1. Penelope Pitstop (Wacky Races)
Though she eventually headlined The Perils of Penelope Pitstop, her story wasn’t a true continuation of her Wacky Races days. A proper racing-focused series could have been a fast-paced blend of comedy and adventure, with Penelope holding her own against a colorful roster of new and returning rivals. Her mix of grace, determination, and quick thinking made her more than capable of carrying the spotlight. Watching her race through wild terrains, from desert canyons to snowy mountain passes, while dodging sabotage attempts could have given Saturday mornings a high-octane, stylish heroine to root for.
2. The Great Gazoo (The Flintstones)
The Great Gazoo, a tiny alien banished to prehistoric Earth, brought chaos and comedy to The Flintstones. His magical powers, sarcastic wit, and constant meddling in Fred and Barney’s lives were a recipe for trouble. A spin-off could have followed Gazoo trying to earn his way back to his home planet, if he didn’t keep sabotaging himself with harebrained schemes. Each episode could blend Stone Age slapstick with sci-fi misadventures, as Gazoo attempts to “help” only to make situations hilariously worse, all while dodging prehistoric dangers and learning about friendship from the humans he once found so primitive.
3. Velma Dinkley (Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!)
While Fred, Daphne, Shaggy, and Scooby often took center stage, Velma was the one quietly solving every mystery. Her knack for piecing together clues, combined with a calm and rational demeanor, made her the true engine behind the gang’s success. A spin-off could’ve followed Velma as a solo investigator, perhaps tackling mysteries too complex, or too eerie, for the rest of Mystery Inc. She could’ve taken her detective work beyond haunted amusement parks, uncovering real-world crimes, cryptic legends, and bizarre science cases, all while staying grounded in her logical, no-nonsense style.
4. Dick Dastardly (Wacky Races)
Dick Dastardly was the ultimate cartoon schemer, forever plotting elaborate (and doomed) ways to win. While he appeared in other Hanna-Barbera shows, a full origin story could have been a hilarious deep dive into his villainy. The series might show his early days in racing, his endless rivalry with fairer competitors, and the increasingly ridiculous tricks that cemented his reputation. Following his perspective would have added humor and even a bit of pathos, after all, it’s hard not to root for someone who tries so hard, even if they always fail spectacularly.
5. Muttley (Wacky Races)
Muttley’s wheezing, muttered laugh is one of the most iconic sounds in animation. As Dick Dastardly’s loyal sidekick, he often stole the scene with his mischievous grin and sarcastic attitude. A spin-off centered on Muttley could have gone full slapstick, with him starring in Looney Tunes-style gags, dream sequences, and solo capers. Whether chasing bones, piloting bizarre contraptions, or trying to outwit other cartoon animals, Muttley’s mix of cunning and comedic timing would have made for endlessly rewatchable shorts.
6. Rosie the Robot (The Jetsons)
In The Jetsons, Rosie was the wisecracking housekeeper who always had a snappy remark and a practical fix for the family’s futuristic problems. Her charm came from blending old-fashioned common sense with high-tech know-how, often outsmarting both humans and machines. A spin-off could have explored Rosie’s off-duty life, navigating robot rights, upgrading her tech, or even working for other eccentric families in Orbit City. Imagine Rosie running her own robot service agency, juggling hilarious malfunctions, and sharing her witty commentary on a world that’s “modern” yet still full of timeless human quirks.
7. Mudsy the Ghost (The Funky Phantom)
Mudsy was a Revolutionary War-era ghost who stumbled into modern-day adventures alongside a group of teens. His cowardly but good-natured personality made him both funny and endearing. A spin-off could have leaned into time-travel hijinks, sending Mudsy back and forth through history. He could’ve encountered famous figures, meddled in key events, and tried (unsuccessfully) to stay out of trouble. His constant mix-ups, accidental heroics, and humorous commentary on modern life would’ve made for a charming, lighthearted show blending history, comedy, and a touch of ghostly mystery.
