These Great TV Side Characters Need Their Own Show, Stat
Some TV characters are just too good to let go. You know the ones—the sidekicks who steal every scene, the mysterious backstory we never got to explore, or the supporting roles that made us wonder, “What’s their deal?” Sometimes, these characters deserve more than a few guest appearances—they deserve a full-blown spin-off. Here are 25 TV favorites who totally earned their own show.
Dwight Schrute – The Office
Sure, NBC tried with The Farm, but Dwight deserved a real shot. A quirky sitcom about life on Schrute Farms could’ve been pure gold—bears, beets, and all. Watching Dwight manage his beet empire while wrangling Mose would’ve been the weird, offbeat gem fans craved.
Jesse Pinkman – Breaking Bad
We got El Camino, but Jesse’s story could’ve gone much deeper. A full series following him trying to rebuild his life after Walter White’s chaos—maybe mentoring at-risk youth or getting tangled in new adventures—would’ve made for riveting TV.
Sony Pictures Television, Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
Kim Wexler – Better Call Saul
Kim was the moral backbone and emotional core of the Breaking Bad universe. A spin-off focused on her life after Saul’s downfall would be fascinating—a mix of legal drama and redemption arc we’d binge in one weekend flat.
Sony Pictures Television, Better Call Saul (2015–2022)
Kelly Kapoor – The Office
The Kelly Kapoor Show? Iconic. Imagine Kelly navigating post-Dunder Mifflin life in a glitzy PR job, full of celebrity gossip, over-the-top fashion, and a steady stream of chaotic dating mishaps. Mindy Kaling’s sass alone could carry five seasons.
NBCUniversal Television, The Office (2005–2013)
Crowley – Supernatural
The King of Hell as the anti-hero star of his own series? Yes, please. Crowley’s devilish charm, British wit, and morally gray schemes could’ve made for the perfect supernatural dark comedy.
Warner Bros. Television, Supernatural (2005–2020)
Pam Poovey – Archer
She’s bold, hilarious, and surprisingly capable in a gunfight. A Pam-centric spin-off could follow her undercover escapades around the world, fueled by snacks, sass, and self-confidence. Basically Archer meets Fleabag with more explosions.
FX Networks, Archer (2009–2023)
Ben Wyatt – Parks and Recreation
Between his failed “Ice Town” mayoral stint and obsession with nerd culture, Ben could’ve led his own show long before Pawnee. Think Veep meets Community—a political satire about a lovable dork trying to make a difference.
NBCUniversal Television, Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
Lafayette Reynolds – True Blood
Lafayette was the beating heart of True Blood. His sharp humor, spiritual depth, and resilience made him unforgettable. A supernatural New Orleans spin-off where he embraces his mystical gifts would’ve been electric.
HBO Entertainment, True Blood (2008–2014)
April Ludgate – Parks and Recreation
April’s deadpan brilliance could carry her own surreal comedy. Picture her running a weird art collective, dabbling in witchcraft, or becoming a begrudging influencer who hates everything about it. Pure chaotic perfection.
NBCUniversal Television, Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
Daryl Dixon – The Walking Dead
He technically got a spin-off (Daryl Dixon), but fans wanted it years earlier. His quiet strength and emotional depth made him a standout. Seeing him navigate post-apocalyptic Europe or find his humanity again was always the dream.
AMC Networks, The Walking Dead (2010–2022)
Fez – That ‘70s Show
Fez’s journey from exchange student to adult life in America had endless potential. A sitcom following his misadventures in the ‘80s—clashing cultures, fashion disasters, and love triangles galore—could’ve been a cult hit.
Carsey-Werner Distribution, That ’70s Show (1998–2006)
Miss Patty – Gilmore Girls
Stars Hollow’s gossip queen deserved her own spotlight. Between her showbiz past, love for drama, and small-town wisdom, Miss Patty could’ve hosted the quirkiest talent school in Connecticut. Imagine the cameos!
