1. J.J. Evans (Good Times)
J.J., the ambitious artist in Good Times, often delivered a charm with “Dy‑no‑mite!” A solo show could have explored his rise, art school, street art activism, or navigating galleries. Watching J.J. chase creative success and self-expression beyond public housing would tap into both comedy and inspiration. His character was full of confidence and vulnerability: proud yet often underestimated. A spin‑off focused on his art, relationships, and identity outside the projects could resonate as a story of ambition, resilience, and transformation.
2. Lenny & Squiggy (Laverne & Shirley)
Lenny and Squiggy grew from scene-stealing neighbors into pop culture icons, even releasing a novelty album in 1979. Paramount even filmed a back-door pilot for their own sitcom, but never aired it after focus groups didn’t respond well. Still, in a dedicated show, their blue-collar misadventures, job gigs, music attempts, could have tapped into the ’70s sitcom formula: heart under the hilarity. Their comedy thrived in small doses, the chaos of their entrances, Squiggy’s signature “Hello!” But a full-length show might’ve overplayed it. Reddit fans say: “I don’t know if the characters could have sustained a spin off… they work better as side characters”. Yet with thoughtful writing and new depth, a show could’ve explored their friendship, dreams, and struggles, balancing laughs with character growth.
3. Cindy Snow (Three’s Company)
Cindy Snow, Jack’s innocent, down-to-earth cousin who replaced Chrissy, brought a different comedic rhythm to Three’s Company. With her guileless nature and earnestness, a spin-off could’ve shown Cindy finding work, new roommates, or even pursuing acting, without the constant misunderstandings that dogged Jack and roommates. Her story could explore early adult independence, Cindy navigating jobs, friendships, small-town versus city life, and discovering her own voice. Her gentle humor and relatable awkward moments would make for heartfelt, character-focused comedy, appealing to audiences who loved original Three’s Company warmth
4. Florence Johnston (The Jeffersons)
She is the sassy housekeeper with star power. Marla Gibbs made Florence so unforgettable that CBS actually gave her a spin-off, Checking In, where she became the executive housekeeper at a Manhattan hotel. Even though it only aired four episodes, her confidence and wit had fans begging for more, and she went on to shine in 227 after The Jeffersons ended. In a solo series, Florence could’ve navigated hotel politics, quirky guests, and managed her own staff, prime sitcom territory. Beyond her sass, Florence represented working-class Black women with both humor and depth. She often handled tough topics, like George’s barbs or personal struggles, with warmth and resilience. A show centered on her could’ve balanced sharp comedy with heartfelt moments, much like other Norman Lear spin-offs that succeeded by focusing on strong, complex women.
5. Marcia Brady (The Brady Bunch)
Marcia had beauty, charm, and that perfect mix of confidence and vulnerability, classic coming-of-age anime material. A college-set series would’ve let her evolve from high school queen to young adult: first romances, academic ambitions, independence from her parents. Marcia’s journey could’ve connected audiences who grew up watching her. We saw the iconic episodes, but rarely the emotional depth behind the smile. A solo show might’ve unpacked the pressures of being “perfect,” self-discovery, and friendship challenges. She could’ve been a role model for teen girls striving to balance expectations and personal growth.
6. Lionel Jefferson (All in the Family / The Jeffersons)
Lionel’s character bridged two major shows and cultures, first as the Bunkers’ neighbor, then George’s son. His mix of wit, social awareness, and humor made him ripe for deeper exploration. A Lionel-led comedy‑drama could’ve tackled race, relationships, and career choices in early adulthood. Lionel was ahead of his time, professionally ambitious, culturally astute, and ready to push boundaries. A spin-off might’ve shown him navigating college or early career in a city, including activism or interracial relationships. His sharp perspective and maturity would anchor a show that’s both thoughtful and entertaining.
7. Mindy McConnell (Mork & Mindy)
After Mork left Ork, Mindy remained Earth‑bound and rebuilding. Despite being a lead in her own right, she never got her own series. Imagine her journey: advancing her career, dating new people (without alien interference), and building independence. We’d see an Everywoman’s quest in a changing ’70s‑’80s world. Mindy balanced sweet innocence with growing strength. A solo show could’ve highlighted her resilience, from heartbreak to friendship, job trial and error, and new routines. She was already relatable; framing her life outside sci‑fi could’ve resonated with audiences ready for grounded, character-driven stories.