8. Melody Valentine (Josie and the Pussycats)
Melody, the bubbly blonde drummer of Josie’s band, had a talent for turning every situation into a comic moment. Her ditzy charm often hid moments of surprising insight, making her unpredictable and fun to watch. A spin-off could have followed Melody as she formed her own chaotic girl group or pursued a solo music career, navigating fame with wide-eyed optimism. Between mix-ups on stage, quirky encounters with fans, and accidental brushes with mystery-solving, Melody’s infectious personality could have made for a lighthearted musical comedy perfect for Saturday mornings.
9. Dynomutt (The Scooby-Doo/Dynomutt Hour)
Dynomutt, the mechanical mutt with a heart of gold (and a tendency to malfunction), was the lovable foil to the straight-laced Blue Falcon. In a solo series, he could have taken on crime-fighting gigs without his more serious partner, leading to zany misadventures. Imagine Dynomutt bumbling through cases with unpredictable gadget malfunctions, sometimes saving the day, sometimes creating a bigger mess, while befriending oddball citizens. His combination of superhero parody and slapstick humor could have given him a strong identity all his own.
10. Sebastian the Alley Cat (Josie and the Pussycats)
Sebastian, Alexandra’s snarky pet cat, had a knack for being in the wrong place at the right time. His dry expressions and sly mannerisms made him stand out in every scene. A noir-inspired spin-off narrated by Sebastian could have been a clever twist, turning him into a feline private eye slinking through back alleys, eavesdropping on shady deals, and solving mysteries from the shadows. The contrast between his smooth, sarcastic voice and the absurd situations he stumbled into could have been pure gold.
11. Brenda Chance (Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels)
Among the Teen Angels, Brenda was the most level-headed, often calming the group when prehistoric chaos broke out. Her steady presence made her a natural leader, even if Captain Caveman’s antics sometimes overshadowed her. A spin-off could have put Brenda front and center in a more grounded mystery series, where she teamed up with new allies to solve strange cases in a world that still had a dash of Stone Age weirdness. Her mix of intelligence, courage, and quick thinking could have anchored a fun blend of comedy and suspense.
12. Debbie (Speed Buggy)
Debbie wasn’t just a member of Speed Buggy’s crew, she was the one who often came up with the clever fixes that got them out of trouble. Her technical know-how and unshakable composure made her the brains behind many wins. A spin-off could have shifted the focus to Debbie taking the wheel, literally and figuratively, leading her own high-tech racing team. Between engineering futuristic car upgrades and outsmarting sneaky competitors, Debbie’s adventures could have been a perfect mix of action, problem-solving, and teamwork.
13. Bamm-Bamm Rubble (The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show)
While Pebbles was usually the leader, Bamm-Bamm’s super strength gave him a unique edge that was often underused. A solo series could have followed his misadventures as he tried to use his incredible power for good, only to create more chaos than intended. From rescuing trapped dinos to accidentally demolishing entire Bedrock landmarks, Bamm-Bamm’s well-meaning blunders could have been both hilarious and heartwarming, showing how even the strongest sometimes need to learn when not to swing the club.
14. Jabberjaw’s Bandmates (Jabberjaw)
Biff, Shelly, and the rest of Jabberjaw’s band brought plenty of personality to their underwater escapades, but their group dynamic outside of shark-related antics was never explored. A spin-off could have focused on their lives as an ambitious undersea rock band trying to make it big in a world filled with quirky ocean cities and bizarre sea creatures. With musical rivalries, odd gigs, and undercurrent drama, the show could have been a colorful mix of comedy, music, and fish-out-of-water adventures, minus the actual shark in the room.
15. Witch Hazel (Looney Tunes)
Witch Hazel’s cackling laugh and over-the-top spells made her one of Looney Tunes’ most memorable supporting characters. A spin-off could have transformed her into the star of a year-round Halloween-themed series, where every episode featured her cooking up spells that inevitably backfired in ridiculous ways. From magical mix-ups that gave her talking furniture to runaway broomsticks, her misadventures could have been spooky, silly, and endlessly entertaining, perfect for kids who like a touch of the supernatural with their laughs.
