TV Characters That Deserve Their Own Spinoff
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VOICE OVER: Phoebe de Jeu
WRITTEN BY: Derick Mcduff
Some TV characters are so great that they deserve their own show. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, today we'll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 TV Characters That Deserve Their own Spinoff.
For this list, we're looking at small screen supporting characters with personalities and backstories so compelling that they should have their own show.
For this list, we're looking at small screen supporting characters with personalities and backstories so compelling that they should have their own show.
Some TV characters are so great that they deserve their own show. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 TV Characters That Deserve Their own Spinoff.
For this list, we’re looking at small screen supporting characters with personalities and backstories so compelling that they should have their own show.
A simple man who likes dark haired ladies and breakfast food, Ronald Ulysses Swanson quickly established himself as one of the best characters on a show chock full of great ones. His deadpan attitude, harsh honesty, and skills in such areas as woodworking and wilderness survival, coupled with his strong dislike for the government, have endeared him to many a viewer. Despite his rough exterior, he has been shown to care deeply about his friends, and in later seasons, his new family. A spinoff could potentially focus on Swanson and his wife Diane, played by Lucy Lawless, as well as his two step daughters and young son.
After a bit of foreshadowing in the first season of the Marvel Netflix series Daredevil, our titular hero’s ninja ex-girlfriend, Elektra Natchios, was introduced in season two - receiving a warm welcome from fans. Caught in the middle of an ancient war, Elektra had to come to terms with her dark nature and killer instinct, choosing between the shadowy Hand organization, a distant father figure, and Matt’s insistence that she follow a more heroic path. Electra was also a pivotal character in the team up series the Defenders, becoming part sympathetic villain, part dark ally to Daredevil. Suffice it to say, fans would relish a solo series.
There are a number of incompetent people hired by the Bluths that deserve a spinoff, including the less than amazing PI Gene Parmesan. Our pick however, has to go to the morally dubious and bumbling lawyer, Barry Zuckerkorn, as excellently portrayed by Henry Winkler. Despite his choice of career, Zuckerkorn seemingly knows nothing about the law, and often falls into legal trouble himself. While a modern spin-off would be out first choice so that Henry Winkler could keep the role, we’d also be interested a prequel chronicling his rise to mid-level lawyer by cheating his way through law school. Who better for the role than Henry’s son Max Winkler, who already played Barry in flashbacks.
One of the show’s most beloved characters, Marceline the Vampire Queen is one of Finn and Jake’s closest friends and allies. Much of Marceline’s appeal lies in the fact that she is a punk rock vampire, genuinely likeable, yet also flawed and relatable. Additionally she is hugely important to the lore and backstory of the show, with strong connections to important characters on the show including; Princess Bubblegum, the Ice King, and, of course, the Lord of the Nightosphere and her father, Hunson Abadeer. A spinoff that focused on her and her backstory would be reminiscent of the critically acclaimed “Stakes” arc from season 7.
Like Elektra in Daredevil, Colleen Wing and Misty Knight were introduced as supporting characters and potential love interests on “Iron Fist,” and “Luke Cage,” respectively, but quickly established themselves as some of the toughest and coolest characters in any of the Netflix shows. Fans were excited to see the pair team up during “The Defenders,” reminiscent of the pair’s detective agency from the comics called “Daughters of the Dragon.” A spin-off that focused on the sword wielding ninja and the cop with a bionic arm would be a kick ass addition to the Marvel Netflix world and a show with two female leads of color would add some welcome diversity to it as well.
Following the final episode of “Lost” an epilogue was produced that wrapped up a number of unsolved mysteries from the show. The epilogue’s title, “The New Man in Charge,” referenced the island’s new protector Hurley, and follows him and Ben bringing Walt back to the island, who had been absent except for a few cameos in the final few seasons. A spin-off featuring a new era on the island with these three returning characters is a show with a built-in fanbase. However a follow-up about a journey off the island could be just as compelling, following Desmond’s odyssey to (once again) get back to his wife and son.
