40 Short Lived TV Show Spin-Offs
by Camelot_2000 | created - 10 Dec 2013 | updated - 10 Dec 2013 | PublicCharacters in TV history sometimes leave a popular show to have one of their own or the show might switch networks and get 'retooled' with a new setting and new characters added. The results can either be successful or an utter failure.
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1. Joey (2004–2006)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy, Romance
In this spin-off of Friends (1994), Joey Tribbiani moves to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career.
Stars: Matt LeBlanc, Paulo Costanzo, Drea de Matteo, Andrea Anders
Votes: 44,185
2. Phyllis (1975–1977)
30 min | Comedy
Mary Richards' landlady, Phyllis Lindstrom, moves back to her hometown of San Francisco with her teenage daughter Bess following the sudden death of her husband, Lars.
Stars: Cloris Leachman, Henry Jones, Jane Rose, Carmine Caridi
Votes: 510
3. AfterMASH (1983–1985)
30 min | Comedy, Drama
The Korean War has ended. Colonel Potter, Sergeant Klinger, and Father Mulcahy find themselves together once again, this time at a veteran's hospital.
Stars: Harry Morgan, Jamie Farr, William Christopher, Rosalind Chao
Votes: 801
4. The Ropers (1979–1980)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
Stanley and Helen Roper sold their apartment complex and moved into a new one. Their characteristic quirks are intact as they deal with new neighbors and frequent visits from Helen's sister.
Stars: Norman Fell, Audra Lindley, Jeffrey Tambor, Patty McCormack
Votes: 1,138
5. Checking In (1981– )
30 min | Comedy
The misadventures of Florence Johnson, a hotel maid who was previously seen serving the Jeffersons.
Stars: Marla Gibbs, Larry Linville, Liz Torres, Patrick Collins
Votes: 59
6. Gloria (1982–1983)
30 min | Comedy
This spin-off of "All in the Family" features the further adventures of Gloria Stivic and her son Joey. She and Mike are separated and she's gotten a job in a veterinarian's office.
Stars: Sally Struthers, Burgess Meredith, Jo de Winter, Christian Jacobs
Votes: 212
7. The Colbys (1985–1987)
60 min | Drama
This spin-off of Dynasty (1981) featured the adventures of Jeff and Fallon Colby and Jeff's other wealthy relatives in California.
Stars: Charlton Heston, John James, Katharine Ross, Emma Samms
Votes: 1,174
8. Flo (1980–1981)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy
A former Arizona waitress buys a rundown Texas bar.
Stars: Polly Holliday, Geoffrey Lewis, Jim Baker, Leo Burmester
Votes: 311
9. 704 Hauser (1994)
30 min | Comedy
A Black family, the Cumberbatches, moves into the former Queens home of Archie Bunker years after Bunker had sold the house located at 704 Hauser Street.
Stars: John Amos, Lynnie Godfrey, T.E. Russell, Maura Tierney
Votes: 107
10. Booker (1989–1990)
TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
In this "21 Jump Street" spin-off, a rebellious young cop becomes an insurance investigator for a multinational corporation.
Stars: Richard Grieco, Marcia Strassman, Carmen Argenziano, Katie Rich
Votes: 1,012
11. Ozzie's Girls (1973)
30 min | Comedy
After their two sons leave home, Ozzie and Harriet rent their rooms to two beautiful college girls.
Stars: Harriet Nelson, Brenda Sykes, Susan Sennett, Ozzie Nelson
Votes: 86
12. American Juniors (2003– )
60 min | Reality-TV
The creators of "American Idol" brings a new Reality-TV series called "American Juniors", which also hosted by Ryan Seacrest. Instead of teenagers and young adults auditioning for a spot, ... See full summary »
Stars: Ryan Seacrest, Debbie Gibson, Gladys Knight, Lucy Hale
Votes: 192
13. Fish (1977–1978)
TV-Y | 30 min | Comedy
A grumpy New York cop and his wife adopt five rowdy foster children.
