With The Office teasing a reboot, it's a good time to remember that not all shows get lucky the second (or third) time around. Spin-offs can sometimes be the ultimate fan service, but more often than not, they’re the franchise’s awkward cousin nobody invited to the reunion. Whether it's because the magic of the original can’t be replicated, or the formula feels as fresh as leftovers, TV is littered with spin-offs that crashed and burned. Here’s a rundown of some recent and memorable failures
6 Spinoffs of Popular TV Shows That Failed To Impress Audiences
Joey (2004-2006)
Trying to milk every last drop from Friends, NBC pushed Joey, a spinoff centred on everyone's favourite dim-witted actor, Joey Tribbiani. Unfortunately, without his Central Perk crew, Joey’s charm wore thin. Two seasons later, it quietly shuffled off the screen, proving some friends are best left in the past.
The Walking Dead: World Beyond (2020)
Hoping to extend the zombie empire, this spin-off targeted a younger crowd, blending coming-of-age drama with apocalypse vibes. Unfortunately, audiences weren't buying into another Walking Dead universe instalment. Despite AMC’s push, the series felt more like a filler episode that stretched on for two seasons before being buried alongside its zombie predecessors.
Penny Dreadful: City of Angels (2020)
Penny Dreadful’s original Victorian Gothic allure gave way to a 1930s LA setting, complete with Mexican folklore and supernatural beings. It sounded cool on paper but ended up being more convoluted than creepy. Despite Natalie Dormer’s multiple character portrayals, City of Angels couldn’t capture the spirit of its predecessor and got axed after one underwhelming season.
How I Met Your Father (2022)
How I Met Your Mother was a cultural phenomenon, so naturally, the spin-off seemed promising. However, even Hilary Duff couldn’t charm audiences as much as Ted and the gang did. The humour felt outdated, the emotional beats didn’t hit, and the show wrapped up after two seasons, leaving fans relieved rather than heartbroken.
That '90s Show (2024)
This spinoff of That '70s Show thought it could replicate the nostalgia by shifting two decades forward. Instead, it failed to capture the same magic, cancelled after three seasons. Unlike its predecessor, it lacked relatable characters and cultural hooks, making it feel more like a parody than an homage
Arrested Development Season 4 and 5 (2013, 2018)
More of a reboot than a spin-off, the cult favourite got a second chance on Netflix, but sometimes, second chances aren’t worth taking. The once razor-sharp series became overly convoluted, missing the comedic timing and chemistry that made the original seasons iconic. Despite the fanfare, it proved you can’t just stitch back the past and expect the same magic.
