TV spin-offs are a big gamble to undertake because they run the risk of ruining the original’s legacy. On the other hand, there have been quite a few popular series that became so big that they eclipsed their predecessors. Shows like Star Trek have taken a life of their own and should be given their due credit.
The best way to gauge how well-received a spin-off is through IMDb ratings, which take into thousands of votes from fans. There’s no doubt about the placings of the shows since there have been so many voters, so the ones that have made it to the top can be considered the pick of the bunch.
Frasier (1993-2004) - 8.1
Stream On Hulu, Peacock, And Paramount+
Focusing on the titular character’s life after leaving Boston and the Cheers gang, Frasier episodes generally cover his wacky adventures at his pop psychology radio show and the interactions he has with his quirky family.
The series is a big departure from Cheers in of presentation since the former was an ensemble effort limited to the bar setting while Frasier relies on each main character’s individual attributes. It remains one of the prime examples of a spin-off being worth the effort for the acclaim it received.
Stargate Atlantis (2004-09) - 8.1
Stream On Hulu
Among several spin-offs of Stargate SG-1, this series is considered the best of the bunch, so much so that it’s rated among the greatest ever by IMDb voters. The story is simple enough as it centers around the crew of the Atlantis expedition as they explore various planets.
Its popularity has increased in the last few years ever since Jason Momoa made it big, who stars here as Ronon Dex, one of the most reliable of the crew. Ronan is also among the most likable characters Jason Momoa has played, which gives another reason to check out the show.
Batman Beyond (1999-2001) - 8.1
Stream On HBO Max
While Bruce Wayne will always be the perennial Caped Crusader, fans of this spin-off consider Batman Beyond to be the best DC hero. It stars Terry McGinnis as Bruce’s successor in the future, where Bruce has become an old man and now fills the role for Terry that Alfred once did for him.
The show remains lauded for the way it took a spin on Batman’s story, daring to show Bruce out of his prime and a new hero taking up the mantle. It also brought in different kinds of villains that fans weren’t aware of, along with detailing the fates of Batman’s most feared foes.
The Good Fight (2017-) - 8.3
Stream On Paramount+
The spin-off to The Good Wife, its follow-up centers around Diane Lockhart after she moves on to start a different firm. Its streaming nature means the series is uninhibited and presents the more provocative sides of the characters and legal matters.
Unlike the original series, The Good Fight doesn’t shy away from making its main characters unlikable and the courtroom battles can get very dastardly. The series generally has a lower count of episodes, which has had the effect of creating a dedicated fanbase that waits excitedly for new stories to arrive.
Boston Legal (2004-08) - 8.4
Stream On Hulu
Rather than just being a good show, is among the greatest legal dramas of all time. In fact, its IMDb rating is higher than the original series, The Practice. The key to its success was the fact that the show has a lot of comedic moments, which are presented through Alan Shore and Denny Crane.
The main duo are the quirkiest characters ever to appear in a law-based show, going to wacky lengths to win their cases. Boston Legal also has deeply damaged individuals who use their jobs as a way of escaping their inherent loneliness, which is an aspect that fans enjoyed a lot since it humanized their characterizations.
The Punisher (2017-19) - 8.5
Stream On Disney+
The majority of people who have seen Daredevil after Frank Castle debuted in that series and went on to headline his own.
The Punisher was about Castle’s use of lethal force to enact justice, which left him just as bad as the villains since he resorted to terrible methods to make the evildoers pay. This grey level of morality made Frank Castle an appealing anti-hero and the show’s IMDb rating proves that.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-94) - 8.6
Stream On Netflix And Paramount+
Among the set of spin-offs to the original Star Trek, this one is set farthest in the future during the 24th century, centering around the USS Enterprise as it explores the Milky Way. The reasons for its success are largely attributed to the strong protagonist that is Jean-Luc Picard and a well-rounded cast that never feels like they’ve been added on.
It is a series that has massive replay value, with fans continuing to watch even three decades after Star Trek: The Next Generation came to a close. The show’s success spawned follow-up films and a Jean-Luc Picard spin-off of its own, which is a testament to its staying power.
The Simpsons (1989-) - 8.6
Stream On Disney+
As hard as it might be the believe, The Simpsons isn’t an original series and the titular family was once part of The Tracy Ullman Show. The comedian’s series was based around sketch comedy, among which the Simpsons would occasionally show up for short skits.
The Simpsons now holds the record for the longest-running scripted American show ever, going in on three decades and counting. Its impact is such that few even know about The Tracy Ullman Show anymore as the family’s shenanigans in Springfield have taken up a life of its own.
Leverage: Redemption (2021-) - 8.7
Stream On IMDb TV
The spin-off to Leverage continues the same premise of its predecessor, only with a new set of characters. The story is about a group of vigilantes who were once criminals and use their special skills to help people in need and take down complex villains.
Airing on IMDb TV doesn’t afford Leverage: Redemption with the biggest base, but it has guaranteed a high score for the show on IMDb’s site, as it has attained a superb rating. The series' caper and comedic style also makes it easily accessible for new fans.
Better Call Saul (2015-22) - 8.8
Stream On Netflix
Just like Breaking Bad took the world by storm upon release, Better Call Saul has remained a class apart for almost a decade. It is about the descent into crime for the titular character who starts off as Jimmy McGill in the lead up to the crooked lawyer he becomes by Breaking Bad’s events.
The series carried over the fanbase from the original series and picked up more along the way, lasting much longer to make Saul a protagonist in his own right. It remains one of the shows to retain its quality all the way through, with many claiming that Better Call Saul only gets better.