Stars: Abe Vigoda, Florence Stanley, Barry Gordon, John Cassisi
Votes: 477
14. Galactica 1980 (1980)
60 min | Adventure, Sci-Fi
When the Battlestar Galactica finally arrives at Earth, they find they must subtly raise its tech level while protecting it from the Cylons.
Stars: Kent McCord, Barry Van Dyke, Robyn Douglass, Lorne Greene
Votes: 4,092
15. Baywatch Nights (1995–1997)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Baywatch veteran Mitch Buchannon moonlights as a P.I. with his two friends Garner and Ryan. In season 2, Diamont replaces Garner, and Mitch's cases suddenly take a hard turn towards supernatural horror.
Stars: David Hasselhoff, Angie Harmon, Eddie Cibrian, Donna D'Errico
Votes: 1,569
16. Tabitha (1976–1978)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Fantasy
This spin-off of Bewitched (1964) follows Tabitha Stephens; Samantha and Darrin's daughter as an adult.
Stars: Lisa Hartman, Robert Urich, Mel Stewart, David Ankrum
Votes: 351
17. The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (1976–1977)
60 min | Comedy, Music
The Brady family sings, dances, and performs comedy skits.
Stars: Florence Henderson, Robert Reed, Ann B. Davis, Maureen McCormick
Votes: 514
18. The Brady Brides (1981)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy
The story of Marcia and Jan's lives as newlyweds with their husbands.
Stars: Maureen McCormick, Eve Plumb, Jerry Houser, Ron Kuhlman
Votes: 332
19. The Bradys (1990)
TV-G | 60 min | Comedy, Drama
A look at the lives of the Brady family all grown up, and the next generation.
Stars: Florence Henderson, Robert Reed, Eve Plumb, Leah Ayres
Votes: 357
20. The Tortellis (1987)
30 min | Comedy
Nick Tortelli, "Cheers" barmaid Carla Tortelli's loutish husband, moves to Las Vegas to try to reconcile with his bimbo second wife Loretta, who now lives with her more sensible divorced sister Charlotte and nephew Mark.
Stars: Dan Hedaya, Jean Kasem, Timothy Williams, Mandy Ingber
Votes: 180
21. Mrs. Columbo (1979–1980)
60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Mrs. Kate Columbo, wife of the famous lieutenant, solves crimes as a reporter, while raising her little daughter.
Stars: Kate Mulgrew, Henry Jones, Lili Haydn, Don Stroud
Votes: 538
22. Young Americans (2000)
TV-PG | 60 min | Drama
Portrays life at Rawley Summer Academy, an elite school in Connecticut where boys with a bright Ivy League future spend the summer industriously in classes and rowing training on the lake.
Stars: Mark Famiglietti, Kate Bosworth, Rodney Scott, Kate Moennig
Votes: 1,642
23. Enos (1980–1981)
60 min | Action, Comedy
The big-city adventures of Officer Enos Strate of Hazzard County.
Stars: Sonny Shroyer, Samuel E. Wright, John Dehner, John Milford
Votes: 182
24. The Golden Palace (1992–1993)
30 min | Comedy
After Dorothy remarries and moves away, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia open a hotel called The Golden Palace.
Stars: Betty White, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty, Don Cheadle
Votes: 2,813
25. Dirty Sally (1974)
30 min | Western
Crotchety old lady Sally Fergus roams the Old West with young companion Cyrus.
Stars: Jeanette Nolan, Dack Rambo, John McIntire, Annette O'Toole
Votes: 147
26. Blansky's Beauties (1977)
30 min | Comedy
Gruff but loving Nancy Blansky is busy housing, mothering, and even choreographing for a hotel's showgirls--while providing a home for her nephews, dancer Joey and 12-year-old junior-womanizer Anthony.
Stars: Nancy Walker, Caren Kaye, Eddie Mekka, Scott Baio
Votes: 116
27. Out of the Blue (1979)
30 min | Comedy, Fantasy
An angel is sent to play nanny to a gaggle of children whose parents have died.
