8 A+ TV Characters Who Deserve Their Own Spinoffs, And 7 F- Characters Who Should've Been Written Off
Hey everyone! I'm Hannah, and I love watching TV. What I've learned from my countless hours spent staring at a screen is that I feel very strongly about the characters I watch. Some characters really have a star quality that leaves me wanting more, even after their arc reaches a natural end. On the other hand, some characters just don't "do it for me" and make me roll my eyes at the screen. So I've compiled a little list of the characters that I think could really hold their own in a spinoff, along with the characters that I think could've been written off their shows:
1.SPINOFF: Alexis Rose, Schitt's Creek
While I do think Schitt's Creek had a pretty perfect ending, I selfishly don't feel as though I'm done with Alexis. Yes, her arc was *chef's kiss,* but I'm ready to see the new, independent Alexis take New York City by storm. I think Alexis makes the perfect leading lady; she's quirky, personable, curious, and strong. I'd love to see her navigate the world for the first time with her new sensibilities. Imagine all the Alexis antics that could be had in the big city! I want to see her kicking corporate's ass with her exciting new career, all while enjoying and embracing her new freedom. While I'm very in support of Alexis being a single lady, my intense crush on Ted also makes me wish he could somehow play a role in the spinoff. Maybe Ted finds himself with an incredible career opportunity in the tri-state area and gives Alexis a call. I don't know! I won't write the script. But there could be something there. And obviously David, Patrick, Twyla, Johnny, and Moira would need to visit at some point. I don't have a title for this spinoff figured out yet, so let's just call it "A Little Bit Alexis" in the meantime.
Here's Alexis Rose being the freakin' best:
2.WRITE OFF: Councilman Jeremy Jamm, Parks and Recreation
God, this guy made me nauseous. Rationally, I know Leslie Knope needed some sort of adversary. Of course it wouldn't be practical for everyone to like her. A show needs conflict in order to keep the plot going. I get it, I really do. But, for the love of Pawnee, Jeremy Jamm was an insufferable turd. The way he treated Leslie was so out of line, and honestly, he's lucky he didn't get punched by Ben Wyatt or mysteriously poisoned by April Ludgate. The phrase, "You just got Jammed," makes me viscerally ill — dry heaves and all. I'm not sure anyone would've shed a tear if Jeremy was conveniently uprooted from Pawnee and sent to work somewhere in, say, Kentucky. I'd settle for any city or any state that kept him far away from our sweet Leslie Knope.
3.SPINOFF: Troy Barnes, Community
Though Donald Glover was totally justified in leaving Community and moving forward with his career, there's a geek deep within me that really wants to see Troy Barnes sailing around the world with LeVar Burton. If you're a fan of Community, I know there's a part of you that wants it too. Troy has all the makings of a lead character, and I truly don't think I could ever be bored watching him onscreen. I'm also super in love with Donald Glover, so there's that. Though I'm still holding out for that Community movie, I think I'd also be selfishly fulfilled by watching an entire spinoff based on Troy and LeVar's adventures on the Childish Tycoon.
Please enjoy Troy Barnes being an angel:
4.WRITE OFF: Georgina Sparks, Gossip Girl
This feels like a hot take, but Georgina Sparks was such an obnoxious and unnecessary character. As if Jenny Humphrey and Vanessa Abrams weren't annoying enough, we also had to endure this hot mess and a half. I understand that Georgina was there to cause drama — she was a walking problem. But, let's be honest, did the show really need more drama? I think there was plenty of messiness already going on. Michelle Trachtenberg is an icon, and she clearly did her job well, but I would not have missed Georgina if she mysteriously disappeared.
5.SPINOFF: Michael, The Good Place
Like any normal person with a BEATING HEART, I bawled my eyes out during the finale of The Good Place. I mean, what a show. It had many clever and touching plot lines, including Michael's transformation from evil demon to dedicated and loving friend. Of course, at the end, we finally get to see Michael living his dream of becoming a human. Now all we need is a spinoff show about Michael's life as a human! The Good Place had such a strong ensemble that clearly Eleanor, Chidi, Tahani, Jason, and Janet would somehow have to be a part of Michael's new life. Even if they showed themselves only in little gestures through the universe, it would still be beautiful. I know the show's ending was kind of perfect, and I'd hate to undo all that incredible work, but I'm nostalgic for the magic The Good Place brought to my screen. Plus, who doesn't love Ted Danson?
Here are some clips of Michael being awesome:
6.WRITE OFF: Gabe Lewis, The Office
Gabe, why are you the way that you are? I've rewatched The Office more than a few times now, and my stomach always drops when Gabe makes his first appearance. This is no shade to the actor Zach Woods. He's a brilliant comedian and performer, and I totally respect him. I just hate Gabe, probably because Zach plays him so well. I feel like we all know a Gabe in our regular lives, and for that reason, we don't necessarily want a Gabe in our favorite TV show too. His relationship with Erin is somehow even more cringeworthy than Erin and Andy's relationship, which seems almost impossible. I probably like Gabe more now than I did the first time I ever watched the show, but he still gives me major ick. I wouldn't have batted an eyelash if his character had disappeared after two or three episodes. I will say, though, his Lady Gaga costume in Season 7 is nothing short of magnificent. I do enjoy Gaga Gabe.
