When done right, the best TV show spin-offs don’t just ride the coattails of their predecessors. Instead, they forge new paths, break new ground, and sometimes even outshine the original series entirely. Whether it’s through deeper storytelling, breakout characters, or bold new formats, these spin-offs became cultural staples in their own right. If you’re looking for these kinds of shows, here are 10 of the best TV show spin-offs that went above and beyond their origins.
10. Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001)
What started as a supporting character in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys quickly became a feminist icon. Xena: Warrior Princess flipped the script on action-adventure by placing a strong female hero at the center. With themes of redemption, friendship, and identity, the show developed a passionate fan base and outshined its origin in both popularity and cultural legacy.
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9. The Colbert Report (2005-2014)
Stephen Colbert’s satirical persona became the focus of a spin-off of that managed to become just as culturally important as its predecessor, The Daily Show. With sharp parody and political takedowns, The Colbert Report stood out as more than just an extension of The Daily Show. It became an essential viewing during a pivotal time in American media.
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8. Boston Legal (2004-2008)
As a spin-off of The Practice, Boston Legal blended legal drama with wit, eccentric characters, and unexpected emotional beats. James Spader’s Alan Shore and William Shatner’s Denny Crane made for one of the most unique duos on television. While The Practice was darker and more grounded, Boston Legal took a risk with humor and heart, and became one of the best TV show spin-offs.
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7. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
While the original Star Trek: The Original Series laid the groundwork, The Next Generation encompassed deeper philosophical storytelling. With Captain Jean-Luc Picard and a stellar ensemble cast, the show introduced complex themes that continue to resonate with fans. It’s arguably the definitive Star Trek series and proof that a spin-off can redefine a franchise.
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6. The Good Fight (2017-2022)
Taking off with Diane Lockhart in the lead, The Good Fight delivered bold political commentary, wild stylistic choices, and even more compelling storylines than its predecessor, The Good Wife. The series tackled real-world issues in surreal and unexpected ways. It’s one of the best TV show spin-offs for viewers who love sharp legal drama with a daring twist.
5. Angel (1999-2004)
Stemming from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel took Buffy’s brooding vampire love interest and gave him a morally complex setting in Los Angeles. The series leaned into darker themes and philosophical questions about redemption. While Buffy had teen angst and high school metaphors, Angel offered existential dilemmas and grown-up stakes, which established a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
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4. Daria (1997-2002)
Spinning off from the crass chaos of Beavis and Butt-Head, Daria was a breath of intelligent and sarcastic air. The series focused on a teenager navigating high school with cutting commentary and dry humor. Its feminist undertones and unique voice made it a cult classic and one of the best TV show spin-offs that felt smarter and more relevant than its parent show.
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3. The Simpsons (1989-Present)
As a spin-off of The Tracey Ullman Show, it’s easy to forget that The Simpsons started as a series of animated shorts. However, since launching as a full series in 1989, it has become one of the most influential TV shows in history. Satirical, bold, and endlessly quotable, The Simpsons has shaped comedy, pop culture, and even political discourse.
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2. Frasier (1993-2004)
Frasier took the psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane from Cheers and relocated him to Seattle, where the writing became sharper and the humor incredibly refined. Though Cheers was iconic, Frasier carved out its own legacy with 37 Emmy wins and a cultural impact that lasted for over a decade. It’s a textbook example of how to take a side character and build a world worth staying in.
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1. Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
What began as a prequel to one of TV’s greatest dramas, Breaking Bad, evolved into a masterpiece of its own. Better Call Saul explores the transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman with nuance and heartbreak. It expands the universe while deepening the characters in ways even Breaking Bad didn’t. Its character-driven storytelling style gives the series a mature tone, which solidified its place as one of the best TV show spin-offs.
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