15 Wildest TV Spin-Offs from the 1970s and 1980s That Missed the Mark

Television in the 1970s and 1980s thrived on experimentation, particularly when it came to spin-offs. Networks sought to extend the success of popular shows, sometimes with natural transitions, but often with wildly unexpected twists. Characters were uprooted into unfamiliar settings, tones shifted abruptly, and familiar concepts were pushed to their limits. The result? A wave of spin-offs that ranged from inspired to outright bizarre. While some found modest success, most faded quickly. Below are 15 of the most unusual examples, where the connection to the original show feels tenuous at best.

15 Bizarre Spin-Offs from the ’70s and ’80s

1. Joanie Loves Chachi (1982–1983)

Spun off from Happy Days, this show relocated supporting characters into a music-focused storyline. The shift in tone and premise felt disconnected from the original, making it one of the era’s more unusual extensions.

2. The Brady Bunch Hour (1976–1977)

Rather than continuing the sitcom format of The Brady Bunch, this spin-off turned the family into variety show performers. The drastic tonal shift made it one of the strangest reinterpretations of an existing property.

3. AfterMASH (1983–1984)

Following M*A*S*H, this spin-off moved characters into a civilian hospital setting. While logical on paper, the change stripped away much of what made the original series compelling.

4. The Ropers (1979–1980)

Derived from Three’s Company, this spin-off focused on the landlords after they left the original show. Expanding minor characters into leads resulted in a noticeably different dynamic.

5. Three’s a Crowd (1984–1985)

Another continuation of Three’s Company, this show shifted focus to Jack’s life after the original series. The premise altered the core setup significantly, making it feel disconnected from its roots.

6. The Tortellis (1987)

Spun off from Cheers, this show followed Carla’s ex-husband and his new life. Centering a series on less popular characters made it a curious and short-lived experiment.

7. Blansky’s Beauties (1977)

Connected to Happy Days, this spin-off focused on a modeling agency. The premise felt far removed from the original’s nostalgic setting, contributing to its odd reputation.

8. The New Odd Couple (1982–1983)

A reimagining of The Odd Couple, this version changed the cast and tone. While technically a revival, it functioned as a spin-off with a noticeably different feel.

9. Fish (1977–1978)

Spun off from Barney Miller, this show followed a single character into a new domestic setting. The shift from police comedy to family life made the concept feel unusually disconnected.

10. The Facts of Life (1979–1988)

Originating from Diff’rent Strokes, this spin-off moved into a boarding school setting. While successful, its premise significantly departed from the original show’s structure.

11. Benson (1979–1986)

Also spun off from Soap, Benson transitioned from a chaotic family sitcom into a political setting. The tonal and thematic shift made it a notable departure.

12. Flo (1980–1981)

Derived from Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore and its TV adaptation, this spin-off focused on a side character running a diner. Expanding that character into a lead made for an unusual premise.

13. Enos (1980–1981)

Spun off from The Dukes of Hazzard, this show centered on a secondary character becoming a police officer in a new town. The premise felt like a stretch from the original’s rural, comedic roots.

14. Supertrain (1979)

This ambitious spin-off of The Love Boat and Fantasy Island placed a luxury train in the center of the story. The high-concept premise failed to resonate, making it one of the era’s most infamous flops.

15. Hello, Larry (1979–1980)

Created as a spin-off of The Hogan Family (then The Family Holvak), this show followed a radio host navigating personal and professional challenges. The connection to the original was minimal, and the series struggled to find an audience.

Why Did These Spin-Offs Fail?

Many of these spin-offs struggled because they prioritized novelty over continuity. Audiences tuned in for the familiarity of the original shows, and drastic changes—whether in tone, setting, or character focus—often alienated viewers. Others suffered from weak writing or casting choices that failed to capture the magic of their predecessors.

Legacy of the Era’s Spin-Offs

While most of these spin-offs faded into obscurity, a few left a lasting mark. The Facts of Life and Benson found success by carving out their own identities, proving that spin-offs could thrive with the right balance of familiarity and innovation. Others, like The Brady Bunch Hour and Supertrain, remain cult curiosities, celebrated for their sheer audacity rather than their longevity.

For fans of classic television, these spin-offs offer a fascinating glimpse into an era when networks were willing to take bold risks—even if the results were often baffling.