10 Bizarre TV Spinoffs That Actually Made It to Air

TV shows often birth new series, taking beloved characters or worlds in fresh directions. Some spinoffs become hits, outshining their origins, while others are so odd they leave you scratching your head, wondering how they ever got greenlit.

I’ve dug into the wild world of TV spinoffs to find the strangest ones that made it to air. From peculiar premises to unexpected character focuses, these shows took bold swings—some landed, some didn’t, but all are unforgettable for their sheer weirdness.

The Golden Palace (1992-1993)

After ‘The Golden Girls’ ended, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia didn’t retire quietly. They bought a Miami hotel and ran it in this quirky spinoff. The show leaned into the trio’s charm, adding a new cast like Don Cheadle as a manager.

It felt strange without Dorothy, and the hotel setting didn’t quite capture the original’s cozy vibe. Canceled after one season, it’s a curious footnote for fans, blending familiar faces with an odd new premise.

Team Knight Rider (1997-1998)

‘Knight Rider’ gave us Michael Knight and his talking car, KITT. This spinoff ditched the solo hero for a team of five crime-fighters, each with their own high-tech vehicle. It aimed for a Power Rangers-style group dynamic.

The show struggled to win over fans who loved the original’s lone-wolf charm. Lasting just 22 episodes, it ended on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers puzzled by its bold but misfired concept.

The Girl From U.N.C.L.E. (1966-1967)

‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’ was a slick spy hit, so why not give a female agent her own show? Enter April Dancer, paired with a British partner, tackling global threats. It leaned hard into the ‘60s spy craze.

Despite its stylish flair, the show lacked the original’s spark and fizzled after one season. It’s a quirky relic, notable for trying to put a female lead in the spy game early on.

The Hills: New Beginnings (2019-2021)

‘The Hills’ followed young adults navigating fame and drama. This spinoff brought back the cast years later, now in their 30s, chasing nostalgia. It banked on fans wanting updates on old favorites.

Without key original stars like Lauren Conrad, it struggled to recapture the magic. Low ratings and a pandemic-delayed second season sealed its fate, making it an odd attempt to revive past glory.

Joey (2004-2006)

After ‘Friends’ wrapped, Joey Tribbiani moved to LA to chase acting dreams. Matt LeBlanc carried the show, but it lacked the ensemble spark that made the original a hit. New characters didn’t click.

Poor ratings and a tough timeslot against ‘American Idol’ led to its cancellation after two seasons. It’s a bizarre case of a beloved character failing to shine solo.

Tabitha (1977-1978)

‘Bewitched’ charmed audiences with Samantha’s magical antics. This spinoff focused on her grown daughter, Tabitha, working at a TV station. Lisa Hartman took the role, navigating modern life with witchy powers.

The show’s rushed aging of Tabitha confused fans, and it lacked the original’s warmth. Canceled after 11 episodes, it’s a strange detour from a classic sitcom.

The Blacklist: Redemption (2017)

‘The Blacklist’ thrived on its mysterious lead, but this spinoff shifted to Susan Hargrave, a mercenary leader, and her son, Tom Keen. It promised high-stakes action with a covert team.

It struggled to match the original’s intrigue and failed to hook viewers. Axed after one season, it’s a peculiar pivot that didn’t quite land with fans.

Cunk on Earth (2022)

Philomena Cunk, a clueless journalist from ‘Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe,’ got her own mockumentary. Diane Morgan’s deadpan delivery turned history lessons into absurd comedy, interviewing real experts with ridiculous questions.

Its bizarre humor won critical praise but felt niche. The weirdness of a fake reporter grilling academics made it a standout, if polarizing, spinoff.

Ferris Bueller (1990)

‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ was a cinematic gem, but its TV spinoff was anything but. Charlie Schlatter played Ferris, with Jennifer Aniston as his sister, in a meta show that even mocked the original film.

It leaned too hard into wacky antics and lacked the movie’s charm. Canceled after a few months, it’s a bizarre attempt to stretch a one-day story into a series.

The Lone Gunmen (2001)

‘The X-Files’ spun off its quirky conspiracy theorists into their own show. The trio tackled bizarre cases, blending humor with sci-fi. Its pilot eerily mirrored real-world events, adding to its odd legacy.

Despite a cult following, it didn’t capture the original’s magic and was canceled after one season. It’s a strange mix of comedy and conspiracy that still intrigues fans.

Which bizarre spinoff surprised you the most, or is there a weird one I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!