8. Ida Morgenstern (Rhoda)
Nancy Walker’s Ida stole scenes on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda with her sharp humor and straight-shooting remarks. She was a perfect foil to Rhoda’s quirks and added heartfelt tension. A spin-off could’ve followed Ida navigating divorce and single life back in Brooklyn, samplings of her journey appeared in episodes like “The Return of Ida” when she learned of Rhoda’s divorce. With her blend of maternal advice and dry wit, Ida offered a rich foundation for stories about aging, family ties, and second chances. Picture a series set around her family kitchen table, full of immigrant traditions, generational clashes, and cultural change – a relatable, character-driven comedy in the vein of Maude or Roseanne.
9. Arnold Horshack (Welcome Back, Kotter)
Arnold’s high‑pitched laugh, “Ooh! Ooh!”, and lovable awkwardness made him memorable on Kotter. There was even a back‑door pilot centered on a newly‑married Arnold and his family, but it didn’t sell. Yet his innocence and optimism were perfect for a spin-off exploring his life beyond high school, first as a young husband or new worker learning adult life. His character could’ve tackled identity, responsibility, and friendship with warmth and humor. Arnold mattered because he proved that being different didn’t make you less deserving of your own story.
10. Larry Dallas (Three’s Company)
Larry, Jack’s best friend and a small-time used-car salesman, charmed audiences with his fast lines and hustle. He even appeared in both spin‑offs, The Ropers and Three’s a Crowd, no other character from Three’s Company did. Larry had the energy and comedic timing to lead his own show, perhaps a comedy about life in LA, his sales schemes, romantic misadventures, or new business attempts. He was loyal, flawed, and endlessly entertaining, a winning mix for a character-driven sitcom.
11. Carol Kester (The Bob Newhart Show)
Carol Kester, Bob Newhart’s receptionist, often stole the show with her witty comebacks and calm presence. A spin-off focusing on Carol could’ve placed her in an office of her own or managing a small business, showing her wit in action beyond answering phones. Her smart, dry humor could carry stories about workplace politics, office romances, or everyday dilemmas. A grounded, situational comedy with Carol at the center could’ve balanced cleverness and relatability in slice-of-life style.
12. Reuben Kincaid (The Partridge Family)
Reuben Kincaid, played by Dave Madden, was more than just a comedic foil, he was the glue keeping the Partridge Family afloat, navigating contracts and tough decisions with weary charm. His sarcastic remarks related to band chaos and industry absurdities highlighted his resilience under pressure. A spin-off following Reuben juggling band life, romantic misadventures, and his career could have offered a witty, character-driven managerial comedy. Despite being overworked and frequently mocked, Reuben showed loyalty and vulnerability, fans even wrote fanfic about his deeper emotional side. A show centered on him might’ve explored his backstory (like pre-show army service) and daily grind as a music manager, blending humor with personal insight. His balance of cynicism and compassion made him ripe for a lead role.
13. Betty Rubble (The Flintstones)
Betty Rubble served primarily as sidekick to Wilma, but she had much more to offer, she worked as a newspaper reporter, ran a catering business, and later became a grandmother. A solo series could have depicted her transition from devoted housewife to independent professional, capturing her witty, warm loyalty in a fresh light. Imagine Betty running a newspaper desk or managing events in Bedrock. Reddit users have imagined “adult Betty” in college or juggling fast-food and studies. Such a show could dive into her identity beyond Barney or Wilma, exploring career ambitions, friendships, and maybe even civic engagement in Stone Age style. She’s relatable and whose growth would ring true for modern audiences too.
14. Sgt. Carter (Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.)
[Sgt.] Carter provided comedic authority in Gomer Pyle, but his character had untapped layers, pride, loneliness, and struggle adapting to life off-base. A spin-off could’ve chronicled his post-military transition: managing authority in civilian jobs, community engagement, and family challenges. Watching him lead an office or local service group would offer both structure-driven comedy and a look at a veteran’s journey. We never saw Carter in family life, did he have a spouse or siblings? Exploring his softer sides alongside his stern façade could’ve yielded heartfelt comedy. Think Gomer Pyle energy, but through a civilian lens, brilliantly blending discipline with domestic life.
15. Buddy Sorrell (The Dick Van Dyke Show)
Buddy Sorrell, the wry and fast-tongued comedy writer, was a highlight in The Dick Van Dyke Show. A spin-off could follow Buddy launching his own chaotic variety show, dealing with network executives, ego-driven talent, and the thrill of creating content. His sardonic outlook on showbiz would be the perfect backdrop for sharp, meta-humor. His banter about scripts, wives, and mid-century media hinted at depth, fleshing out his domestic life and inner insecurities could have introduced surprising warmth. Buddy as a leading man pitching ideas, managing staff, and balancing family would offer fresh takes in workplace comedy.
