7 TV Show Spinoffs That Were Better Than the Original

Spinoffs often get a bad rap for riding on the coattails of their parent shows, but some manage to carve out their own legacy. These series take familiar worlds or characters and craft stories that feel fresher, bolder, or more engaging than what came before.

We’re hooked on these spinoffs for their ability to outshine their origins. From crime dramas to animated adventures, this list of seven TV spinoffs proves that sometimes the offshoot grows taller than the tree.

7. ‘Daria’ (1997-2002)

Spun off from ‘Beavis and Butt-Head,’ this animated series follows sarcastic teen Daria Morgendorffer navigating high school in suburbia. Her dry wit and outsider perspective drive sharp social commentary.

Unlike the crude humor of its parent show, ‘Daria’ leans into smart, relatable storytelling. Its focus on teen struggles and clever writing make it a timeless gem.

6. ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ (1999-present)

Born from ‘Law & Order,’ this series focuses on New York’s SVU detectives, led by Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). It tackles tough cases involving assault and abuse with grit and heart.

The spinoff’s emotional depth and standout performances, especially Hargitay’s, give it an edge. Its ability to balance intense stories with character growth keeps it thriving decades later.

5. ‘The Simpsons’ (1989-present)

Starting as shorts on ‘The Tracey Ullman Show,’ this animated comedy follows the dysfunctional Simpson family in Springfield. Its sharp satire and endless gags made it a cultural juggernaut.

Unlike its sketch-based origin, ‘The Simpsons’ builds a rich world with memorable characters. Its early seasons especially outshine the simpler setup it came from.

4. ‘Angel’ (1999-2004)

Spun off from ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ this series follows vampire Angel (David Boreanaz) as he fights evil in Los Angeles. It blends noir, horror, and humor with a darker tone.

‘Angel’ dives deeper into moral gray areas and ensemble dynamics than ‘Buffy.’ Its bold storytelling and character arcs make it a standout for fans.

3. ‘Frasier’ (1993-2004)

Spun off from ‘Cheers,’ this sitcom follows psychiatrist Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) as he hosts a radio show in Seattle. Its witty banter and family dynamics drive the comedy.

‘Frasier’ refines the barroom humor of ‘Cheers’ into sophisticated, character-focused laughs. Grammer’s charm and the sharp ensemble make it a comedy classic.

2. ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987-1994)

Building on ‘Star Trek,’ this sci-fi series follows the Enterprise crew, led by Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart), exploring new worlds. Its thoughtful stories tackle ethics and humanity.

The spinoff’s deeper writing and iconic cast outshine the original’s campier vibe. It set a new standard for sci-fi, making it a cultural touchstone.

1. ‘Better Call Saul’ (2015-2022)

A prequel to ‘Breaking Bad,’ this series tracks sleazy lawyer Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) before he meets Walter White. It’s a slow-burn crime drama with rich character studies.

The spinoff’s nuanced writing and stunning visuals elevate it beyond its parent show. Odenkirk’s layered performance turns a comic sidekick into a tragic hero.

Which spinoff do you think topped its original, or is there one we missed? Share your favorites in the comments!