When The Story Isn’t Over
TV has a habit of circling back when a world is just too good to abandon. Just when audiences thought the story had wrapped, these shows came back with new faces and fresh settings.
Chicago Justice (Chicago P D)
Chicago Justice focused on the legal aftermath of the crises seen in the city’s firehouses and police precincts. With courtroom drama and prosecutorial strategy at its core, the show aimed to complete the civic trilogy. Despite solid performances, it lasted only one season due to low ratings compared to other spinoffs.
Chicago Justice NBC Trailer by TV Promo 360
Law & Order: Criminal Intent (Law & Order)
With a focus on the criminal’s psyche, Criminal Intent distinguished itself through a dual-perspective format. Vincent D’Onofrio’s Detective Goren brought an intense, Sherlock-like presence by probing motives as much as evidence. The series balanced cerebral investigations with gritty realism.
Law and Order: Criminal Intent | A Reporter Discovers His Father Was His Attempted Killer by Peacock
Better Call Saul (Breaking Bad)
Rather than simply revisiting Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul built its own identity by tracing the transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman. This legal drama prequel talks about morality, family, loyalty, and personal downfall. Lauded for its writing and performances, it arguably matches—or even exceeds—its predecessor in critical acclaim.
Nacho Warns Jimmy | Hero | Better Call Saul by Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul
NCIS (JAG)
Launched with a backdoor pilot in JAG, NCIS became a ratings juggernaut in its own right. Centered on naval crimes and a tightly knit investigative team, it mixed procedural elements and character-driven stories. Its massive success led to multiple spinoffs and established NCIS as a franchise.
NCIS: Origins (CBS) Trailer HD - Gibbs prequel series by TV Promos
The Tortellis (Cheers)
Aired in 1987, The Tortellis followed Carla’s sleazy ex-husband Nick and his new wife Loretta in Las Vegas. Despite the popularity of Cheers, this spinoff struggled to gain traction. With only 13 episodes and little critical support, it was canceled quickly and remains a footnote in the show’s broader legacy.
Cheers - Nick Tortelli funny moments Part 1 HD by Roxy Cakes
Spartacus: Gods Of The Arena (Spartacus)
This prequel to Spartacus: Blood and Sand highlighted the deadly politics and rivalries inside the House of Batiatus before Spartacus arrived. Released due to the lead actor’s health hiatus, Gods of the Arena delivered brutal action and expanded lore. The show earned acclaim in its own right despite being just six episodes.
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena | Official Trailer | STARZ by STARZ
Still The Beaver (Leave It To Beaver)
A revival of the 1950s classic, Still the Beaver followed an adult Beaver Cleaver exploring life’s disappointments. Premiering in 1983 and later retitled The New Leave It to Beaver, it brought back much of the original cast. The show ran for several seasons.
The X-Files: Lone Gunmen (The X-Files)
Focusing on Mulder and Scully’s quirky allies, The Lone Gunmen was a short-lived spinoff featuring conspiracy theorists tackling offbeat threats. Airing in 2001, it mixed tech paranoia with humor but was canceled after one season. Despite its brief run, it developed a cult following and tied back into The X-Files finale.
The X Files - First Appearance of The Lone Gunmen (1x17) by Agent Pendrell
Saved By The Bell: The New Class (Saved By The Bell)
Running from 1993 to 2000, The New Class attempted to extend the Saved By The Bell legacy with fresh students but kept Principal Belding in place. It never reached the cultural impact of the original and often recycled plotlines. Despite this, it lasted seven seasons and retained a loyal niche viewership.
Saved By The Bell The New Class by Kristopher Henggeler
The Golden Palace (The Golden Girls)
After The Golden Girls ended, The Golden Palace picked up the thread, with Blanche, Rose, and Sophia buying and managing a Miami hotel. Though Bea Arthur did not return, the series preserved the original spirit with new dynamics, including Don Cheadle and Cheech Marin joining the cast. However, it lasted one season.
The Golden Palace 2024 S01E01 Pilot The Golden Palace full Season 2024 by Đồ 3D Nổi Tiếng
Joey (Friends)
With Friends wrapped, Joey tried to reignite the magic through the lens of one character’s solo journey. It followed Tribbiani’s move to Los Angeles to further his acting career. Despite high expectations and a primetime slot, the spinoff struggled to resonate and was canceled during its second season.
