1. Marcia Brady (The Brady Bunch)
As the eldest Brady daughter, Marcia had brains, beauty, and ambition in equal measure. A spin-off could have followed her into college life in the early ’70s, juggling academics, friendships, and dating in a changing world. The show could have explored how her small, blended-family upbringing shaped her adult values and relationships, while also giving her new challenges that didn’t involve sibling rivalries or middle-school crushes. Viewers who grew up watching Marcia might have loved seeing her find independence and navigate adulthood with the same charm and determination she had as a teen.
2. Stephanie Tanner (Full House)
Stephanie was the sassiest of the Tanner kids, armed with her famous “How rude!” catchphrase and a big heart beneath the sarcasm. A spin-off set in her late teens or early twenties could have shown her dealing with real-life growing pains, college, jobs, and relationships, while balancing memories of growing up in a quirky, loving household. Stephanie’s mix of humor, honesty, and resilience could have easily carried a dramedy that captured the awkward and often funny leap into adulthood.
3. Judy Winslow (Family Matters)
Judy was the youngest Winslow child until she disappeared from the show without explanation, a mystery still talked about by fans. A spin-off could have answered that question, showing Judy starting over somewhere new, perhaps living with extended family or striking out on her own. This series could have explored what life was like outside the shadow of Urkel and her siblings, giving her room to grow as a character and letting viewers finally see what became of the Winslows’ forgotten daughter.
4. Wally Cleaver (Leave It to Beaver)
Wally was the classic all-American big brother, responsible, polite, and quietly confident. A grown-up spin-off could have picked up with him in college or starting his first job in the early ’60s, giving viewers a look at the challenges and opportunities young adults faced in that era. Wally’s mix of charm and integrity would have made him a relatable lead, navigating everything from workplace politics to dating in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
5. Michael Evans (Good Times)
Michael was the youngest of the Evans kids, but he was also the most politically aware and academically gifted. A spin-off could have followed him into college or activism in the late ’70s, showing how his South Side Chicago upbringing shaped his worldview. The show could have blended humor with socially conscious storytelling, giving Michael a chance to tackle real-world issues while still keeping the warmth and optimism that made him so likable on Good Times.
6. Darlene Conner (Roseanne)
Sarcastic, creative, and deeply grounded, Darlene stood out among the Conner kids with her sharp observations and emotional honesty. A spin-off set in the 1990s could have charted her path into adulthood, perhaps as a gritty, indie-spirited alt-comedy. It might explore her artistic pursuits, tough-love relationships, or navigating family dynamics on her own terms. Such a show would let Darlene’s dry wit and tangled vulnerabilities carry its narrative, and it would naturally resonate with viewers who grew up watching her.
7. Becky Donaldson-Katsopolis (Full House)
Becky immediately felt mature, an earnest, smart, and determined older teen. Imagine following her into early adulthood: attending college, entering journalism, or even starting her own local news segment. This spin-off could spotlight Becky’s growth from TV reporter-in-training to confident storyteller, balancing personal ambition with the nostalgia of Tanner family warmth. Her grounded personality and drive would make a compelling and uplifting series about a young woman finding her voice.
8. Cindy Brady (The Brady Bunch)
Often remembered as the youngest “baby” of the Brady brood, Cindy’s underestimated intelligence and spirit could’ve made her grown-up life compelling. A spin-off showing her as a thoughtful, underestimated adult, maybe navigating modern careers or helping a new blended family, could’ve flipped expectations and delivered sweet, subtle humor. Viewers would appreciate seeing Cindy prove she’s much more than “just the cute one”, and that she’s got plenty to say in adulthood. Side note: There was even talk at one point of a Brady Bunch revival featuring the grown-up siblings, including Cindy, but according to actress Susan Olsen, the project was ultimately shelved due to CBS concerns over her political views .
9. Lionel Jefferson (All in the Family)
Cool, level-headed Lionel offered quiet wisdom amid the chaos of the Bunker household. A solo series following Lionel as a young adult, perhaps working in media, law, or civil service, could’ve provided a thoughtful, grounded perspective on social issues. He’d be the ideal lead to gently but firmly guide audiences through the challenges of adulthood in a changing world, still anchored by the nephew of Archie and excellent in navigating the space between two worlds.