Warner Bros. Television, Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)
Eric Northman – True Blood
Eric was magnetic—literally and figuratively. A Viking vampire navigating centuries of history? That’s prestige television. His prequel series could’ve rivaled Interview with the Vampire in both allure and tragedy.
HBO Entertainment, True Blood (2008–2014)
Paris Geller – Gilmore Girls
Ambitious, neurotic, and endlessly quotable, Paris was made for her own show. Picture her running a medical empire or starting a no-nonsense school for overachievers. She’d terrify and inspire in equal measure.
Warner Bros. Television, Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)
Troy Barnes – Community
Before Donald Glover became a global icon, Troy was the goofy heart of Community. A spin-off about Troy and Abed’s post-college adventures—maybe even their fake talk show come to life—would’ve been a dream come true for fans.
Sony Pictures Television, Community (2009–2015)
Gus Fring – Breaking Bad
He’s the definition of calm menace. A Gus prequel exploring his rise from Chilean mystery man to Albuquerque kingpin would’ve been thrilling—equal parts business thriller and Shakespearean tragedy.
Sony Pictures Television, Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
Karen Walker – Will & Grace
Let’s be honest—Karen was the show. Her outrageous wealth, biting wit, and questionable moral compass could’ve carried a spin-off all her own. Throw in Rosario’s ghost for good measure, and you’ve got comedy gold.
NBCUniversal Television, Will & Grace (1998–2006; 2017–2020)
Arya Stark – Game of Thrones
Arya’s final scene promised adventure—and then left us hanging. Her sailing west of Westeros could’ve launched a fantasy epic of discovery, danger, and identity. HBO, we’re still waiting.
HBO, Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
Glenn Rhee – The Walking Dead
Before his tragic end, Glenn’s resourcefulness made him a fan favorite. A prequel showing his life before meeting Rick, surviving the initial outbreak in Atlanta, would’ve been both heartbreaking and inspiring.
AMC Networks, The Walking Dead (2010–2022)
Nicky Nichols – Orange Is the New Black
Nicky’s sharp humor and resilience made her unforgettable. A post-prison spin-off about her rebuilding life, helping other women, and navigating freedom with her trademark snark? Instant streaming hit.
Netflix, Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019)
John Locke – Lost
Locke’s complex blend of faith and tragedy made him one of TV’s most compelling characters. A prequel exploring his life before the island—or a mysterious afterlife continuation—could’ve added even more depth to Lost’s mythology.
Alexis Rose – Schitt’s Creek
Ew, David—but yes, Alexis absolutely deserved her own show. A spin-off about her running her PR firm, juggling fame, and maybe accidentally becoming a reality star? We’d watch every fabulous episode.
CBC Television, Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020)
Michael – The Good Place
Ted Danson’s delightfully confused demon was a scene-stealer. A Good Place spin-off showing Michael trying to run Earth-side experiments—or just navigating human bureaucracy—could’ve been existential comedy at its finest.
NBCUniversal Television, The Good Place (2016–2020)
Paris Hilton – The Simple Life (Just Kidding—Or Are We?)
She basically did get one, but a scripted comedy version starring a fictionalized Paris navigating modern influencer culture could’ve been a hilarious meta masterpiece. Think Curb Your Enthusiasm meets Emily in Paris.
20th Television, The Simple Life (2003–2007)
Moe Szyslak – The Simpsons
Moe’s loneliness and sarcasm could anchor a surprisingly deep animated spin-off. A mix of heartbreak and humor, following his attempts to find love and meaning beyond the bar. Bart cameo optional—but welcome.
20th Television Animation, The Simpsons (1989–)
Which TV Character Do You Feel Needed Their Own Spin-Off?
Spin-offs are a tricky art—sometimes lightning strikes twice (Frasier, anyone?), but other times we’re left dreaming about what could’ve been. These 25 characters didn’t just support their shows—they defined them. And if TV networks ever run out of ideas, they’ve got 25 waiting right here, ready for their close-up. Which TV character would you have given a spin-off to? Let us know in the comments below!
NBCUniversal Television, The Good Place (2016–2020)
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