Pilot - FULL EPISODE 1 | Joey by Friends
Young Sheldon (The Big Bang Theory)
Young Sheldon offers a heartfelt, character-driven prequel to The Big Bang Theory, centering on a child genius struggling with high school and Southern family life. Anchored by Iain Armitage’s nuanced portrayal and Jim Parsons’ narration, the series expands Sheldon Cooper’s backstory while balancing humor with emotional storytelling.
Major Moments of Season 1: Part 1 | Young Sheldon by Young Sheldon
NCIS: Los Angeles (NCIS)
Taking the formula to the West Coast, NCIS: Los Angeles introduced a sleeker, high-stakes take on national security. With Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J leading the cast, the series emphasized undercover operations and tech-driven cases. It ran for 14 seasons, becoming a cornerstone of CBS’s primetime lineup.
Girl Meets World (Boy Meets World)
This Disney Channel spinoff follows Riley, daughter of Cory and Topanga, as she experiences adolescence in New York. While lighter in tone than Boy Meets World, it preserved moral storytelling and intergenerational life lessons. Cameos from original characters helped bridge nostalgia with a contemporary coming-of-age narrative for younger viewers.
Girl Meets World | Uncle Josh! | Official Disney Channel UK HD by Disney Club UK
The Conners (Roseanne)
When Roseanne ended abruptly in 2018, The Conners stepped in to continue the family’s story without its original star. The series retained much of the ensemble and tone while shifting focus to grief and working-class survival. It’s earned praise for its grounded storytelling and cultural relevance.
Harris Makes a Gutsy Decision - The Conners by ABC
The Originals (The Vampire Diaries)
Expanding the mythology of The Vampire Diaries, The Originals follows the ancient Mikaelson siblings—vampires bound by blood and power—returning to New Orleans to reclaim their legacy. With themes of loyalty and family curses, the series deepens the franchise’s lore while standing on its own as a gothic drama.
The Originals Season 1 Trailer by The Originals OZ
NCIS: New Orleans (NCIS)
This spinoff brought a vibrant local flavor to the procedural template. Set in the Big Easy, NCIS: New Orleans leaned into Southern culture and post-Katrina recovery while following Navy-related crimes. Led by Scott Bakula, the series mixed charm with grit and earned solid viewership over its seven-season run.
NCIS: New Orleans | LaSalle's Funeral | FOX TV UK by FOX TV UK
Station 19 (Grey’s Anatomy)
Set in the same universe as Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19 focuses on the lives of Seattle firefighters. The series mixes adrenaline-driven rescues with workplace romance and team dynamics. Crossovers with Grey’s keep storylines interconnected and offer viewers a broader look at first responders’ lives beyond the hospital walls.
Ending - Station 19 Finale by ABC
The Cleveland Show (Family Guy)
Spinning off from Family Guy, The Cleveland Show gave the mild-mannered Cleveland Brown a new life in Stoolbend, Virginia. The animated series introduced his new family and community while maintaining the cutaway humor style. Though it ran for four seasons, Cleveland eventually returned to Family Guy in 2014.
The Cleveland Show - I'm your bear now by Riedle
NCIS: Hawai'i (NCIS)
As another series in the NCIS universe, NCIS: Hawai’i marked a franchise milestone with its first female lead agent. Set against stunning island backdrops, the show tackled national threats while highlighting community and heritage. Its blend of action and tropical appeal helped it stand out in a crowded field.
NCIS: Hawai'i Season 1 Trailer | Rotten Tomatoes TV by Rotten Tomatoes TV
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (Law & Order)
More than just a spinoff, SVU became the longest-running live-action primetime drama in US TV history. Focusing on survivor justice added emotional depth to the Law & Order brand. Mariska Hargitay’s role as Olivia Benson turned into one of television’s most enduring performances.
