Top 10 TV Spin Offs That Are More Popular Than the Original

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10. Xena: The Warrior Princess (1995-2001) - Spin-off of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995-99): Before beginning her own legendary adventures, this warrior princess was but a side character in “Hercules”. Originally meant to die after three appearances, Xena became so popular that the producers created her own show, which quickly overshadowed the original. While “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” was entertaining and consistent, “Xena” was far more captivating, with a balance of dark themes and heartwarming moments. Its campy adventure vibes resonated with many, gaining a large following and turning the show into a cultural phenomenon. During its six-year run, it dominated as one of the top-rated American shows before its eventual cancellation. Perhaps something about a kick-ass female lead always saving the day made this so iconic for its time.

9. Boston Legal (2004-08) - Spin-off of The Practice (1997-2004): Some may argue that the too-serious progenitor of “Boston Legal” is far superior, but popularity tells a different story. The truth is, you can’t mention the greatest legal dramas without including “Boston Legal”. Taking a more light-hearted tone than its predecessor, the show revolves around the exploits of Alan Shore and his co-workers, with Denny Crane and Shore’s chemistry serving as its heart. Interestingly, some standout characters like Shore first appeared in the eighth season of “The Practice” before launching their own show. This spin-off pulled millions of views, earned 26 Primetime Emmy Award nominations (winning five) and even snagged a Peabody Award amongst others. Today, you may hear people rave about “Boston Legal,” but “The Practice”? Well… not so much.

8. The Andy Griffith Show (1960-68) - Spin-off of The Danny Thomas Show (1953-1964): Danny Thomas’ fans might recall this show, where he played the successful nightclub owner interacting with an ever-changing cast. One such character, Andy Griffith, appeared in one episode as Sheriff Andy Taylor, who arrests Danny for running a stop sign. The producers loved it, and from there on, “The Andy Griffith Show” was born. As the southern Sheriff of Mayberry with a heart of gold and big smile, Andy quickly became a TV icon. And his show? It became a massive success, even ending its run as the number one show on TV – an achievement few shows, including its original, could match. Adding to its legacy was comic legend Don Knotts, who won five Emmys for his iconic performance.

7. The Hills (2006-10) - Spin-off of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County (2004-06): Before becoming the face of “The Hills,” Lauren Conrad starred in MTV’s 2004 reality series, which followed the lives of high school students in the titular seaside town. The first two seasons were a hit, but when Lauren and her classmates graduated, “Laguna Beach” shifted focus to a new group of students – and it just didn’t feel the same. Then came“The Hills” – a guilty pleasure that focused mostly on Conrad’s life as a budding fashion designer navigating friendships, work drama, and her love life. While not without its share of criticisms, it reached a new level of popularity its predecessor didn’t. It pulled millions of views during its run, and even though its ratings eventually declined, it still outlasted “Laguna Beach”.

6. Happy Days (1974-84) - Spin-off of Love, American Style (1969-74): Long-time sitcom fans will surely remember this family-friendly 70s show that offered a nostalgic look at the 50s through the lives of the Cunningham family. With its wholesome portrayal of traditional American values, Richie’s adventures, and endearing characters like Fonzie, this show became an unforgettable entertainment giant. Yet, not many may realize it originated as a segment from the anthology show “Love, American Style”. While it didn’t hit it big right away, it skyrocketed to number one in the mid-70s after shifting focus to the effortlessly cool Fonzie. Spanning 11 seasons, this series became a pop culture phenomenon, spawning other successful shows. You just can’t talk about the best shows of the 70s without mentioning this enduring gem.

5. NCIS (2003-) - Spin-off of JAG (1995-2005): These shows share the same origin but often feel worlds apart. “JAG” has this slow-burn vibe as it follows uniformed lawyers solving varieties of cases. Then came the wild two-part episodes “Ice Queen” and “Meltdown” in season 8 that introduced “NCIS”. This hit spin-off shifted gears, blending crime-solving with a mix of action, humor and character-driven stories – a formula that probably made it a fan-favorite. With over 20 seasons, “NCIS” stands as one of the longest-running American shows, far outlasting “JAG”’s 10-season run. It also has spawned several successful spin-offs, achieving a level of franchise expansion “JAG” never reached. The show’s appeal may have dimmed with time, but there’s no denying its impact in pop culture.

4. Family Matters (1989-98) - Spin-off of Perfect Strangers (1986-93): Harriette Winslow first appeared as an elevator operator in the office building where Balki and Larry worked on “Perfect Strangers”. Then her husband later joined in the episode “Crime Busters,” setting the stage for their own story. While “Perfect Strangers” was quite popular, this new show centered on the Winslow family quickly overtook it in popularity and ran longer. One reason the show was quite entertaining and unique was the Winslows’ nerdy neighbor, Steve Urkel. Like Fonzie in “Happy Days,” he stole the spotlight and became an overnight sensation. Though this makes it hard to define “Family Matters” as either a wholesome family sitcom or Steve-Urkel-led sci-fi drama, it remains far more memorable than its original and a standout in TV history.

3. Frasier (1993-2004) - Spin-off of Cheers (1982-93): There’s no arguing it, NBC’s “Cheers” was a legendary sitcom that defined an era. Following the everyday lives of working-class people at the Cheers bar, it was loved by critics and fans alike. Then “Frasier” was born – a series with a fresh backdrop, new characters, and dynamics that felt more relatable and emotionally deeper. Centered on Frasier, his cantankerous father, and his brother, it offered a more layered sitcom experience and enjoyed immense popularity over eleven seasons. “Frasier” became so iconic that it won 37 Primetime Emmy Awards, a big achievement at that time. Due to its success, a revival series premiered, further proving that its legacy lives on. Let’s be honest, “Frasier” set the gold standard for intelligent sitcoms to come.

2. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-) - Spin-off of Law & Order (1990-2010; 2022-): If crime dramas were royalty, Dick Wolf’s 1990 cop show would be the king, and its 1999 spin-off would be the queen who stole the crown – and the audience. “Law & Order: SVU” arguably surpassed its original by dwelling more on heartfelt, realistic cases and weaving in the personal lives of its detectives. While the original was mostly about solving cases, “SVU” brought in a new spice by diving into stories of survivors, trauma, abuse, and justice, creating a powerful bond with viewers. Now the longest-running primetime drama ever, “SVU” continues to grip viewers like few shows can. And let’s not forget Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson, whose evolution over the years has cemented her as one of the most enduring TV characters.

1. The Simpsons (1989-) - Spin-off of The Tracy Ullman Show (1987-90): Matt Groening’s iconic creation has achieved such incredible feats that it’s hard to believe it started as a small part of a Fox variety series. Even Groening couldn’t have imagined it would become this big. “The Simpsons” began as his version of a dysfunctional family, pitched to the producers of “The Tracey Ullman Show”. After Homer and his family debuted as a recurring segment, they got their own show, which became Fox’s first series to break into the top 30 highest-rated shows. Today, it stands as the longest-running American sitcom and animated series with over 700 episodes adored by fans and newcomers alike. That’s a feat no show can boast of. Love or hate it, “The Simpsons” is a crowning achievement in television history.

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