16. Officer Hoppy (Sanford and Son)
Officer Hoppy stood out in Sanford and Son with his straight-faced delivery, calm demeanor, and understated wit amid street chaos. A spin-off with Hoppy patrolling L.A. neighborhoods, or handling community issues, could’ve offered comedic contrast: the cool officer in a frenetic, colorful world. We’d see Hoppy’s reactions to Richie’s antics or the neighborhood’s gossip. His deadpan approach is a timeless comedic tool, and a series centered on his understated humor, ethical dilemmas, and public service would balance laughter with societal commentary.
17. Mr. Bentley (The Jeffersons)
Mr. Bentley, the Jeffersons’ polite, eccentric English neighbor, charmed viewers with his odd jobs and proper demeanor. Though a minor character, he consistently offered comic relief, imagine a sitcom about his misadventures in adapting to life in Queens. His subtle humor and cultural contrasts made him a memorable presence that could’ve supported a standalone show. A spin-off could have followed Mr. Bentley as he navigated American innocence and bureaucracy, jobs from toffee factory rep to community liaison. Through his lens, audiences could explore themes like immigrant identity, cultural adaptation, and neighborhood camaraderie, all while delivering light-hearted laughs in the spirit of classic fish-out-of-water comedies.
18. Gloria Stivic (All in the Family)
Gloria was more than Archie’s daughter-in-law, she was a college-educated, modern woman navigating sexism and early feminist ideas. Though she did get a spin-off (Gloria, 1982–1983), it fell short of exploring her single-mother identity in depth. A refocused spin-off following Gloria deeply through single motherhood, career-building, and feminist advocacy would’ve offered richer narratives. Her journey, from sheltered suburban daughter-in-law to independent parent, still speaks to contemporary audiences. A series highlighting her struggles in the workplace, parenting Balancing feminism and practical reality, and building her own identity apart from Mike and Archie could have made a strong, independent sequel.
19. Murray Slaughter (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)
Murray was the witty, intelligent, quietly steady writer at WJM. He rarely hogged the spotlight, but his insights and integrity held the newsroom together. A spin‑off could have followed him balancing the pressures of writing, his family life, and perhaps teaching aspiring journalists, grounded workplace comedy with heart. His calm exterior hid passion, about current events, ethics, and supporting colleagues like Mary and Lou. A show centered on Murray juggling deadlines, parenting, and newsroom politics would reflect both comedic tension and thoughtful character depth, appealing to fans of smart sitcoms rooted in real relationships.
20. Vera Gorman (Alice)
Being the lovable waitress seeking change, Vera the waitress, played by Beth Howland, was sweet, anxious, and endlessly kind, even amid chaos at Mel’s Diner. In her own show, we could see her leaving Tucson for a new town, finding roommates, jobs, and love. A Vera-led comedy would celebrate starting over with warmth and gentle humor. Though ditzy, Vera was surprisingly brave: she returned to work after being mugged and supported her friends faithfully. A spin-off exploring her journey beyond the diner, perhaps in a new café or customer service gig, could highlight growth, friendship, and optimism in small-town America.
21. Georgette Franklin (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)
Georgette, Ted Baxter’s soft-spoken, sweet-natured wife, was a quiet yet effective counterpoint to the newsroom’s chaos. Often underestimated, her warmth and moral center suggested more depth than met the eye. A spin-off centered on her balancing marriage, self-confidence, and community involvement (perhaps volunteering or starting a side gig) would’ve been delightful. Her kindness and understated wit could shine in small-scale stories, organizing neighborhood events, advice-giving, or supporting Ted’s career. Far from passive, Georgette’s journey from timid office wife to quietly strong woman could inspire a feel-good, situational comedy rooted in everyday life and relationships.
22. Detective Fish (Barney Miller)
Detective Fish, a recurring character on Barney Miller, did get his own show, but it didn’t match the original’s tone. A darker, more emotionally grounded version, perhaps showing Fish leading investigations or mentoring younger officers, could’ve unearthed greater depth in his character. The spin-off that aired felt like a mismatch: Fish’s dry sarcasm and streetwise insight didn’t shine through. Reimagining him in a show with more mature themes, morality in policing, personal stakes, community, would have turned a minor character into a compelling lead.
This story 22 Characters from ’70s TV’s Biggest Shows Who Deserved Their Own Spin-Offs was first published on Daily FETCH