"She Filmed her Own Abduction" | Law & Order: SVU by Law & Order
Angel (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)
After leaving Sunnydale, the brooding vampire Angel moved to Los Angeles in this noir-infused spinoff. Angel focused on redemption and supernatural threats by offering a darker, more introspective counterpoint to Buffy. The series developed its own mythology and fanbase, running for five acclaimed seasons with strong ensemble storytelling.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Buffy meets Angel for the first time by VICTOR HUGO
Fear The Walking Dead (The Walking Dead)
Launched as a prequel, Fear The Walking Dead tells the story of the chaotic early days of the zombie outbreak in Los Angeles before expanding into new regions and story arcs. It gradually evolved to match the parent series’ tone, introducing crossover characters and emphasizing survival.
Fear The Walking Dead Trailer | The Final Season by The Walking Dead
Law & Order: Organized Crime (Law & Order)
This spinoff marked the long-awaited return of Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni, after his SVU departure. Organized Crime differs by following multi-episode arcs rather than standalone cases, focusing on syndicates and long-term threats. It brings a serialized depth that adds tension and continuity to the Law & Order formula.
Stabler Reveals His True Identity to Reggie | NBC's Law & Order: Organized Crime by Law & Order
Star Trek: The Next Generation (Star Trek: The Original Series)
Two decades after The Original Series, The Next Generation boldly charted a new era of space diplomacy and ethical dilemmas. With Captain Jean-Luc Picard at the helm, the series brought modern storytelling and philosophical depth. It not only revived the franchise but launched a new generation of devoted fans.
First encounter with the Borg | Star Trek TNG by Riker's Beard
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live (The Walking Dead)
The show finally brings back Rick Grimes and Michonne, reuniting two central figures in a narrative filled with romance. The limited series focuses on their separate journeys and enduring bond while shedding light on the Civic Republic Military—an entity long teased across the franchise.
Rick and Judith Reunion | The Walking Dead - The Ones Who Live by BltMehdi
Chicago Med (Chicago Fire)
This medical entry in the One Chicago franchise spotlights the urgent, emotional world of emergency medicine at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. Chicago Med weaves together ethical quandaries and personal relationships. It complements Chicago Fire and Chicago P D through crossovers while maintaining a distinct rhythm rooted in healthcare drama.
Bipolar Woman Has Manic Episode | Chicago Med by Chicago Official
Fuller House (Full House)
Fuller House revisited the Tanner household decades later, now led by D J, who is raising her three boys with the help of Stephanie and Kimmy. The Netflix series leaned into sitcom nostalgia while updating storylines for modern family dynamics. While critics were divided, the show attracted a loyal fanbase across five seasons.
Fuller House Olsen Twins Joke by Panda Man
Star Trek: Discovery (Star Trek: The Original Series)
Originally set a decade before Kirk’s era, Discovery introduced a cinematic look and serialized storytelling to the Star Trek universe. Its narrative arcs highlighted identity and science fiction ethics through the eyes of Michael Burnham. The show later jumped centuries into the future, reinventing itself mid-series and expanding the timeline.
Star Trek: Discovery | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix by Netflix
Torchwood (Doctor Who)
Spun off from Doctor Who, Torchwood shifted into adult-oriented science fiction with darker, more mature themes. Led by the enigmatic Captain Jack Harkness, it explored alien encounters through a covert Cardiff-based team. The show tackled mortality and sacrifice, often pushing the boundaries of mainstream sci-fi television in the UK and abroad.
Torchwood Season One Trailer by HereComeTheDrums
The Walking Dead: World Beyond (The Walking Dead)
World Beyond focuses on the first generation raised during the zombie apocalypse. Set within a secretive civic republic, it explores youth and identity. Designed as a limited series, it expands The Walking Dead mythology while examining how an insulated upbringing collides with the brutal realities of a collapsed world.
The Walking Dead: World Beyond - Exclusive Official Trailer by IGN
Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina (Riverdale)
Far darker than its 1990s predecessor, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina reimagines the teen witch in a gothic, horror-infused world. Connected to Riverdale, the show explores occult themes and family legacy. With its bold aesthetic and social commentary, it captured younger audiences craving edgier supernatural storytelling.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Part 4 | Official Trailer | Netflix by Netflix
Futurama (Original Series)
After multiple cancellations, Futurama returned in 2023 for another round of sci-fi satire. The continuation retained the original voice cast and humor but tackled new themes like cryptocurrency and streaming culture. It proved the show’s flexibility and continued resonance with legacy and younger fans.