Originally meant to be a villain only appearing briefly, Spike proved to be such a popular character that he quickly earned himself a role as one of the main characters on “Buffy,” transforming into more of an anti-hero. He was also one of the few one-time Sunnydale resident to cross over to the spin-off “Angel” series. Despite being a vampire literally without a soul, Spike displayed the most character growth out of any of the characters. In addition to his ability to love, he also won fans for his fearlessness in the face of slayers, dry wit, and looks. His spinoff film never happened, so can we get a series instead?
This pair of lovable nerds and best friends provided many of the most memorable moments in this cult classic TV show, particularly the credits sequences that featured their bromance. Originally a jock, Troy fully embraced his weird side once becoming closer with Abed, the socially awkward geek with an exhaustive knowledge of all things pop-culture. While Troy may have left before the final season, a reunion of the pair would make for a hilarious spinoff. There are a number of different directions that a Troy and Abed spin-off could take, including a full version of their talk show “Troy and Abed in the Morning!”
Much of the first season of this epic fantasy series focused on the noble and honorable Warden of the North and ruler of Winterfell, Lord Eddard Stark. We’ve heard a lot about how he helped overthrow the “Mad King” Aerys Targaryen and place his best friend and foster brother Robert Baratheon on the iron throne as ruler of the realm. A prequel show with Stark at the center could focus on “Robert’s Rebellion,” and could feature a number of intense battles, betrayals, and all other kinds of twists and turns. Of all the potential GOT spin-offs, this is the one with the best chances of recapturing that “Game of Thrones” magic.
Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions;
Josie and the Pussycats
“Riverdale” (2017-)
Beadie Russell
“The Wire” (2002-08)
Black & White Canary
“Arrow”(2012-) & “Legends of Tomorrow” (2016-)
The Walking Dead has no shortage of stoic badasses whose survival skills have made them key players in the zombie apocalypse, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Michonne. But while Michonne was based on a character from the comics, Daryl was created to be a supporting role for the show, before he became a huge breakout character and quickly elevated to series regular. His longevity and hunting skills aren’t the only reason the character should receive his own show, as he’s developed from a jaded individual living in his brother’s shadow to one of the most important survivors in the community - a person we’d like to spend more time with in a spinoff.
For this list, we’re looking at small screen supporting characters with personalities and backstories so compelling that they should have their own show.
#10: Ron Swanson “Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)
A simple man who likes dark haired ladies and breakfast food, Ronald Ulysses Swanson quickly established himself as one of the best characters on a show chock full of great ones. His deadpan attitude, harsh honesty, and skills in such areas as woodworking and wilderness survival, coupled with his strong dislike for the government, have endeared him to many a viewer. Despite his rough exterior, he has been shown to care deeply about his friends, and in later seasons, his new family. A spinoff could potentially focus on Swanson and his wife Diane, played by Lucy Lawless, as well as his two step daughters and young son.
#9: Elektra “Daredevil” (2015-) & “The Defenders” (2017)
After a bit of foreshadowing in the first season of the Marvel Netflix series Daredevil, our titular hero’s ninja ex-girlfriend, Elektra Natchios, was introduced in season two - receiving a warm welcome from fans. Caught in the middle of an ancient war, Elektra had to come to terms with her dark nature and killer instinct, choosing between the shadowy Hand organization, a distant father figure, and Matt’s insistence that she follow a more heroic path. Electra was also a pivotal character in the team up series the Defenders, becoming part sympathetic villain, part dark ally to Daredevil. Suffice it to say, fans would relish a solo series.
#8: Barry Zuckerkorn “Arrested Development” (2003-06; 2013-)
There are a number of incompetent people hired by the Bluths that deserve a spinoff, including the less than amazing PI Gene Parmesan. Our pick however, has to go to the morally dubious and bumbling lawyer, Barry Zuckerkorn, as excellently portrayed by Henry Winkler. Despite his choice of career, Zuckerkorn seemingly knows nothing about the law, and often falls into legal trouble himself. While a modern spin-off would be out first choice so that Henry Winkler could keep the role, we’d also be interested a prequel chronicling his rise to mid-level lawyer by cheating his way through law school. Who better for the role than Henry’s son Max Winkler, who already played Barry in flashbacks.
