Failed Sitcom Spin-Offs from Hit Television Shows

Flo, Joey, the Ropers Never Took Off

For each warmly received television spin-off, making it to the top, there are those that were perhaps best left in the talking stages. Often we won't accept familiar faces in new places.

Hit TV series like All In The Family spun off hit shows like Maude and The Jeffersons. But does anybody remember Flo or The Ropers? These shows had beloved actors, created from hits, but just didn't gel enough to withstand the ruthless cancellation ax.

Joey (2004 - 2006)

How you doin? That catchy catch phrase helped propel Joey Tribbiani as one of our friendly Friends to the star sitcom hall of fame. However, Joey's same named sitcom didn't fare nearly as well.

Despite the logical premise of Joey moving out to Los Angeles to try for stardom as an actor, and winning the People's Choice Award of Favorite New Television Comedy and Favorite Male Television Star for Matt LeBlanc, Joey lasted just two seasons. The first complete season is available to own on DVD.

Golden Palace (1992 - 1993)

This spin-off had the entire cast of Estelle Getty, Betty White and Rue McClanahan return, all but Beatrice Arthur. In that respect, it may have been the spin-off with the most original characters carried over from the origin show, The Golden Girls.

The show's set-up saw the senior trio of Blanche, Rose and Sophia managing a classy hotel called The Golden Palace, but apparently fans never got over the loss of Dorothy, although Bea Arthur did reprise her role in two of the show's episodes.

The Ropers (1979 - 1980)

Three's Company spawned a short lived look at Stanley Roper and wise cracking wife Helen.