5. Better Call Saul (2015)
Breaking Badwas one of the greatest TV events of the 21st century, which is crazy when you think about how it started as a small idea that nobody wanted to produce because the plot sounded too far-fetched.
However, AMC eventually picked it up and gave Vince Gilligan all the creative space he needed to work his magic. Over the course of five seasons,Breaking Badgrew into a shining example of everything that TV would become in the following years.
By the timeBreaking Badwrapped up, most considered it among the greatest television shows ever made, with one of the finest endings we’ve seen in recent television.
Then,Better Call Saulwas announced.
Not only was the decision to pursue aBreaking Badspin-off met with skepticism by many, but the fact that it would center on Saul Goodman just seemed silly. Few thought much of it—until they watched it.
Better Call Saulavoided retreading the same themes ofBreaking Badand successfully blazed its own trail in the same universe. Moreover, it did so with more depth and a tighter narrative, to the point that it did what nobody thought it could do: surpassBreaking Bad.
Looking back at both series, it’s clear that both have their own approaches to telling their tales. But for fans of both shows, it’sBetter Call Saulthat does it with more aplomb.
4. Frasier (1993)
Back in the 1980s,Cheerscreated the modern idea of what a sitcom was. It brought audiences into the lives of an ordinary bar in Boston and showcased the twists, turns, and drama within.
The cast ofCheershad an on-screen chemistry that few could fault. Ted Danson and Shelley Long carried the show with their will-they-won’t-they storyline, and it even featured a pre-famous Woody Harrelson.
WhenCheersended and a spin-off was announced, the thought of centering that show on Frasier Crane as the main protagonist was… strange. Plenty of raised eyebrows came its way.
Frasierboldly took Frasier Crane away from everything that madeCheerswork, then injected a lot more depth into the character than audiences ever expected to see. The result? Legendary.
That element ofFrasierwas the spark it needed to distance itself fromCheersand become a comedy classic in its own right.
Frasierwas so popular that it’s being rebooted with Kelsey Grammer’s character in a new city once again. In some ways, the characters fromCheersare still alive and well in a show that’s still on the air.
Related:The Greatest TV Characters From the 90s Era of Television
3. The Simpsons (1989)
On one hand,The Simpsonsis certainly its own original show. It’s a wholly original concept that doesn’t constitute a spin-off in the traditional sense. Initially, however,The Simpsonswas part ofThe Tracey Ullman Show!
The Tracey Ullman Showwas a variety show, andThe Simpsonswas one of its segments. Later, whenThe Simpsonsbecame its own thing, it already had a bit of an audience by the time episode one aired.
So,The Simpsonswas technically a spin-off—and, of course, the main series is significantly better and has become a large part of pop culture.
Plus,The Simpsonspioneered TV animation for adults. It was the biggest and most popular animated show since Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck made audiences laugh in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s.
Related:The Most Trippy Simpsons Episodes That Are Super Weird
2. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987)
The originalStar Trekis held aloft as one of the biggest and most important TV shows ever made, for good reason.
The adventures of James T. Kirk and Spock aboard theUSS Enterpriseare known all over the world, and they helped launch the sci-fi genre in television. Over time,Star Trekgrew into more than just a TV show.
Hardcore Trekkies (fans ofStar Trek) will always see the original series as perfection, a show without equal. But whenStar Trek: The Next Generationcame along, even the most diehard fans of the original loved how it took the story forward with all new characters.
The debate will forever rage over which captain is better—Kirk or Piccard—but it doesn’t really matter becauseThe Next Generationstands toe-to-toe with the original and remains equally strong.
As a series,Star Trek: The Next Generationis a better show and features better actors giving iconic performances. However, fans of the original might never see it that way.
1. Wednesday (2022)
The originalAddams FamilyTV series has been forgotten by time, and if it’s remembered by anyone, that’s largely because of the film spin-offs in the 1990s starring Anjelica Huston and Christina Ricci.
For that reason, Netflix’sWednesdayfeels fresh by comparison, as no one under 60 remembers the original show with any real depth. And if you do venture back and watchThe Addams Family, you’d likely agree thatWednesdayis the better series.
Wednesdayhas a spark in its leading character that makes it shine on the screen, complete with a performance by Jenna Ortega that ties everything together with a neat little bow.
Wednesdayhas become a hit for Netflix and the streaming giant has green-lit a sequel—one that fans are desperate to see soon.
