,

A Fresh Spin: Black TV’s Most Memorable Spinoffs

As Ahsoka cleverly retools some of Star Wars’ most notable moments, we’re taking a look at other memorable spinoffs.

Photo: Lucasfilm

Spinoffs are one of the most fun parts about watching TV. You get attached to a character and next thing you know, they’re off to their own show, ready to establish a new world. The best spinoffs surpass the original shows they were based on. As Ahsoka reinvents some well known Star Wars moments, we’re showcasing other memorable spinoffs for you to revisit.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

Good Times - Amazon Freevee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhPD0Zfxino

Good Times is a spinoff of the Bea Arthur comedy Maude, which was a spinoff of All in the Family. Originally, Florida was Maude’s housekeeper, but the Evans’ origin was rewritten for their new series. It all worked out for the best because they were much more influential as a Black family showcasing Black culture.

Power Book II: Ghost - Starz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9XJYYSK15E

Yes, there are three separate Power spinoffs, but this is the most intriguing of the bunch. Tariq wants to get out of his father’s shadow, but keeps making a lot of the same mistakes as Ghost. Like most of the main characters in the Power Universe, Tariq can’t get out of his own way.

Pearson - Peacock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1bkRPB3RP8

If you’re one of the many people who’ve enjoyed catching up on Suits, then perhaps you should follow Gina Torres to the spinoff Pearson. Jessica takes a job as the mayor’s fixer and immediately ruffles all the feathers. Sadly, the timing wasn’t great, as USA was getting out of the scripted series business, so it only ran for one season. Maybe Suits’ popularity will lead to another shot for the character.

Ahsoka - Disney+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1tOs9zAstk

Ahsoka Tano first appeared in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Her new live-action series—starring Rosario Dawson—is a continuation of the character’s arc from Star Wars: Rebels and The Mandalorian.

A Different World - Max

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIhAZgXGlxg

What made A Different World so good was that it felt like something new. The Black college experience was never given the celebration that it received here. The show actually changed lives for its viewers.

The Jeffersons - Prime VIdeo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCt-_5sG634

Kids nowadays may know the classic comedy for the theme and GIFs, but The Jeffersons was a game-changer that I personally think surpassed its predecessor All in the Family. I know that’s blasphemy to some TV experts, but I said what I said.

Family Matters - Max

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V39UH1U5GXU

Harriet Winslow was originally introduced as the elevator operator who worked with Larry and Balki on Perfect Strangers, but Jo-Marie Payton was so awesome, we had to know more about Harriet’s life.

The Good Fight - Paramount+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1Oeiox2534

The Good Fight asks the question: What if you took all the best characters from the critically acclaimed drama The Good Wife and gave them real world cases and stories? The answer is a captivating series that’s even better than the original. Also, Audra McDonald doesn’t miss.

Benson - Prime Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z-DjYulXwE

Benson was originally the butler on the bonkers comedy Soap. When he left to work for the governor, the character became the centerpiece of his own show. The brilliant Robert Guillaume made Benson iconic and so much more than a butler.

The Flash - Prime Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHsYrzmQ5KI

The CW’s The Flash was born out of Arrow, but became a bigger deal than it’s comic book predecessor. Bringing Jesse L. Martin and Candice Patton into the DC Comics’ hero’s mythology changed the superhero world. When we Iris wrapped up her hair before going to bed without having to explain it to her husband, it set the internet on fire.

Law & Order: SVU - Peacock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvz9l_Uftj8

Running for 24 seasons and over 500 episodes, SVU is the undisputed champion of the Law & Order world. Who knew Ice T would become so essential to the show’s longevity?

House of the Dragon - Max

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUbrn0mJXZw

Despite how Game of Thrones mishandled its Black characters, we still had high hopes for House Velaryon in the prequel spinoff House of the Dragon. Unfortunately, our previous concerns were confirmed.

The Originals - Prime Video, Netflix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bzw5PU8WoA

Let’s be honest, The Vampire Diaries didn’t do right by Bonnie Bennett. However, The Originals’ New Orleans setting made its culture and history crucial to the supernatural mythology of the universe’s vampires, werewolves and witches.

Good Burger - Paramount+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4VOZ2PpWp0

Yes, I’m cheating a little by adding this movie to the list, but it’s based on a hilarious TV sketch, so it definitely qualifies. With Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell working on a sequel, you should refresh your memory on the first film.

Snowpiercer - Prime Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI993-Z9QU4

It’s an extremely high degree of difficulty to make a spinoff that’s just as good as the brilliant movie it’s based on. Daveed Diggs’ Andre Layton is a captivating leader, while the drama’s haves and have nots atmosphere feels frighteningly familiar, You should absolutely check out the original movie and Season 1 on Prime Video.

Friday Night Lights - Netflix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6bvvPOQA_o

Other than the title and the Texas high school football focus, there’s not much connection between the movie and TV series. But Friday Night Lights is one of the best TV series of the last 20 years and if you haven’t binged it yet, what are you waiting for?

Fame - Prime Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B1Ea4PdFZg

Oh, I’m sorry, did you not randomly burst into perfectly choreographed song and dance numbers at your high school? And yes, Janet Jackson did join the show for a short stint before her music career took off.