#7: Marceline “Adventure Time” (2010-)
One of the show’s most beloved characters, Marceline the Vampire Queen is one of Finn and Jake’s closest friends and allies. Much of Marceline’s appeal lies in the fact that she is a punk rock vampire, genuinely likeable, yet also flawed and relatable. Additionally she is hugely important to the lore and backstory of the show, with strong connections to important characters on the show including; Princess Bubblegum, the Ice King, and, of course, the Lord of the Nightosphere and her father, Hunson Abadeer. A spinoff that focused on her and her backstory would be reminiscent of the critically acclaimed “Stakes” arc from season 7.
#6: Daughters of the Dragon “Iron Fist” (2017-), “Luke Cage” (2016-) & “The Defenders” (2017)
Like Elektra in Daredevil, Colleen Wing and Misty Knight were introduced as supporting characters and potential love interests on “Iron Fist,” and “Luke Cage,” respectively, but quickly established themselves as some of the toughest and coolest characters in any of the Netflix shows. Fans were excited to see the pair team up during “The Defenders,” reminiscent of the pair’s detective agency from the comics called “Daughters of the Dragon.” A spin-off that focused on the sword wielding ninja and the cop with a bionic arm would be a kick ass addition to the Marvel Netflix world and a show with two female leads of color would add some welcome diversity to it as well.
#5: Hurley, Ben, and Walt “Lost” (2004-10)
Following the final episode of “Lost” an epilogue was produced that wrapped up a number of unsolved mysteries from the show. The epilogue’s title, “The New Man in Charge,” referenced the island’s new protector Hurley, and follows him and Ben bringing Walt back to the island, who had been absent except for a few cameos in the final few seasons. A spin-off featuring a new era on the island with these three returning characters is a show with a built-in fanbase. However a follow-up about a journey off the island could be just as compelling, following Desmond’s odyssey to (once again) get back to his wife and son.
#4: Spike “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003) & “Angel” (1999-2004)
Originally meant to be a villain only appearing briefly, Spike proved to be such a popular character that he quickly earned himself a role as one of the main characters on “Buffy,” transforming into more of an anti-hero. He was also one of the few one-time Sunnydale resident to cross over to the spin-off “Angel” series. Despite being a vampire literally without a soul, Spike displayed the most character growth out of any of the characters. In addition to his ability to love, he also won fans for his fearlessness in the face of slayers, dry wit, and looks. His spinoff film never happened, so can we get a series instead?
#3: Troy and Abed “Community” (2009-15)
This pair of lovable nerds and best friends provided many of the most memorable moments in this cult classic TV show, particularly the credits sequences that featured their bromance. Originally a jock, Troy fully embraced his weird side once becoming closer with Abed, the socially awkward geek with an exhaustive knowledge of all things pop-culture. While Troy may have left before the final season, a reunion of the pair would make for a hilarious spinoff. There are a number of different directions that a Troy and Abed spin-off could take, including a full version of their talk show “Troy and Abed in the Morning!”
#2: Eddard 'Ned' Stark “Game of Thrones” (2011-)
Much of the first season of this epic fantasy series focused on the noble and honorable Warden of the North and ruler of Winterfell, Lord Eddard Stark. We’ve heard a lot about how he helped overthrow the “Mad King” Aerys Targaryen and place his best friend and foster brother Robert Baratheon on the iron throne as ruler of the realm. A prequel show with Stark at the center could focus on “Robert’s Rebellion,” and could feature a number of intense battles, betrayals, and all other kinds of twists and turns. Of all the potential GOT spin-offs, this is the one with the best chances of recapturing that “Game of Thrones” magic.
Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions;
Josie and the Pussycats
“Riverdale” (2017-)
Beadie Russell
“The Wire” (2002-08)
Black & White Canary
“Arrow”(2012-) & “Legends of Tomorrow” (2016-)
#1: Daryl Dixon “The Walking Dead” (2010-)
The Walking Dead has no shortage of stoic badasses whose survival skills have made them key players in the zombie apocalypse, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Michonne. But while Michonne was based on a character from the comics, Daryl was created to be a supporting role for the show, before he became a huge breakout character and quickly elevated to series regular. His longevity and hunting skills aren’t the only reason the character should receive his own show, as he’s developed from a jaded individual living in his brother’s shadow to one of the most important survivors in the community - a person we’d like to spend more time with in a spinoff.
