'Joey' and 4 Other Cult TV Series Spinoffs You Didn't Even Know About
From failed spinoffs of great shows to bold experiments that ended up in the shadows of their predecessors.
TV producers often try to replicate the success of cult series by creating spinoffs. However, not all of them are destined to achieve the same level of fame and recognition as their predecessors.
Sometimes, though, these shows offer surprises years later. For example, the creators of Joey recently released three final episodes, almost two decades after its cancellation, bringing the character's story to an end.
1. 'The Lone Gunmen', 2001
Original Series: 'The X-Files'
IMDb Score: 7.3/10
The trio of paranoid journalists from The Lone Gunmen were longtime supporting characters on The X-Files and were beloved by viewers. Unlike the dark original, their spinoff of the same name was written in a comedic vein with elements of spy parody.
Despite its strong concept and charismatic cast, the series was canceled after 13 episodes. Their fates were finally resolved in the ninth season of The X-Files, in which the characters died, putting an end to any possibility of a revival.
2. 'Better Call Saul Presents: Slippin' Jimmy', 2022
Original Series: 'Better Call Saul'
IMDb Score: 2.8/10
Did you know that the Breaking Bad universe has not only a spinoff, Better Call Saul, but also an animated prequel, Slippin' Jimmy? The series chronicles the early life of Jimmy McGill and his best friend, Marco, in suburban Chicago.
However, the project failed to gain popularity among fans of the original show due to its radically different tone. Stylized as a 1970s cartoon, the series consists of six episodes, each parodying a different genre, from horror to Western.
3. 'Planet Sheen', 2010-2013
Original Series: 'Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius'
IMDb Score: 2.9/10
Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius is a cult classic Nickelodeon animated series, but few know about its spinoff, Planet Sheen, which focuses on Jimmy's best friend.
The plot follows Sheen as he accidentally flies Jimmy's rocket to an alien planet. After breaking the rocket, he finds himself alone among hostile aliens.
In the original series, Sheen's naive nature contrasted well with Jimmy's intelligence. However, as the main character, his wit alone wasn't enough to maintain viewer interest. The series was canceled after one season, leaving the fate of the characters unclear.
4. 'Joey', 2004-2006
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Original Series: 'Friends'
IMDb Score: 6.0/10
In 2004, immediately after Friends ended, its spinoff sitcom Joey premiered. The plot follows Joey as he moves to Los Angeles in search of acting fame and true love. There, he settles down with his sister, Gina, and her son, Michael.
Despite the creators' hopes, one character's charisma failed to replicate the original series' ensemble success. The show was criticized for its simplistic jokes and lack of character depth.
The final episodes, which aired 20 years later, gave viewers a tentatively happy ending with Gina's marriage and Joey's serious relationship.
5. 'Class', 2016
Original Series: 'Doctor Who'
IMDb Score: 6.8/10
Doctor Who spin-off Class was produced by Steven Moffat. Although the pilot episode was notable for Peter Capaldi's cameo as the Doctor, few viewers made it to the finale.
The series follows students at Coal Hill Academy who must battle alien threats penetrating the thinning walls of reality. Critics have described Class as a successful hybrid of Doctor Who and Skins, aimed primarily at high school students.
