The Best 90s TV Spinoffs, Ranked
Vote up the best TV spinoffs that premiered in the 1990s.
The 1990s were a golden age of television, with countless hit shows that continue to have an impact on pop culture today. One of the most successful and beloved aspects of '90s TV was the proliferation of spin-off series, which took characters and concepts from established hits and expanded upon them in new and exciting ways. Fans voted on their favorite '90s sitcom spin-offs and it is no surprise that these shows were curated for a reason - they gave us some of television's most engaging and memorable moments during a time when the medium was truly thriving.
Some of the standout spin-offs from the era include Pinky and the Brain, a show that followed two genetically-engineered lab mice as they attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to conquer the world each night; Family Matters, which focused on the Winslow family and their quirky neighbor Steve Urkel after originating as part of the larger Perfect Strangers universe; and Tiny Toon Adventures, an animated series that reinvented classic Warner Bros. cartoon characters as younger, more contemporary versions of themselves. These are just a few examples among many others that determined the best spin-offs in this nostalgic decade.
Now it's time to take a trip down memory lane as we rank these fan-favorite spin-offs from the '90s. We want to know your thoughts – did we get it right? Which show do you think deserves the top spot? Vote on your favorites to help us determine the true cream of the crop among these iconic television gems.
As a spin-off from the popular Animaniacs series, this show followed two distinctively different lab mice – one a genius with a plan to take over the world, and the other dim-witted but loyal. Viewers were entertained by their wild and wacky attempts at global domination, each foiled by some unforeseen twist or the incompetence of the half-witted sidekick. With its clever writing and memorable catchphrases, it was no surprise that this animated series became an iconic '90s program.
Created as a fresh take on classic Looney Tunes characters, this delightful show introduced viewers to the younger generation of cartoon favorites like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. Set in Acme Acres, the young critters attended Acme Looniversity to learn comedic tricks of the trade from their mentors. The hilarious antics and slapstick humor kept audiences laughing while paying homage to its predecessors.
Originally conceived as a spin-off of Perfect Strangers, this heartwarming sitcom showcased the life of Steve Urkel – an eccentric yet endearing nerd – who stole viewers' hearts with his unforgettable catchphrase: "Did I do that?" Though initially just a supporting character, his presence grew so powerful that he eventually became central to many storylines with his love for neighbor Laura Winslow and numerous mishaps involving botched inventions.
By day, he may have been mild-mannered Drake Mallard; however, by night he transformed into Darkwing Duck – crime-fighting superhero extraordinaire! Filled with puns aplenty, this zany animated series delighted audiences as they watched him save St. Canard from dastardly villains while juggling life as a father to his adopted daughter Gosalyn.
After bidding farewell to the residents of Cheers, Dr. Frasier Crane finds himself starting anew in Seattle. As a radio show psychiatrist, he tackles callers' problems whilst dealing with his own dysfunctional and endearing family, including his grumpy father, Martin, and high-strung brother, Niles. With sophisticated wit and impeccable comedic timing, this esteemed series captivated audiences and garnered numerous accolades during its run.
Bursting onto screens as a fierce independent woman with unmatched fighting skills, Xena came to conquer hearts while battling mythological beasts and warlords. This spin-off from Hercules: The Legendary Journeys showcased the female warrior's quest for redemption alongside her trusted companion Gabrielle. It was an empowering portrayal of women that resonated with fans who hungered for strong female leads.
