What launches a spin-off just right?

by Aryeh S.

A bit of a dicey question, that. Over the course of this past week, conversations have abounded about the new NCIS spin-off, a show that utilized the previous two episodes of NCIS to potentially launch itself onto the new CBS fall lineup.

Much of the discussion has focused on Grey’s Anatomy‘s spin-off, Private Practice, as well as on NCIS itself, product of good old JAG. Which one did a better job? Forgetting about the obvious success of one over the other (not naming names), each show attempted to go about birthing their progeny in a different way.

For JAG, it was the old introduce new characters during an episode (Gibbs, Ducky and Abby), who will later helm the new series. For Grey’s Anatomy, it was send a character (Addison) to a new location and have them move there for their new show.

The discussion about the new NCIS spin-off has gotten as far as a realization that there may be a little bit of both to the latest incarnation of the process. While the characters were introduced within the context of a traditional NCIS episode, ala JAG, a complete roster was supplied, with their own universe, ala Grey’s Anatomy. Unlike the latter, however, there’s been no mention of an NCIS character heading to the new show. Let’s be thankful for that.

Will it succeed? Another point of contention, and not really for our discussion here today. Instead, let’s see if we can’t try and pinpoint some of the most common pitfalls (and goldmines) that spin-offs have encountered in the past. Or, at least recall some of our favorites in the process!

Booker from 21 Jump Street: “I said jump, down on Jump Street.” I loved that show! I’ve heard rumors that Johnny Depp is embarrassed by his time on the show, but I think it was absolutely awesome. Booker? Not so much. Dennis Booker (Richard Grieco) was a former member of the Jump Street squad who left the police force disgraced, only to end up working as an investigator for a private company. The mistakes? Taking a weak character, and providing him with a weak conceit for a show. Then again, had it been Depp who’d spun off, some of my favorite movies may have never been made.

Pinky and the Brain from Animaniacs: Splendid! This was a little different, as Animaniacs consisted of a number of different animated shows all rolled into one half-hour. I remember Goodfeathers almost as well as I remember Goodfellas. Pinky and the Brain was just a really fun short about two genetically altered mice who were hell-bent on taking over the world (at least, the Brain was). I loved that it was able to stand on its own two feet for a few years, although part of its success is hard to apply to other shows: the target audience was kids.

Frasier from Cheers: I was not only not a big fan of Cheers (I found it middling at best), but I also liked Frasier less than almost every other character on the show. Frasier? Just awesome. The creators made the perfect choice in who should helm the new show, how to cast it, and what the conceit show be. It’s one of my favorites.

Darkwing Duck and Quack Pack from DuckTales: Two alternate moves from what was a great idea: pairing Huey, Dewey, and Louie, with Scrooge instead of Donald (the failure of Quack Pack). Darkwing Duck was originally a vehicle for Launchpad McQuack, which would have allowed for an organic relationship to be maintained between the show and its parent. While I enjoyed the show, looking back, I find it far a field from what a spin-off should have felt like.

Joey from Friends: Enough said. Seriously, though, Matt LeBlanc was hung out to dry by everyone involved. This also kind of ruined Friends for me, because it was made apparent that LeBlanc isn’t a solo comedian. He was the wrong choice for this series.

Boston Legal from The Practice: I never watched the latter, but I understand the course of introduction (Alan Shore), and I was a huge fan of his vehicle. Boston Legal was a brilliant mix of comedy, law, drama, and Shore, and by rights should still be alive and well today.

I skipped a ton of stuff, because I wanted to be sure that there was enough left for everyone else (or, because I’m lazy), but, to me, the most amazing of spin-offs have been the franchises. I don’t watch most of these shows (save for one), but the CSI and Law & Order families have done for spin-offs what no other show on television ever has (except if you’re talking about over-producing, in which case Love, American Style, The Archie Show, and All in the Family, to name a few, have them beat.) With just a splash of change (city, type of crime) and a brand new cast, each incarnation of these two franchises stands on its own. Then again, Dick Wolf and Jerry Bruckheimer aren’t your average people.

But I digress. What’d I miss? Am I wrong (an option I’m contractually obligated to offer but realistically unlikely to be)? Which ones stand out for you?