Dedicated TV viewers have had the time of their lives in the last few years since more shows have been released than at any other time in history. Among the shows that make up the bulk of the increased supply are spinoffs, as showrunners and networks keep hoping to milk their universes to the last drop.
While most spinoffs stem from other TV shows, fans have also been treated to a few small-screen offshoots from major movies. These shows either focus on younger or older versions of the same characters or are set in the same universe. And in some cases, they have turned out even better than the films they were based on.
10 Peacemaker Is One Of The Few Flawless DCEU Projects
Christopher Smith, aka Peacemaker, had been one of DC’s most underrated characters for a long time, but all that changed with James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad. So impressive was the John Cena character that a spinoff revolving around him was ordered, and it turned out to be one of the healthier offerings in the ailing franchise.
Peacemaker's R-rating means plenty of nudity, foul language, and exploration of sensitive topics such as racially-inspired violence. The show's tone is clearly borrowed from The Boys, and it works well, with the series featuring all types of amoral characters. Even better is the wonderful arc that Smith is given, turning him into a likable hero, yet he had done despicable things before, including killing a fellow Suicide Squad member.
9 Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Is A Worthy Sequel To James Cameron’s Masterpiece
Every Terminator sequel has failed to match the awesomeness of James Cameron’s Terminator 2: Judgement Day but Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. That’s because the series restrains itself to storytelling rather than spectacle with a minimal budget ensuring there is never the temptation to switch to endless action sequences as the movies do.
The decision to focus on Sarah and John Connor also helps avoid comparisons with Cameron’s movies which focused on the T-800. Throughout the proceedings, fans learn details about these characters that had only been glossed over on the big screen, resulting in an overall fun adventure. So good is the show that there have been numerous campaigns to have it revived after its surprise conclusion at the end of Season 2.
8 The Mandalorian Has An Adorable Supporting Character
Pedro Pascal has recently established himself as one of the most versatile actors, taking up all roles from a Wonder Woman villain to a DEA agent chasing Pablo Escobar. Among his recent roles is that of Djin Djarin in The Mandalorian, which is set 5 years after Return of the Jedi.
However, the supporting character, Grogu, aka “The Child,” truly won over fans' hearts, causing all kinds of hilarious memes to pop up. The show’s cinematography is as brilliant as that of the movies too. Hence fans get an authentic intergalactic experience with each episode. There are a couple of unforgettable villains, too, notably Moff Gideon.
7 Fast & Furious: Spy Racers Is Funnier Than The Movies
One of the best Netflix animated shows is a spinoff of one of the largest movie franchises. Fast & Furious: Spy Racers, which focuses on Dominic Toretto’s younger cousin, Tony, mostly maintains the same themes as the live-action installments, but it's way funnier.
Unlike in the movies where there are tough guys and jokers, every character in the series is funny, including the villains. This is understandable since the target is mostly younger audiences. Still, adults get to enjoy the incredible race sequences as well as the espionage plots and clever references to the main ‘family,”
6 The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles Makes Good Use Of Flashbacks
Going the prequel route is always a good way to avoid comparisons with the movies; hence The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles thrills, focusing on the adventurer's earlier years. The show’s narrative is told through flashbacks, with a 93-year-old Jones telling stories about his childhood.
The limited budget means the props are less impressive, but other elements are worthy of thumbs up. Unlike the movies, the series feels closer to real life because Jones interacts with numerous historical figures such as Pablo Picasso, Al Capone, and Winston Churchill. Additionally, there are a couple of pleasant surprises in select episodes; notably, Harrison Ford’s cameo is a 50-year-old Indiana Jones.
5 Fargo Is Arguably Better Than The Coen Brothers’ Movie
The Fargo TV series has been an Emmy magnet, attracting over 50 nominations during its premiere. Since it’s an anthology series, it’s not a continuation of the Coen Brothers project, but the first season is set in the same universe. Bruce Campbell also reprises his role as Ronald Reagan later in the series.
An argument could be made for the series being better than the movie since it offers more in terms of storytelling. The cases take longer to resolve, while the twists aren’t outrageous. Furthermore, the preference for casting movie actors rather than TV actors benefits the show, making each episode feel like a cinematic experience.
4 The Protagonist Is Still As Formidable In Ash Vs. Evil Dead
Sequels set two or three decades later are becoming more common, and most of them are surprisingly good, including Ash Vs. Evil Dead. Based on what is now regarded as one of the greatest horror franchises, the show’s events occur 30 years after the third installment.
Despite being older, Ash is still in his monster-slaying form, putting up fights as brilliantly as he did in his younger days. Great visuals are also something Sam Raimi has always taken pride in, and he doesn’t disappoint here either, serving up the blood and gore in grand fashion. And it’s not all chills and gloom because the show keeps veering off into slapstick comedy territory.
3 Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Keeps Up With Most Of The MCU Events
Creating a spinoff about a character that didn’t have powers would always be a considerable risk in the MCU, but Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. easily works around that. Though Phil Coulson is the main character, the show features plenty of obscure superheroes and villains.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. brilliantly keeps up with other MCU projects through constant references and parallel plots. With the knowledge that the Avengers aren’t far away, fans appreciate the small-screen events more. Furthermore, no compromises are made regarding the production values. Hence the high-quality CGI in the movies is maintained.
2 Cobra Kai’s Fight Choreography Is Unrivaled
Cobra Kai also uses the template of the aging ass-kicker that’s still as good as they were back in the day. Here, the two main rivals from the Karate Kid movies are well into their 50s, but age doesn’t stop them from trying to outdo each other again.
The Netflix show is built around ‘80s nostalgia, so potential viewers would be advised to watch the movie first. Still, those unwilling to do so can enjoy the fight sequences, which are way more entertaining, despite the aged characters. The mandatory tutelage scenes, too, involve young new fighters who aim to be just as good.
1 Buffy The Vampire Slayer Overshadows The Movie
Few fans remember that the Buffy universe started with a 1992 movie. That’s because the series was superior in every single way. However, the movie’s events are the foundation of the show, and even though some were contradicted in a couple of episodes, they were later recontextualized and made to be canon.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer's strength lies in its characters, who have all the human qualities that make them relatable, despite being vampires. The show also distinguishes itself from other vampire projects by avoiding blatant scares and brutality. Instead, the villains are more sympathetic and reasonable.