'Agatha All Along' & 7 Other Best Spinoffs of Famous TV Series, Ranked by RT
These shows are not inferior to the originals – sometimes, they even surpass them.
The creation of a spin-off, prequel, or sequel is a sure sign that a movie or series was successful. However, not every spin-off project is successful – viewers can be very judgmental.
Consider the countless failed attempts to expand beloved universes that ended in cancellation after the first season and quiet oblivion. However, even among this sea of second-rate products, one can find true treasure.
8. 'Fear the Walking Dead', 2015-2023
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74%
The Walking Dead prequel showcases the early days of the zombie apocalypse in Los Angeles. While the creators of the original show deviated from the comics in some respects, they still adhered to their canon.
In Fear the Walking Dead, however, the team went further, introducing new characters and locations not mentioned in the source material. The writers were able to depict a different version of events, altering the setting and methods of survival.
Nick wakes up in a drug den. While wandering around, he encounters an old friend devouring a man lying on the floor. Terrified, Nick runs outside, gets into an accident, and ends up in the hospital.
7. 'Young Sheldon', 2017-2024
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
The Big Bang Theory spinoff, Young Sheldon, explores the childhood of one of the show's main characters, child prodigy Sheldon Cooper. He faces the harsh reality of school, and becomes an outcast.
He seems more talented and intelligent than any adult: instead of watching cartoons, he watches science programs, and has perfect pitch despite never having played music. At the same time, Sheldon is completely unable to communicate with others because he lacks empathy.
His unique characteristics worry his family because no one knows if he will be able to integrate into society and build his own life in the future.
6. 'Agatha All Along', 2024
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
Detective Agnes was suspended after punching a suspect while on duty. However, a mysterious murder near a lake prompted the police to reinstate her.
As the investigation progresses, Agnes increasingly loses touch with reality. She forgets details of her own life and sees ghosts. It soon becomes clear that Agnes is not really Agnes but Agatha, an evil witch who was enchanted and placed in an illusory world.
This WandaVision spin-off tells the story of the villain and Scarlet Witch's main adversary – an unexpected turn for a genre that celebrates saviors.
5. 'House of the Dragon', 2022-...
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
King Viserys Targaryen of Westeros had waited years for a male heir, but instead fathered a daughter, Princess Rhaenyra. She was destined to become the heir to the throne.
After his wife's death, however, Viserys decided to marry Alicent, Rhaenyra's best friend. Alicent unexpectedly gave birth to a son. As a result, the court divided into two factions: the Blacks and the Greens.
House of the Dragon is a prequel to Game of Thrones, set 200 years before the events of the series. The show features many battles, dragons, political conflicts, and power struggles.
4. 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms', 2026-...
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Duncan buried his mentor, with whom he had traveled for fifteen years. Although Ser Arlan did not knight his ward before his death, this did not stop Duncan from attending his first tournament.
During his travels, Duncan meets a boy named Egg who becomes his squire. Together, they set off for a tournament that would change their lives forever.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the third fantasy series in George R. R. Martin's literary universe. Chronologically, it takes place between the events of House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones.
3. 'Daria', 1997-2002
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Daria lives with her family in the small town of Lawndale. She is a nerdy, straight-A student who often alienates people with her off-color jokes and sarcastic remarks. Along with her artist friend Jane, Daria navigates the stages of teenage life.
Daria is a true pop culture phenomenon of the 1990s. The antisocial character first appeared as a cameo in Beavis and Butt-Head and immediately captivated millennials.
2. 'Better Call Saul', 2015-2022
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
Jimmy, the main character of the Breaking Bad spinoff, is a failed lawyer who earns next to nothing and often loses cases. Meanwhile, Jimmy's brother, Chuck, used to own a stake in a major law firm, but he has been on long-term sick leave.
After getting divorced, Chuck developed an intolerance to electromagnetic radiation and now lives in complete darkness, using an ice chest instead of a refrigerator.
To support himself and his brother, Jimmy turns to fraud, starting with staging fake car accidents.
1. 'Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake', 2023-...
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Fionna is an ordinary girl. When she's not playing with her cat, she suffers from idleness and dreams of entering a magical world, free of everyday problems like paying taxes.
One day, the universe offers her such a chance. Fionna and her cat are transported to a magical dimension from which there is no escape, no matter how hard one tries.
This Adventure Time spin-off features alternate versions of Finn and Jake, the main characters from all ten seasons of the animated series.
