You may have noticed: every time there’s a successful movie or series, it does not take long before an extended universe comes through. It can be a sequel, a prequel, and very often a spinoff: a story taking place in the same universe, but following different characters or developing side stories. Sometimes it’s even remotely related to its original model …
It’s not very different from franchise development – maybe more far-fetched for the not so good spinoffs.
We have probably all seen at least one episode of the CSI series, whether it’s the original one set in Las Vegas, or one of the spinoffs located in Miami or New York. Suits did the same by relocating in a different city (Suits LA), reprising the same archetypal characters, the same production value and pretty much similar storylines. Some other times, you keep the same city, but bring the show in a different ‘’department’’ : that’s our Chicago series (Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D), following either medical services, firefighters or police officers. We could also name the FBI or the Law & Order series that spread out widely (FBI: Most Wanted, Law & Order: Organized Crime).
You get the basic idea : one core element is required, on which you can deploy as many stories as you want. It can then be location, timeline (prequel and sequel), a single character. That one actually came up with very interesting results, enabling to develop a supporting character like The Penguin (first appearance in The Batman) or Peacemaker (first appearance in The Suicide Squad).
The most widespread case remains the prequel/sequel. In this very category you can find some of the most popular series like Outlander: Blood of my Blood, House of the Dragon and soon IT: Welcome to Derry. Each of these series take you back in time to deep dive in the origin of the universe you already know: those are the ‘’origin stories’’.
The Paper brought up something different : a series that did not take over neither the characters, location, workplace or timeline. It brought back the Office’s DNA. The common thread in between the original and its spinoff is how it’s shot (breaking the 4th wall, handycam), the satire of a workplace, the awkward sense of humor.
Bottom line: you can ‘’spinoff’’ whatever you like and how you like. 😊
