When a TV crime drama becomes successful and develops a huge fan base, it's not uncommon for the creators to decide to expand the universe of that show. They'll take the concept and set it in a new city, like 911 has done with 911: Nashville, or introduce characters that go on to work in a different area in a new show, like with Chicago PD.
Some spinoffs build upon the universe created by the original show and take on a life of their own, building a whole new fan base and lots of excitement. And then others just can't seem to find their footing and live up to the original. So, which have succeeded and which were justifiably canceled?
Success: NCIS (2003 - present)
Some fans may not be aware that NCIS actually started off as a spinoff series of a show called JAG, which had its own successful run from 1995-2005. Some of the original NCIS characters were introduced in a backdoor pilot during JAG's eighth season, helping to establish the setup for the series when it premiered later that year.
Now, 23 seasons later, with several spin-offs of its own, including the latest Tony and Ziva, it's fair to say that NCIS has far surpassed what JAG started. The characters, the format, and the stories are memorable and have earned themselves an incredible legacy on television.
Didn't work: The Rookie: Feds (2022 - 2023)
The Rookie, now going into its eighth season, tried to expand its universe with its first spinoff, The Rookie: Feds. It introduced Niecy Nash-Betts's character in a backdoor pilot during the show's 4th season, following a similar premise of someone older starting a new career in law enforcement.
Unfortunately, Feds only lasted one season. Some cite the 2023 writers' strike as the reason the show couldn't secure a second season, which led to issues with contracts expiring. However, other fans felt that the show never quite found its footing, and Nash-Betts's brand of comedy felt awkward at times, making the tone of the show confusing.
Success: Ballard (2025 - present)
Part of the Bosch universe, Ballard was introduced as part of a backdoor pilot during Bosch: Legacy's final season. While the original series had a solid fan base, Ballard seems to be taking the universe to new heights and has been renewed for a second season.
Fans love that Ballard brings a fresh energy to the universe, and that the series set a brighter tone than the grit of the original. Critics cannot get enough, praising Maggie Q's stellar performance, and it's even landed itself a 100% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is an incredible feat that surpasses its predecessor.
Didn't work: CSI: Cyber (2015 - 2016)
CSI: Cyber was one of the four spinoffs of the original CSI, which itself ran for 15 seasons. Most of its spin-offs had big success and were well received, but Cyber just didn't measure up.
Focusing on the technological aspect in police work, especially in the modern age of cyber crimes, seems like it should have been a slam dunk, but many fans felt the show's depiction of technology was too unrealistic. The series suffered from low ratings, scheduling issues, and a lackluster reception, ultimately leading to its cancellation after two seasons.
Success: Law & Order: SVU (1999 - present)
Dick Wolf's original Law & Order is unquestionably a hugely successful show in its own right, now in its 25th season, and was even brought back after many years off air. But its spinoff, SVU, still manages to surpass it and be the best in the Law & Order franchise.
Now in its 27th consecutive season, fans still can't get enough of Mariska Hargitay's Olivia Benson. The show has become an important part of pop culture, and its storylines continue to resonate year after year, with no signs of slowing down.
Didn't work: Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior (2011)
Criminal Minds has had a long lasting impact on crime dramas, and has currently been renewed for its 19th season. While its current spinoff, Criminal Minds: Evolution, is having success on Paramount+, its others, including Suspect Behavior, never seemed to work.
Ultimately, CBS chose to cancel the show after one season due to low ratings. Fans who loved the original BAU team for their relatability and chemistry as a group felt that Suspect Behavior's team was lacking and that the series as a whole failed to distinguish itself from the original.
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