Stars: Jimmy Brogan, Tammy Lauren, Hannah Dean, Jason D. Keller
Votes: 102
28. Joanie Loves Chachi (1982–1983)
30 min | Comedy, Romance, Music
The romantic adventures of Joanie Cunningham and Chachi Arcola as they pursue music careers in Chicago.
Stars: Scott Baio, Erin Moran, Al Molinaro, Derrel Maury
Votes: 677
29. Billy (1992– )
30 min | Comedy
A Scottish teacher named Billy MacGregor moves to the United States to build a new life for himself.
Stars: Billy Connolly, Marie Marshall, Clara Bryant, Johnny Galecki
Votes: 72
30. Buddies (1996)
30 min | Comedy
Two friends decide to start up a film company.
Stars: Dave Chappelle, Richard Roundtree, Judith Ivey, Tanya Wright
Votes: 105
31. Top of the Heap (1991)
30 min | Comedy
A spin-off with characters from the "Married...with Children" series. Intellectually-challenged Vinnie and his chronically-unemployed father share an apartment. Re-worked the following year as "Vinnie and Bobby."
Stars: Joseph Bologna, Matt LeBlanc, Joey Lauren Adams, Rita Moreno
Votes: 252
32. Grady (1975–1976)
30 min | Comedy
The solo adventures of Fred Sanford's pal Grady, who has moved on up to Los Angeles.
Stars: Whitman Mayo, Carol Cole, Joe Morton, Rosanne Katon
Votes: 158
33. Sanford Arms (1977)
30 min | Comedy
A widower with two children buys the Sanford Arms rooming house.
Stars: Teddy Wilson, Tina Andrews, John Earl, Don Bexley
Votes: 107
34. Sanford (1980–1981)
30 min | Comedy
The further adventures of Fred Sanford, featuring the old cast, except for Lamont; Fred has a new partner and a new girlfriend.
Stars: Redd Foxx, Dennis Burkley, Marguerite Ray, Clinton Derricks-Carroll
Votes: 417
35. Those Amazing Animals (1980–1981)
60 min | Documentary, Family
A show focusing on various animals both in the studio and in nature footage.
Stars: Priscilla Presley, Burgess Meredith, Jim Stafford
Votes: 24
36. Three's a Crowd (1984–1985)
Not Rated | 30 min | Comedy
Jack Tripper's co-habitation with Vicky Bradford is complicated by her hostile father's interference as Jack's landlord.
Stars: John Ritter, Mary Cadorette, Alan Campbell, Robert Mandan
Votes: 1,037
37. Mr. T and Tina (1976– )
30 min | Comedy
Taro, a single father, relocates because of business from Japan to Chicago. Conservative Taro wants a traditional nanny for his children Aki and Sachi. But he gets Nebraska born Tina, who challenges his orthodox ways.
Stars: Susan Blanchard, June Angela, Gene Profanato, Pat Suzuki
Votes: 62
38. What's Happening Now! (1985–1988)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy
"What's Happening Now!" is a sequel to "What's Happening!," a TV series about the adult main characters (Raj, Dwayne, Rerun, Shirley, and Dee) as teenagers/children.
Stars: Ernest Thomas, Haywood Nelson, Shirley Hemphill, Anne-Marie Johnson
Votes: 1,248
39. The Law and Harry McGraw (1987–1988)
60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Harry MacGraw is a private investigator who appeared three times in the television series, Murder, She Wrote. He now stars in his own series, wherein he is still a private investigator in ... See full summary »
Stars: Jerry Orbach, Barbara Babcock, Juliana Donald, Shea Farrell
Votes: 147
40. Models Inc. (1994–1995)
60 min | Drama
Hilary Michaels, the estranged mother of Amanda Woodward, is the owner, president and CEO of Models Inc, a major Los Angeles modeling agency.
Stars: Linda Gray, Cameron Daddo, David Goldsmith, Teresa Hill
Votes: 1,274
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