7.SPINOFF: Phoebe Buffay, Friends
OK, hear me out — a prequel to Friends that just shows us Phoebe's wild life leading up to becoming friends with Monica and the rest of the gang. Maybe I just really want to see her mug Ross as a child. Or maybe I just think she's the most fascinating and nuanced character on the show, and that she deserves more time in the spotlight. I'd even settle for a one-hour TV movie about Phoebe's youth. Just give me something. A pimp spit in her MOUTH. There's so much more about Phoebe I need to see to believe.
Enjoy this video of Queen Phoebe Buffay:
8.WRITE OFF: Polly Cooper, Riverdale
Enough already! Geez Polly, it's always something! I shamelessly love Riverdale and seriously cannot wait for its return. Though Season 5's alien plot is throwing me for a loop, I'm still obsessed. That being said, I am so sick and tired of Polly Cooper. Betty is my favorite character (ILY, Lili Reinhart), so I know I shouldn't root for anything bad to happen to her sister. Even so, I've been enjoying Polly's absence. She's MEAN. Obviously all of the characters on Riverdale are flawed and have their own darkness, but many of them also have redeeming qualities. I'm still searching for Polly's redeeming quality. She treats everyone like shit and adds nothing to the show but obnoxious and avoidable conflict. I feel pretty sure that the show won't kill her off since so much time this season has been spent on finding her. I'm just annoyed she's getting this attention. I want Betty to have a badass plot on her own that's independent of her family's drama. Give her a break!
9.SPINOFF: Gob, Arrested Development
This may come across as a weird choice, and I totally get it. Maybe I'm just letting my love of Will Arnett get in the way of my rational mind. Or I am a genius with an awesome idea. I understand that Gob isn't the most sympathetic character in the world, so it could be hard to watch an entire show solely based on his life and adventures. Gob doesn't quite have the charm of his brother Michael Bluth (heyo, Jason Bateman), but I see a world in which Gob is a fascinating lead character. Maybe Gob has a real breakthrough with his magic career, and he and Steve Holt tour the country together as a father and son act. I just feel like Gob really knows how to steal the show, so, in a way, giving him a spinoff feels like destiny.
Here's some amazing Gob content:
10.WRITE OFF: Rico Suave Jr., Hannah Montana
Even as a child, I was well aware that this guy was trash. I know Hannah Montana was a kid's show and Rico was meant to be funny, but I swear he never made me laugh. Something about him always kind of gave me the creeps. He was an entitled little brat that needed a serious reality check. Obviously this child had NO business running a business! What was that? Even for a kid's show about a secret teen pop star, that was a stretch.
11.SPINOFF: Orla McCool, Derry Girls
While Derry Girls is truly a masterpiece as an ensemble show, I'd be perfectly content watching an entire show centered around the icon that is Orla McCool. Orla is the definition of authentic, and any of us would be lucky to possess her level of confidence. Honestly, I'd watch an entire show simply dedicated to Orla's step aerobics career. She's got some moves!
Please enjoy Orla's finest moments:
12.WRITE OFF: Scrappy-Doo, The Scooby-Doo franchise
This is not a hot take. I somehow know you will agree with me on this one. Say it with me now: We 👏 hate 👏 Scrappy 👏 Doo 👏. Doesn't it feel so good to say out loud? Scrappy is an asshole. He contributed NOTHING. If anything, he made life harder for Scooby and the gang. He was a dumb, stinky little menace who clearly enjoyed chaos. This dog was toxic. "Puppy power!" my ass. I don't even think he wanted the gang to solve their mysteries. He just enjoyed interfering with their work and getting attention. I said what I said.
13.SPINOFF: Kenneth Parcell, 30 Rock
We need a Kenneth Parcell prequel, and we need it now! 30 Rock has a running gag that Kenneth is wayyy older than he appears (and possibly immortal), and I kind of want a separate series about it. How long has he really been alive? What was his upbringing in Georgia like? What brought him to New York City? Who IS Kenneth? He's a total enigma, and I love it. Because Kenneth is such a mystery with so many possible pasts, there's endless content to create his spinoff! Perfect! Give it to me!
Here's Kenneth being immortal:
14.WRITE OFF: Ben Chang, Community
This feels very controversial, so please bear with me. I love Ken Jeong and think he is brilliantly funny. Ben Chang played a very fun and important role on Community for a long time. However, I really didn't love watching him become such an outright wacky villain. Taking over the school? Faking amnesia? If you're gonna drag the poor guy through the mud like that, just write him off in a nice way. Sheesh. I know Community can be pretty "out there" (and that's what makes it special), but I didn't love those outlandish Ben Chang subplots.
15.Finally, SPINOFF: Morgan Tookers, The Mindy Project
I am obsessed with Morgan Tookers. OK, I'm obsessed with The Mindy Project as a whole, but wow, Morgan is a show-stealer. The dude has, like, 40 dogs. That alone makes him an absolute prize. He is such a lovable weirdo, and I'm just dying to see more of his life. I want more of his dogs, his antics with cousin Lou (oh hey, Rob McElhenney), and his life with Tamra. Couple GOALS. I said it. Morgan goes from stealing cars and landing in jail to being a kickass nurse, so I just know there's no limit to what he can do! Plus, I would love to see him as a father. He and Tamra are a weird, yet strangely perfect couple. I need to see them as parents. I also just want to see Morgan and his baby dressed in matching tracksuits.
