Spin-offs........?

Sorry, but it wasn't the FIRST...

With the exception of all the TV shows which were spun-off from existing radio programs of the times, Comedian Jackie Gleason claims the credit for TVs earliest spin-off. His loudmouth bus driver character, Ralph Kramden first appeared in the fall of 1951 on a series of "Honeymooner" sketches on the variety show CAVALCADE OF STARS/DUM/1949-52 which became THE JACKIE GLEASON SHOW/CBS/1952-1970. Then in 1955, the sketch became a half-hour sitcom known as THE HONEYMOONERS/CBS1955-56. The second show to become a spin-off of an existing series was PETE AND GLADYS/CBS/1960-62. Its main character Pete Porter (Harry Morgan) was a regular on DECEMBER BRIDE/CBS/1954-60 who constantly complained about his unseen wife (played by Cara Williams on the spin-off). THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW followed suit as the third runner up in the spin-off hall of fame. It was a spin-off from THE DANNY THOMAS SHOW based on an episode wherein Danny Thomas was driving too fast in a small rural town and got pulled over and eventually put in jail by a friendly, law abiding local sheriff (played by Andy Griffith).

Andy did have spin-off's of his own...

Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1964 Spin-off)

Mayberry R.F.D. (1968 Spin-off)

Return to Mayberry (TV-Movie aired 4/13/86)

Official Works Neko Majin (1999-2005) Super Kochikame (2006) Cross Epoch (2006) Dragon Ball: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!! (2009) Dragon Ball SD (2010-Ongoing) Dragon Ball Heroes: Victory Mission (2012-Ongoing) Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013) Unofficial Works Doujinshi and Fan Fiction (1984-Ongoing) Dragon Ball AF (1997-Ongoing) Da Black Goku (2000-Ongoing)

King of Queens spinned off of Everybody Loves Ray.

Another little known fact: The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show was a spin-off of "I Love Lucy."

"Knots Landing" was a spin-off of "Dallas."

"Rhoda" was a spin-off of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."

"Phyllis" was a spin-off of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."

"Lou Grant" was a spin-off of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."

"Laverne and Shirley" was a spin-off of "Happy Days."

The first answer was partially right. Happy Days spun off Joanie loves Chachi, but also Mork and Mindy and Laverne and Shirley......All in the family spun-off The Jefferson's,but also Maude......The Cosby Show spun off A Different World, M*A*S*H spun off AfterM*A*SH, and Trapper John M.D.

Hmm Was there a spin off from Spin City?

Fraiser spin off of Cheers

that is interesting about the Andy Griffith show I had never heard that ! Thanks!

Joannie Loves Chachie baby!

The Jeffersons >>> All in the Family

Maude >> Soap (?)

Cheers--- Fraiser

Friends--- Joey

Three's company--- Three's a crowd

perfect strangers-family matters