Futurama | Official Trailer | New Season July 24 | Hulu by Hulu
Legacies (The Originals)
This show follows the next generation of vampires, witches, and werewolves at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted. As a continuation of The Originals and The Vampire Diaries, it introduces coming-of-age drama and supernatural politics. The series focuses on Hope Mikaelson and builds upon its predecessors’ emotional legacy.
LEGACIES Official Trailer 2018 by Legacies
The Winchesters (Supernatural)
Serving as a prequel to Supernatural, The Winchesters explores how John and Mary Winchester met and began hunting monsters. Narrated by Dean Winchester, the show adds depth to the family’s origin story. Though stylistically different, it retains the franchise’s emotional core, focusing on sacrifice and a hidden war against evil.
The Winchesters Season 1 Trailer by Rotten Tomatoes TV
Ravenswood (Pretty Little Liars)
Ravenswood branched from Pretty Little Liars, shifting into supernatural territory. Set in a cursed Pennsylvania town, the series introduced new characters facing eerie phenomena tied to ancient secrets. Despite its dark atmosphere and mystery-heavy plot, it was canceled after one season, leaving unresolved storylines.
Ravenswood - Official Trailer | Freeform by Freeform
Private Practice (Grey’s Anatomy)
When she left Seattle Grace, Dr Addison Montgomery found a new chapter in Los Angeles at a private wellness clinic. Private Practice explores ethical dilemmas in fertility and family medicine. The spinoff maintained Grey’s emotional intensity while carving out its identity with adult themes and personal reinvention.
pp 5x08 Amelia & Addison at the intervention by private practice scenes
The Good Fight (The Good Wife)
Following Diane Lockhart after a financial scandal upended her career, The Good Fight discusses justice and chaos in post-2016 America. With bold storytelling and political urgency, the show separates itself from The Good Wife by taking creative risks and directly engaging with current legal and social upheavals.
The Good Fight | Trailer by Videoland
Boston Legal (The Practice)
Spun off from The Practice, Boston Legal veered into eccentric legal drama territory with Alan Shore and Denny Crane at its center. The show balanced courtroom ethics with absurdist humor and social commentary. It earned praise for tackling timely issues through sharp dialogue and standout performances by its lead cast.
Boston Legal | Season 1 | Universal Channel by UniversalTV
Trapper John, M D (MASH)
Set decades after the Korean War, Trapper John, M D follows an older, wiser version of the beloved surgeon now working at a San Francisco hospital. While separate in tone from MASH, the series maintained the character’s dedication and wit by focusing on complex medical cases and generational shifts in hospital culture.
Frasier (Cheers)
A side character from Cheers inspired one of television’s most acclaimed spinoffs. Frasier followed Dr Frasier Crane’s return to Seattle as a radio psychiatrist, delivering sharp wit with layered character development. Running for 11 seasons, it won a then-record 37 Primetime Emmy Awards.
Frasier Top 10 Episodes by The Frasier Crane YouTube Network
Nurses (Empty Nest)
Offshooting from Empty Nest, which itself extended The Golden Girls universe, Nurses followed the lives and professional challenges of a group of nurses at a Miami hospital. Though lighter in tone, it addressed workplace dynamics and care industry pressures to complete a unique three-show crossover within a shared TV world.
Nurses S1E1 Son of a Pilot by Jeremy Tresvant
Chicago P D (Chicago Fire)
Launching from Chicago Fire, Chicago P D centers on the Intelligence Unit tackling organized crime and high-profile investigations. Led by the intense Sergeant Hank Voight, the show focuses on justice and loyalty under pressure. Its gritty realism and moral complexity distinguish it from other police procedurals on air.
Voight Being An Intimidating Badass | Chicago P.D by PD TV
Pearson (Suits)
Pearson follows Jessica Pearson’s move from corporate law to the cutthroat world of Chicago politics. The series shifts genres—from legal drama to political intrigue—highlighting systemic challenges and power plays. Though short-lived, it expanded Jessica’s arc meaningfully and presented a grittier, socially conscious extension of the Suits universe.
Watch USA's Suits Spin-Off Trailer | Pearson by TV Guide Trailers
