15 TV Side Characters Who Deserve Their Own Spin-Off Series

Television history is filled with supporting players who captured the audience’s imagination just as much as the protagonists. These characters often bring unique comedic timing or mysterious backstories that leave viewers craving more screen time. A dedicated series allows writers to explore the depths of these personalities without the constraints of the original plot. The following characters made such a strong impression that they could easily carry their own narratives.

NoHo Hank

This Chechen mobster captured audience attention with his polite demeanor and desire for friendship on the HBO series ‘Barry’. A potential spin-off could follow his earlier attempts at managing a crime syndicate in Los Angeles while navigating the local culture. Viewers learned about his backstory in fragments but a dedicated series would allow for a deeper exploration of his quirky optimism within a dark underworld. The juxtaposition of his brutal profession and his sunny disposition creates a unique comedic tension that warrants further screen time.

Janet

The artificial intelligence guide became the breakout star of the NBC sitcom ‘The Good Place’ through her evolution into a complex being. A series focused on her creation or her existence in the afterlife dimension before meeting the main cast would offer endless creative possibilities. Her infinite knowledge and ability to manipulate reality provide a vast playground for writers to explore distinct sci-fi concepts. Audiences watched her develop emotions and relationships that proved she was far more than a simple database.

Darius Epps

Darius served as the philosophical center and surreal comic relief throughout the run of the FX drama ‘Atlanta’. His standalone adventures often provided the most memorable episodes as he navigated odd scenarios with a calm and inquisitive nature. A show centering on his unique perspective would allow for abstract storytelling that examines societal norms through his distinct lens. The character brings a mixture of wisdom and absurdity that could easily sustain a serialized anthology format.

Jean-Ralphio Saperstein

The eccentric and confident entrepreneur frequently stole scenes in the NBC comedy ‘Parks and Recreation’ with his rhyming schemes and terrible business ideas. Following his chaotic ventures with his sister Mona-Lisa would create a high-energy sitcom focused on their quest for easy money. His complete lack of self-awareness and boundless enthusiasm makes him a compelling figure for a slapstick comedy. Fans of the show often enjoyed his unpredictable entrances and his bizarre relationship with the main characters.

Roger Sterling

This advertising executive provided wit and cynicism as a founding partner in the AMC period drama ‘Mad Men’. A prequel series set during his younger years or his service in World War II would flesh out the history of the Sterling Cooper agency. His sharp tongue and carefree lifestyle often masked a deeper melancholy that a dedicated narrative could explore with greater nuance. The character represents a specific era of corporate culture that remains fascinating to television audiences.

Elijah Krantz

Elijah offered a voice of reason and biting sarcasm as the standout friend in the HBO series ‘Girls’. His journey from a college ex-boyfriend to a successful broadway professional demonstrated significant character growth worth following further. A spin-off could track his life in New York City as he navigates the complex world of performing arts and modern dating. His candid observations about those around him provided some of the sharpest dialogue in the original show.

Stevie Budd

The sardonic motel owner evolved from a reluctant employee to a confident business partner on the Pop TV hit ‘Schitt’s Creek’. Her dry humor and deadpan delivery served as the perfect grounding force against the theatrical antics of the Rose family. A series focusing on her management of the motel franchise would showcase her professional capabilities and her personal life in a small town. Viewers watched her shed her shell and a solo show would continue that trajectory of self-discovery.

Brienne of Tarth

This loyal warrior defied gender norms and swore oaths of protection throughout the HBO fantasy epic ‘Game of Thrones’. A series detailing her earlier years on the island of Tarth or her adventures as a knight traveling Westeros would satisfy fans of high fantasy action. Her rigid moral code often conflicted with the duplicitous nature of the political landscape around her. The show established her as one of the most skilled fighters in the realm and provided glimpses of a rich backstory.

Trent Crimm

The sophisticated journalist underwent a significant transformation from a cynical reporter to an embedded writer on the Apple TV+ series ‘Ted Lasso’. His distinctive style and intellectual approach to sports reporting offer a fresh angle for a dramedy about the media industry. A spin-off could follow his career after leaving The Independent as he seeks out new stories with human interest angles. His interactions with colorful athletic personalities would provide ample material for a show blending wit and heart.

Erica Sinclair

Lucas’s younger sister quickly graduated from a background annoyance to a crucial member of the team in the Netflix sci-fi phenomenon ‘Stranger Things’. Her quick wit and refusal to suffer fools make her an ideal protagonist for a mystery-solving series set in the 1980s. The narrative could focus on her high school years or her adventures solving local crimes without the supernatural elements of the main show. Her strong personality commands the screen and provides a humorous contrast to darker plotlines.

Kirk Gleason

The resident eccentric of Stars Hollow held a different job in almost every episode of the WB dramedy ‘Gilmore Girls’. A series tracking his daily life would explain how he acquired such a vast array of skills and accumulated his surprising wealth. His erratic behavior and strange relationship with his mother created some of the most surreal moments in the town. Watching him navigate the challenges of adulthood with his unique logic would create a charming and offbeat comedy.

Rosa Diaz

The tough and secretive detective became a fan favorite on the Fox and NBC police sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ due to her intense personality. A private investigator procedural starring her would allow the character to tackle grittier cases while maintaining the show’s comedic tone. She rarely shared details about her personal life which leaves plenty of room for writers to build a new world around her. Her deadpan delivery and unexpected soft spots for friends make her a multifaceted lead.

Susie Myerson

The brash talent manager from the Amazon Prime Video series ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ fought tirelessly for her clients with aggressive charm. A prequel exploring her early days in the entertainment business or a sequel following her empire expansion would be captivating. Her distinct manner of speaking and fearless negotiation tactics set her apart in a male-dominated industry. The character possesses a mysterious background that was only hinted at during the run of the original show.

Cousin Greg

Gregory Hirsch stumbled his way through corporate intrigue and family backstabbing on the HBO satirical drama ‘Succession’. His awkward maneuvering and opportunistic alliances provided a lighter perspective on the cutthroat world of media conglomerates. A series following his attempts to run a division or start his own venture would highlight his questionable business instincts. Audiences remain fascinated by his blend of bumbling incompetence and surprising survival skills.

Winston Bishop

The former basketball player turned police officer brought a bizarre and lovable energy to the Fox sitcom ‘New Girl’. His obsession with his cat and his penchant for overly elaborate pranks would serve as the foundation for a hilarious family comedy. A show centered on his life as a detective and a father would allow his eccentricities to shine in a new setting. He often operated on a different wavelength than his roommates which resulted in highly original comedic plots.

Please share which of these characters you would most like to see lead their own series in the comments.