Television series, like movies, often seek to capitalize on the success of their predecessors by creating spin-offs and here are seven great examples of this.
Series, as you well know, go a long way. All kinds of characters, plots, universes and endless threads to pull to continue keeping thousands of users hooked.
As viewers immerse themselves in these stories, they sometimes encounter supporting characters or subplots that leave them wanting more.
The creators of these great series aware of this desire, have responded in different ways over the years, giving rise to an increasingly popular trend: spin-off series.
These spin-offs take familiar elements from a hit series and expand them into an entirely new experience. Here you will find seven great examples that you have available in streaming and I’m sure someone will end up hooking you.
7 series that are spin-offs of great hits, although it is not always known:
Better Call Saul (2015)
Breaking Bad was a major phenomenon and its main character, Walter White, became an iconic figure. But when the series came to an end, fans still wanted more of the intriguing criminal world that had been created.
That’s where Better Call Saul comes in. This spin-off focuses on lawyer Jimmy McGill, who eventually becomes the cunning criminal lawyer Saul Goodman that Breaking Bad fans know very well.
The series explores his transformation and his path to unethical legal practice. With its mix of drama and comedy, Better Call Saul has been a hit among both fans of the original series and new viewers. You can see it on Netflix.
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Walk-in (2007)
When it comes to medical series, Grey’s Anatomy It is one of the most iconic and loved by fans. But what some may not know is that this hit series gave rise to a spin-off called Walk-In.
This focuses on the life of Dr. Addison Montgomery, played by Kate Walsh, who after leaving Gray Sloan Memorial Hospital in Grey’s Anatomy, moves to Los Angeles and joins a private medical clinic.
What makes Walk-In more than just a spin-off is its ability to address complex medical and ethical issues from a more character-centric perspective. Through the doctors and patients of the Oceanside Wellness clinic, the series explores mental health issues, difficult medical decisions and interpersonal relationships. It is available on Disney+.
Fear the Walking Dead (2015)
Fear the Walking Dead is a shining example of how a spin-off can expand and enrich a successful narrative universe. Born from the apocalyptic zombie world of The Walking Dead, this series takes viewers to the beginning of the undead outbreak. Located in Los Angeles, explores the early days of the zombie apocalypse from the perspective of a dysfunctional family.
Although it shares the same world as The Walking Dead, Fear has managed to establish its own identity by focusing on how civilization falls apart and how people react to the unknown. You can see it on Prime Video.
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Flash (2014)
When it comes to the superhero genre on television, Arrow was a pioneer that opened the door to an entire universe of DC superheroes. The series, which focused on Oliver Queen, built a loyal fan base and laid the groundwork for the expansion of the Arrowverse, a shared multiverse of superhero series.
Amid the dramatic arcs of masked vigilantes and the organized crime world of Starling City, a character emerged who quickly won the hearts of fans: Barry Allen, played by Grant Gustin. Barry Allen, also known as The Flash, first appeared on Arrow in the second season and was the spark that ignited the creation of his own spin-off.
Thus was born The Flash, a series that follows the adventures of Barry Allen as he fights metahuman criminals and tries to uncover the mysteries behind his own transformation. The series has stood out for its sense of humor, impressive visual effects and a narrative that has convinced many. It is available on HBO Max.
Angel (1999)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer was an iconic series from the ’90s that mixed teen drama with supernatural elements. One of the most beloved characters in the series was Angel, a vampire with a soul who fought his own inner demons.
After the character left the original series, he got his own spin-off titled simply Angel. The series followed his adventures as he ran a supernatural detective agency in Los Angeles and fought evil.
Throughout its five seasons, Angel explored dark and complex themes, becoming a must-watch series for fans of the Buffy universe. You can see it on Disney+.
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Frasier (1993)
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Frasier is a prime example of how a supporting character can shine in a spin-off. Dr. Frasier Crane, played by the talented Kelsey Grammer, made his first appearance on Cheers as a psychiatrist who frequented the Boston bar.
However, His character was so charismatic that he quickly became a fan favorite.. The Frasier series focuses on his life after moving to Seattle and opening his own psychiatric practice, resulting in a humorous and sophisticated approach to his professional and personal life.
What sets Frasier apart is his intelligence and witty humor. Unlike Cheers, where the comedy focused on the atmosphere of a bar, this one is based on comedy and sophisticated situations. The series explored themes such as family relationships, the complexities of friendship, and the search for love and happiness in adulthood. It is available on SkyShowtime.
The Originals (2013)
Another successful spin-off that comes from the world of vampires is The Originals. This series focuses on the original vampires of the Vampire Diaries series, the Mikaelson family.. The series is set in New Orleans and follows the intrigues and power struggles between the world’s oldest and most powerful vampires.
As the story unfolds, The Originals delves deeper into the complex family dynamics and how the Mikaelsons’ past haunts them. The series captured the attention of The Vampire Diaries fans and attracted new fans with its combination of romance, action, and supernatural elements. You can see it on HBO Max.