16. Bat-Mite (The New Adventures of Batman)
Bat-Mite, the tiny imp from another dimension, was part fanboy, part troublemaker. Obsessed with Batman, he often used his magical powers to “help” the Caped Crusader, with chaotic results. A spin-off could have let Bat-Mite loose in the wider superhero world, meddling in the affairs of different heroes and villains. His blend of enthusiasm, mischief, and unpredictable magic would have made for a comedic series filled with superhero cameos, slapstick battles, and the occasional heartfelt moment when his fandom actually saved the day.
17. Mr. Slate (The Flintstones)
Fred Flintstone’s gruff boss, Mr. Slate, was the quintessential workplace authority figure, quick to scold but never truly unkind. A spin-off could have explored his life outside the quarry, showing his family, friendships, and the challenges of running a Stone Age business. Whether dealing with Bedrock’s eccentric employees or facing competition from rival quarries, Mr. Slate’s mix of tough love and sharp wit could have turned the everyday grind into clever prehistoric workplace comedy.
18. Spot the Dragon (Hong Kong Phooey)
Spot, the unassuming cat sidekick to Hong Kong Phooey, was often the real brains behind the operation. A solo show could have flipped the script, revealing Spot as a reluctant hero-in-training coach for bumbling animal superheroes. With his deadpan humor and knack for improvising clever solutions, Spot could have guided rookie heroes through bizarre training exercises while fending off low-stakes but hilarious villains. The series could balance superhero parody with clever pet humor.
19. The Banana Splits Bandmates (The Banana Splits Adventure Hour)
While all four Banana Splits were fun, Fleegle, Bingo, and Snorky often played second fiddle to Drooper’s antics. A spin-off could have followed just the three of them on a cross-country tour, performing wild gigs and stumbling into absurd situations. From battling rival bands to escaping wacky local festivals gone wrong, their musical road trip could have been a mix of slapstick humor, catchy tunes, and playful nods to rock-and-roll culture, all in that signature surreal Banana Splits style.
20. Granny Sweet (Precious Pupp)
Granny Sweet looked like the perfect picture of a gentle, cookie-baking grandmother, but she had a mischievous side that matched her feisty dog, Precious Pupp. A spin-off could have taken viewers into her unpredictable home life, where neighborhood disputes, over-the-top bake-offs, and playful battles of wits with local busybodies kept her calendar full. Granny’s surprising knack for outsmarting everyone could have made her a charming lead in a comedy full of warmth, wit, and unexpected chaos.
21. Winsome Witch (The Atom Ant Show)
Winsome Witch’s cheerful personality and endless magical blunders made her a standout in The Atom Ant Show. A spin-off could have given her a sitcom-style setup, with each episode centered on a spell gone wrong, turning neighbors into animals, animating furniture, or summoning visitors from the wrong century. Her kind heart and determination to fix her messes, even when making things worse, could have given the series a warm mix of magic, comedy, and charm.
22. Inch High, Private Eye’s Boss (Inch High, Private Eye)
Inch High’s perpetually exasperated boss had some of the funniest reactions in the show, constantly losing patience with his pint-sized detective employee. A spin-off could have put the boss in charge of a new, equally chaotic team of detectives, giving him more room to shine. Watching him juggle absurd cases, bizarre gadgets, and unpredictable assistants could have been a perfect recipe for a workplace comedy in animated form.
23. Mr. Peebles (The Magilla Gorilla Show)
Mr. Peebles, the pet shop owner forever trying, and failing, to sell Magilla Gorilla, had a mix of scheming ambition and softheartedness that made him memorable. A spin-off could have explored his attempts to sell or manage other unusual animals, from talking parrots to mischievous monkeys. Each episode could have been a self-contained tale of an “easy sale” gone hilariously wrong, keeping the gentle humor and charm that made the original series a favorite.
24. The Shmoo (Fred and Barney Meet the Shmoo)
The Shmoo was an adorable, shape-shifting creature with a knack for helping people, often in delightfully odd ways. His flexible body and boundless optimism gave him endless comedic potential. A spin-off could have followed him traveling from town to town, solving problems in unconventional ways, stretching into bridges, disguising himself to sneak past trouble, or transforming into everyday objects to save the day. His gentle humor and feel-good adventures could have made him a lasting Saturday morning favorite.
This story was first published on Daily FETCH