10. Denise Huxtable (The Cosby Show)
Denise already had one spin-off, A Different World, where she attended college. But there was real potential to continue her story past graduation, tracing her early career or life abroad in her artsy, free-spirited voice. Interestingly, a new sequel to A Different World is now in development at Netflix, not centered on Denise but on Whitley and Dwayne’s daughter at Hillman College, with a pilot ordered and production targeting Atlanta this summer . Still, a well-rounded adult Denise series, say, as a creative professional or traveler, could’ve offered another heartfelt chapter in her journey.
11. Arnold Jackson (Diff’rent Strokes)
Arnold was the charismatic and witty kid brother who won our hearts with his humor and innocence. A grown-up spin-off could have picked up with him in college or starting his own path, maybe as a student navigating societal expectations or launching a creative venture. His comedic timing paired with that unmistakable charm would’ve made for a heartfelt and uplifting coming-of-age story, showing how a precocious young man thrives when given real independence.
12. Joanie Cunningham (Happy Days)
Though Joanie had a brief spin-off with Joanie Loves Chachi, a series focused solely on her adult life, perhaps as a teacher, small-town journalist, or young mother, would have offered rich storytelling potential. Her blend of sweetness and sensible ambition could have resonated in a grounded, character-forward sitcom. We could’ve seen what happened when a hunky, bright Midwestern girl steps off the nostalgic stage and truly builds a life of her own.
13. Lisa Simpson (The Simpsons)
Already beloved for her intelligence, activism, and compassion, even as an animated character, Lisa would be fascinating if aged up. Imagine a spin-off showing into her college years or early career in journalism, science, or politics. The show could maintain the signature humor of The Simpsons while exploring more mature themes: ethical dilemmas, social justice, and personal growth. It’d be an animated evolution that stays true to Lisa’s convictions and wit.
14. Ernie Douglas (My Three Sons)
Ernie grew up smart, thoughtful, and somewhat understated among his many brothers. An adult-centered series could have spotlighted him as a college student, an aspiring scientist, or a teacher exploring innovative methods. His calm presence and steady moral compass, combined with occasional humor, would’ve given the show a gentle, family-centric charm that felt both nostalgic and fresh.
15. DJ Tanner (Full House)
While DJ’s story continues through the Fuller House reboot, a version from the ’90s centered on her as a teen dealing with grief, identity, and responsibility, before the reboot’s lighthearted tone, would’ve been impactful. Watching her navigate the aftermath of her father’s death and becoming the reliable older sister, while just trying to grow up herself, could have added depth and emotional resonance to the Full House universe.
16. Kimberly Drummond (Diff’rent Strokes)
Kimberly started as the only biological daughter in the Drummond household, caring, intelligent, and sensitive to the family’s complexities. Her transition into young adulthood, perhaps as a college freshman or early career woman, would’ve been ripe for exploration. She’d navigate self-identity beyond privilege, mental health, and independence, offering a heartfelt, relatable portrayal of a teen finding confidence in her own voice amid personal and societal challenges.
17. Mallory Keaton (Family Ties)
Mallory was often underestimated as the ditzy fashion-focused sibling, but with hindsight, her growth potential as an adult character is clear. A spin-off could have given her new dimension: pursuing a career in fashion design, entrepreneurship, or creative arts, where her early obsessions evolve into genuine talent and drive. Exploring how she steps out of her brother’s shadow and finds her own identity would give Mallory the agency she often lacked in the original series.
18. Becky Conner (Roseanne)
Becky rode a rollercoaster of life events, runaway bride, teenage mom, then a college student, but often remained on the periphery. A spin-off centered on adult Becky, potentially navigating single parenthood, career ambitions, or relationships, could have offered a realistic, blend-of-drama-and-comedy journey. Her resilience, layered emotional history, and wit would make her a natural lead with plenty of stories to tell.
19. Rhonda Volmer (Big Love)
Rhonda Volmer was the brilliant, manipulative teen bride from Juniper Creek whose “sweet” façade hid sharp survival instincts. Betrothed to prophet Roman Grant as his youngest bride-in-waiting, she ran away and learned to bend people and situations to her advantage. A spin-off could have followed Rhonda as she tries to leave fundamentalist life behind, navigating media attention, legal entanglements, and the pull of old loyalties, while testing whether her ambition can coexist with genuine growth. With her mix of vulnerability and calculation, Rhonda was primed for a compelling drama about reinvention, accountability, and finding independence outside the compound.
This story 19 Sitcom Kids Who Deserved Their Own Grown-Up Spin-Offs was first published on Daily FETCH
