The entertainment industry is always looking for a new way to capitalize on and expand their fictional universes. It seems that everything is getting a spin-off these days. Marvel, for example, is currently at the height of its latest phase and hasbroadened their horizon over to the small screenwith shows likeWandavisionand letting fans connect the dots; it’s all part ofKevin Feige‘s grand plan, but not all shows have their entire timeline planned out Marvel-style.
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A spin-off can be the result of many, many reasons. Spin-offs are not unfamiliar to the average viewer, whether it be a popular character, fleshing out a side arc, or maybe a risky network decision that may or may not pay off. That’s not to say that they’ll always be ground-breaking, Emmy-worthy drama; it can often be difficult to top the original. However, there is always the rare instance when a prequel, sequel, or general spin-off exceeds every expectation.
Following the Season 3 finale,Buffy the Vampire Slayer’sbroody vamp with a soul, Angel (David Boreanaz), heads to Los Angeles. Here, he finds his new calling when he enlists a team of friends, including Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter), to “help the helpless” and fend off the supernatural.
Angelimmediately distances itself from the (usually) lighthearted, teen dramedy elements ofBuffy the Vampire Slayerand settles on a more serious, noir aesthetic. While not without its comedic timing,the material is elevated by its darker tone, reaching heights its parent show would shy away from. At its core,Angelis driven by a superb ensemble cast; each character is diversely unique in what they bring to the table, and every actor buildsand plays into the complex layers of their counterparts.Amy Acker’sWinifred “Fred” Burkle grounds the show with a wholesome amount of heart asAlexis Denisof’sWesley Wyndham-Pryce dives into levels of morality. The dynamic is constantly twisting, and it pays off.
‘Superman and Lois’
The latest Arrowverse expansion picks up on the world of Clark Kent/Superman (Tyler Hoechlin) and Lois Lane (Elizabeth Tulloch) as we’ve never seen them before.The dynamic duo is first introduced to the CW/DC-verseonSupergirl, sporadically guest starring and joining crossover episodes.
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The initial idea of anotherSupermanrevival may seem tiresome. However, The CW adapts storylines that are uncharted territory for television. Rather than establishing their relationship and Clark’s introduction to his powers, the couple is married and moving back to Smallville… with their teenage sons in tow. Compared to the other Arrowverse shows,Superman and Loisis a wholly cinematic experience. The quality is significantly increased visually and through the storytelling, focusing on character arcs and setting the bar for future CW/DC adaptations.
After starring in over 200 episodes of beloved 80s sitcomCheers,Kelsey Grammarbegan headlining his series in 1993, titled after his character Frasier Crane.Cheersis bound to be a tough act to follow considering its popularity, butFrasiermakes a valiant attempt at giving the series a run for its money.
Frasierdelves into the spirited lives of the psychiatrist and his family while living in Seattle — with hilarious results. LikeCheers, this spin-off also consists of 11 seasons but is maybe a lot more memorable in terms of its characters. Frasier frequently bickers with his brother, Niles (David Hyde Pierce), and dad, Martin (John Mahoney); the race between both shows may have been tight, butFrasierclutches the bag with its staggering 37 Emmy wins.
‘The Simpsons’
The Simpsonshave been around since the dawn of time — or so it feels like. Kicking off its run back in 1989,The Simpsonsis still going strong. Some fans might have forgotten that thefamous dysfunctional family of fiveactually originated onThe Tracey Ullman Show— a sketch series that featured the Simpsons.
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It’s hard to say whetherThe Tracey Ullman Showwould leave an impact if not for Fox commissioningThe Simpsons. Now on its 33rd season, the fan-favorite sitcom has outlivedThe Tracey Ullman Show’sfour-season run and doesn’t look like it will be signing off anytime soon.
‘Better Call Saul’
Perhaps a controversial opinion to have, but there’s a solid case to make for this show’s excellency.Better Call SaulfollowsBob Odenkirk‘s fan-favorite Saul Goodman through his journey into becoming the egocentric defense lawyer everyone knows and loves fromBreaking Bad.
Better Call Saulbuilds around humor, diverting away from its predecessor’s gritty tone, and is filled with its fair share of nail-biting tension that draws fans into Saul’s world. Sometimes, prequels can be a little messy in their delivery. However, thisone ties together with plenty of satisfaction, no matter how slow burn it might feel.
Legends of Tomorrow
The fourth installment to The CW’s Arrowverse takes flight withCaity Lotzin the hot seat, reprising her role as Sara Lance/White Canary.Legends of Tomorrowsees many familiar and new faces, includingWentworth MillerandVictor Garber, travel through space and time to save the world.
Legends of Tomorrowdoesn’t feel tied down to other Arrowverse showsdue to its comical, eccentric, and often outrageous tone. Though its renewal status is currently up in the air, fans have sparked hashtags across social media with the hope of seeing a new season, letting their feelings known about this particular spinoff.
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