The Parkers - Netflix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkik_eXUUaE

The Moesha spinoff set a totally different tone from the Brandy-led series, giving viewers a new look at Kim and Nikki Parker. They were so much more than Moesha’s comedic sidekicks.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Steve Harvey's Gorgeous $15 Million Once Owned by Tyler Perry

Steve Harvey’s Gorgeous $15 Million Once Owned by Tyler Perry

With a 70,000 gallon infinity pool to a home theater and wine cellar, Steve Harvey's mansion is one of the most expensive properties in Atlanta, Ga ...
The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

From Brian Tyree Henry getting down and dirty to David Oyelowo searching for a fresh start: we've got what you need to watch! ...

New AI TikTok Trend Has Gorillas Posing as Black Women, and Folks are <i>Pissed</i>

New AI TikTok Trend Has Gorillas Posing as Black Women, and Folks are Pissed

Yes, it's exactly what you think it is. And yes, you should be offended ...
Rumi Carter's Funniest Moment Even Made Beyoncé Stop Singing and Giggle

Rumi Carter’s Funniest Moment Even Made Beyoncé Stop Singing and Giggle

Rumi's latest moment on the Cowboy Carter World Tour was her most adorable yet ...
Why Diddy, Young Thug Attorney Brian Steel Is The White Johnnie Cochran

Why Diddy, Young Thug Attorney Brian Steel Is The White Johnnie Cochran

If you are rich, Black and get caught up, there is only one number you should call ...
'Sinners' Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here's What That Means

‘Sinners’ Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here’s What That Means

The deaf community was plagued by racial segregation, so Black Americans decided to create their own rendition of the language to serve their communities ...
A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

The video of the volatile incident is making rounds on the internet and has everyone talking ...
Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card...Literally

Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card…Literally

Mamdani appears to have an interesting past when it comes to how he identifies racially, but what's it really all about? ...
If Poor Black, White People Unite, They'd Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here's Why The Powers That Be Won't Let Them

If Poor Black, White People Unite, They’d Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here’s Why The Powers That Be Won’t Let Them

We need to understand that America's current racial political divisions did not happen naturally. People in power did not want Black and white people to work together ...
What Diddy Will Eating and Doing In Prison This Fourth Of July

What Diddy Will Eating and Doing In Prison This Fourth Of July

Wondering what Diddy will be eating and Doing this holiday? Here's all the tea ...
A White Male TikToker Decided To Use Black Hair Relaxer... The Results Will Surprise You

A White Male TikToker Decided To Use Black Hair Relaxer… The Results Will Surprise You

A white TikTok Creator decided to use relaxer on his hair and... it worked? ...
Diddy's Best Friend Charlie Liucci is Being <i>Loud</i> About His Next Moves Will Be Following Acquittal

Diddy’s Best Friend Charlie Liucci is Being Loud About His Next Moves Will Be Following Acquittal

He's been spotted wearing "FREE PUFF" merch, now, Charlie Liucci has an inside scoop on what Diddy will do once released ...
How Baltimore Beat 'The Wire' Homicide Curse Under This Black Mayor

How Baltimore Beat ‘The Wire’ Homicide Curse Under This Black Mayor

Violent crime has plagued Baltimore for generations, and "The Wire's" depiction of drug and gang life surely hasn't helped... but there's hope ...
Best Self-Help Reads for Black Resilience in Uncertain Times

Best Self-Help Reads for Black Resilience in Uncertain Times

In these challenging times, these books can give you the hope you need ...
'Hey Google' and Other Voice Assistants Are Terrifying Children and Confusing Bemused Parents

‘Hey Google’ and Other Voice Assistants Are Terrifying Children and Confusing Bemused Parents

Social media is buzzing about the strange reaction kids are having to smart speakers in their homes ...
Internet Believes Eerie Photo Predicted Black Fort Worth Family's Tragedy

Internet Believes Eerie Photo Predicted Black Fort Worth Family’s Tragedy

A big rig driver admitted he fell asleep at the wheel in Kaufman County before he collided with stopped traffic ...
Why Philadelphia is Going Viral For Streets That Look Like a Landfill

Why Philadelphia is Going Viral For Streets That Look Like a Landfill

Libraries are closed, the medical examiner's office has a backlog of bodies, and trash is piling up everywhere ...
How Bakari Sellers Just Got the Ultimate Revenge on His MAGA CNN Colleague

How Bakari Sellers Just Got the Ultimate Revenge on His MAGA CNN Colleague

Sellers and Jennings often go back and forth on the CNN show, and this was only amplified when Jennings asked Sellers not to touch him during one viral interaction from December ...
The Scary Reason 'American Idol' Winner Jamal Roberts Declined a Key to This Southern Town

The Scary Reason ‘American Idol’ Winner Jamal Roberts Declined a Key to This Southern Town

While Roberts' reasoning is understandable, it's a shame he had to make the decision in the first place ...
A Black Mom Posted Video of a Terrifying Exchange She had with Police in Delaware

A Black Mom Posted Video of a Terrifying Exchange She had with Police in Delaware

Black Mom Says Cops Approached Her and Her Children With Guns Drawn ...