A Fresh Spin: Black TV’s Most Memorable Spinoffs
Spinoffs are one of the most fun parts about watching TV. You get attached to a character and next thing you know, they’re off to their own show, ready to establish a new world. The best spinoffs surpass the original shows they were based on. As Ahsoka reinvents some well known Star Wars moments, we’re showcasing other memorable spinoffs for you to revisit.
Good Times - Amazon Freevee
Good Times is a spinoff of the Bea Arthur comedy Maude, which was a spinoff of All in the Family. Originally, Florida was Maude’s housekeeper, but the Evans’ origin was rewritten for their new series. It all worked out for the best because they were much more influential as a Black family showcasing Black culture.
Read more
If you’re one of the many people who’ve enjoyed catching up on Suits, then perhaps you should follow Gina Torres to the spinoff Pearson. Jessica takes a job as the mayor’s fixer and immediately ruffles all the feathers. Sadly, the timing wasn’t great, as USA was getting out of the scripted series business, so it only ran for one season. Maybe Suits’ popularity will lead to another shot for the character.
Ahsoka - Disney+
Ahsoka Tano first appeared in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Her new live-action series—starring Rosario Dawson—is a continuation of the character’s arc from Star Wars: Rebels and The Mandalorian.
A Different World - Max
What made A Different World so good was that it felt like something new. The Black college experience was never given the celebration that it received here. The show actually changed lives for its viewers.
The Jeffersons - Prime VIdeo
Kids nowadays may know the classic comedy for the theme and GIFs, but The Jeffersons was a game-changer that I personally think surpassed its predecessor All in the Family. I know that’s blasphemy to some TV experts, but I said what I said.
Family Matters - Max
Harriet Winslow was originally introduced as the elevator operator who worked with Larry and Balki on Perfect Strangers, but Jo-Marie Payton was so awesome, we had to know more about Harriet’s life.
The Good Fight - Paramount+
The Good Fight asks the question: What if you took all the best characters from the critically acclaimed drama The Good Wife and gave them real world cases and stories? The answer is a captivating series that’s even better than the original. Also, Audra McDonald doesn’t miss.
Benson - Prime Video
Benson was originally the butler on the bonkers comedy Soap. When he left to work for the governor, the character became the centerpiece of his own show. The brilliant Robert Guillaume made Benson iconic and so much more than a butler.
The Flash - Prime Video
The CW’s The Flash was born out of Arrow, but became a bigger deal than it’s comic book predecessor. Bringing Jesse L. Martin and Candice Patton into the DC Comics’ hero’s mythology changed the superhero world. When we Iris wrapped up her hair before going to bed without having to explain it to her husband, it set the internet on fire.
Law & Order: SVU - Peacock
Running for 24 seasons and over 500 episodes, SVU is the undisputed champion of the Law & Order world. Who knew Ice T would become so essential to the show’s longevity?
House of the Dragon - Max
Despite how Game of Thrones mishandled its Black characters, we still had high hopes for House Velaryon in the prequel spinoff House of the Dragon. Unfortunately, our previous concerns were confirmed.
The Originals - Prime Video, Netflix
Let’s be honest, The Vampire Diaries didn’t do right by Bonnie Bennett. However, The Originals’ New Orleans setting made its culture and history crucial to the supernatural mythology of the universe’s vampires, werewolves and witches.
Good Burger - Paramount+
Yes, I’m cheating a little by adding this movie to the list, but it’s based on a hilarious TV sketch, so it definitely qualifies. With Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell working on a sequel, you should refresh your memory on the first film.
Snowpiercer - Prime Video
It’s an extremely high degree of difficulty to make a spinoff that’s just as good as the brilliant movie it’s based on. Daveed Diggs’ Andre Layton is a captivating leader, while the drama’s haves and have nots atmosphere feels frighteningly familiar, You should absolutely check out the original movie and Season 1 on Prime Video.
Friday Night Lights - Netflix
Other than the title and the Texas high school football focus, there’s not much connection between the movie and TV series. But Friday Night Lights is one of the best TV series of the last 20 years and if you haven’t binged it yet, what are you waiting for?
Fame - Prime Video
Oh, I’m sorry, did you not randomly burst into perfectly choreographed song and dance numbers at your high school? And yes, Janet Jackson did join the show for a short stint before her music career took off.
The Parkers - Netflix
The Moesha spinoff set a totally different tone from the Brandy-led series, giving viewers a new look at Kim and Nikki Parker. They were so much more than Moesha’s comedic sidekicks.
More from The Root
CM Punk and Tony Khan took a molehill and made it Three Mile Island
Diplo and Chris Rock made a harrowing escape from Burning Man
I'm Transfixed By Kevin Costner's Ex-Wife's Arguments for $175K a Month in Child Support
Barbenheimer Isn't Just a Trend, It's Becoming a Movie (Seriously)
What’s Included (And What’s Not) In Cyberpunk 2077’s Free 2.0 Update
Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
