Spinoffs are a tough breed.  Most Spinoffs don’t really make it.  In the history of television there have only been a handful that have went on to become successful shows.  The best known examples would probably be Frasier (Cheers),  The Jeffersons (All in the Family), and Knots Landing (Dallas).

Personally I think a great show that could have featured some amazing spinoffs would have been Seinfeld.  But I’m not talking about the stars of the show.  If you’re thinking Kramer, Elaine or George it probably wouldn’t work.  The big four would have a tough time standing alone.

Even Newman would get old, as would the Costanzas.  But what if we used some of the other supporting characters?  Personally I think these 7 would make for great entertainment.

The Puddy Division

Puddy definitely would have been an excellent lead character on the right show.  The actor that played him (Patrick Warburton), was in fact the star of his own show “Rules of Engagement” that I personally thought sucked.  But if you had a “King of Queens” type of feel where Puddy would have been featured as his mechanic self, pop in some supporting mechanic friends, give him a wife that nags him all the time, you’d have yourself a cross between Everyone Loves Raymond and King of Queens.  The guy who played Alton Benes (Lawrence Tierney) could play Puddy’s dad.  This show is a can’t miss.

Ping and Babu’s Super Terrific Comedy Hour

 

“You are a very bad man Jerry.”  Babu (Brian George) and Ping (Ping Wu) would have been an awesome selection for a spinoff.  Both could be featured in a sketch comedy show including all of the ancillary characters that were only briefly featured on Seinfeld.  Off the top of my head?  You could include Ramone the Pool Guy, The crazy guys that helped George with Frogger, The Soup Nazi, and a whole host more.  This show is a sure winner.

Law and Order with Jackie Chiles

This would have put Ally McBeal to shame.  A comedic law show could have been a huge hit as long as it starred the ever present Jackie Chiles (Phil Morris).  Hot assistants, a couple of high powered attorneys and trials that extend beyond ridiculous.  Each week a new case with a new crazy character, followed by Chiles giving ludicrous opening statements and cross examination.  Finally, he ends up sleeping with all of his clients.

Moland Spring

I don’t know about you guys but I would find it hilarious having a show that starred Mr. Pitt (Ian Abercrombie).  Set the show in some factory in Pennsylvania and call it “Moland Spring.”  Personally Mr. Pitt would be a much better character than the dolt Steve Carrell plays on “The Office”.  You could then include disgruntled employees who constantly make fun of Pitt behind his back, etc etc.  Endless possibilities.

Dr. Stan

Remember Stan the Caddy (Armin Shimerman)?  He’d be a hell of a lot better than Dr. Phil.  You have a talk show that would feature Stan the Caddy as the end all be all of advice.  Women problems, divorces, drug addictions, you name it.  All problems will be solved with golf words of wisdom by Stan the Caddy.

Krueger’s Home Improvement

The industrial smoothing business, as expected, goes under the tank, but utilizing his exceptional skills around the house, Krueger (Daniel Von Bargen) decides to star in his own Home Improvement show.  The only problem is that on each assignment he forgets a nail or two and every show contains some kind of funny mishap where Krueger says his staple line “I’m not too worried about it.”

Sidra’s “They’re Real and They’re Spectacular”

This show is featured late night on Showtime or Cinemax.  I’ll leave the plot up to your imagination.

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Even More Uncoachable Stuff

• 20 of Television’s Dumbest Sitcom Characters (That Are Actually Funny)
• A Very Solid Tribute Video to George Costanza
• Ten Memorable Clips of Supporting Characters From 80’s Comedy Movies (With Video)
• A Look at How the show Seinfeld and the New York Yankees are similar
• The Best Supporting Seinfeld Characters Who Were Only in One Episode (Quotes Included)

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