I enjoyed the character, but I'm not sure he was likeable enough for his own show. He would be hard to cheer for as the main character because he was hard to relate to as a person. Just my opinion though. Steve Franken was amazing...may he rest in peace. He will be missed.

09-03-2012, 12:38 AM	#1
howilu Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 20, 2003 Location: St. Louis Park, MN Posts: 1,958	Would a Chatsworth Spinoff Have Been Successful Looking back at the passing of Steve Franken, I read on a couple of websites that his appearances on the show limited to about once a month because the producers didn't want Chatsworth to dominate the story lines the way Fonzie and Urkel did years later on Happy Days and Family Matters. So I was wondering if the producer would have considered a Chatsworth spinoff and would it have been successful? My thinking about this would be if they gave him the right situation as well a strong supporting cast, it would have the makings of a hit.

09-03-2012, 06:42 AM	#2
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	I think so. I would watch something like that. I mean, look at Frasier Crane. He wasn't a huge character on Cheers and his spin-off was extremely successful. I think the writers were smart in that they didn't want it to be a continuation of Cheers. Probably the fact that he wasn't featured that much would have made viewers interested in seeing more about his character.
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09-17-2012, 01:46 AM	#3
ZeldaGilroy Dobie and Zelda Forever!!! Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 14, 2000 Location: I don't know...I'm probably lost! Posts: 4,144	I don't know if it would have worked. I liked Chatsworth on Dobie. He was funny and I enjoyed the character, but I'm not sure he was likeable enough for his own show. He would be hard to cheer for as the main character because he was hard to relate to as a person. Just my opinion though. Steve Franken was amazing...may he rest in peace. He will be missed.
	__________________ *Formerly FactsFan* "I always carry a spare wedding ring. A single girl never knows when lightning may strike." ~Zelda Gilroy