1. Arnold Horshack – Welcome Back, Kotter
Arnold Horshack was the lovable oddball of the Sweathogs, known for his distinctive laugh and eagerness to answer questions in class. While Welcome Back, Kotter focused on Gabe Kotter and his ragtag group, Horshack’s quirky charm and big heart could have easily carried his own storyline. Imagine a series that followed him after high school, trying to navigate adulthood with the same optimism and awkwardness that made him so endearing. His street smarts mixed with a genuine innocence would have provided endless comedic scenarios.
He could have worked at a small business, pursued a dream of becoming a teacher, or even found himself involved in offbeat schemes with former classmates. With a personality so unique, every episode could have been a mix of laughter, heartfelt lessons, and misadventures. Horshack’s life outside of the Sweathogs was ripe for exploration, and it’s a shame we never got to see what came next.
2. Bailey Quarters – WKRP in Cincinnati
Bailey Quarters started out quiet and reserved at WKRP, but she quickly proved she was smart, capable, and full of untapped potential. She was often overshadowed by the flashier characters, yet Bailey had a grounded, relatable quality that resonated with viewers. A spin-off could have followed her leaving WKRP to run her own radio station or work in a larger media market. Her natural curiosity and quick thinking would have been perfect for workplace comedy or even light drama.
In a show centered around Bailey, we could have seen her tackling the challenges of being a woman in broadcasting in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Her friendships and romantic entanglements would have been woven into storylines about professional growth and personal discovery. Bailey’s journey was just getting started when WKRP in Cincinnati ended, and it would have been fun to follow her rise in the industry.
3. Louie De Palma – Taxi
As the brash, scheming dispatcher at the Sunshine Cab Company, Louie De Palma stole almost every scene he was in. His biting humor and unapologetic ambition made him a standout character in Taxi. A spin-off could have explored his life outside the garage, showing how he balanced (or didn’t) his personal relationships, side hustles, and endless get-rich-quick schemes.
Louie’s brand of comedy was perfect for a show where he’s the antihero who always manages to land on his feet despite himself. We might have seen him try to climb the corporate ladder in another industry, or perhaps open his own taxi company with hilarious results. His sarcastic charm would have ensured that audiences tuned in week after week.
4. Florence Johnston – The Jeffersons
Florence Johnston, the Jeffersons’ sharp-tongued maid, had a wit that could cut through steel. She was never afraid to put George in his place, and her one-liners became a highlight of the show. A spin-off following Florence could have been a hit, focusing on her own adventures and personal life beyond the Jefferson household.
Maybe she could have pursued her dream career, navigated the dating world, or even started her own business. The combination of her sass, intelligence, and strong sense of self would have made for storylines that were both funny and empowering. Florence had the charisma and depth to carry her own show with ease.
5. Juan Epstein – Welcome Back, Kotter
Juan Epstein, the self-proclaimed “Puerto Rican Jew,” was streetwise, funny, and fiercely loyal to his friends. He brought a unique cultural blend and quick wit that could have translated beautifully into a spin-off. The series could have followed him trying to build a career while staying true to his roots in Brooklyn.
His interactions with family, old Sweathog pals, and a cast of new neighborhood characters would have created endless comedic opportunities. Epstein’s blend of confidence and charm made him memorable, and it would have been fascinating to see how he handled life’s bigger challenges outside of high school.
6. Mindy Silverman – Rhoda
Mindy Silverman was Rhoda Morgenstern’s loyal friend, often popping in with supportive advice or a quick laugh. While she wasn’t the focus of Rhoda, her warmth and good humor hinted at a richer backstory. A spin-off could have explored her own life, perhaps as a working single woman navigating the dating scene in New York.
Her character could have given audiences a more grounded, slice-of-life perspective, with episodes mixing humor, romance, and the ups and downs of career aspirations. Mindy had the relatability factor that could have kept viewers invested in her journey week after week.
7. Arnold Jackson’s Friend Dudley – Diff’rent Strokes
Dudley, Arnold’s best buddy, was often caught up in the Drummond household’s hijinks. He had a natural comedic presence and a sweet demeanor that made him a perfect supporting character. In a spin-off, Dudley could have been the focus, showing his home life, school experiences, and how he navigated growing up in a rapidly changing city.
It would have been a show with heart, touching on real-life issues while keeping the humor that made him such a joy to watch. Dudley had the kind of likability that made you want to root for him in every situation.
8. Freddie “Boom Boom” Washington – Welcome Back, Kotter
Freddie Washington had style, charm, and an easygoing personality that lit up every scene. He was smooth-talking yet genuinely kind, making him one of the more memorable Sweathogs. A spin-off could have shown him chasing a career in sports or music, fields he was passionate about.
His cool demeanor mixed with real ambition could have given the show both humor and heart. Watching Freddie navigate challenges while staying true to his laid-back style would have been a treat.
9. Marcia Wallace as Carol Kester – The Bob Newhart Show
Carol Kester was the quick-witted receptionist who always had a clever remark ready for Bob Hartley’s patients. Her interactions were consistently funny, but we never got to see much of her life beyond the office. A spin-off could have followed Carol outside the workplace, perhaps running her own small business or diving into a new career.
Carol’s sense of humor and knack for getting herself into amusing predicaments would have provided a great foundation for a workplace or apartment-building ensemble comedy. She had the charisma to be the heart of her own show.
10. Shirley Feeney’s Cousin – Laverne & Shirley
Shirley’s cousin, once introduced in a memorable guest appearance, had the comedic timing and personality to carry her own show. She brought a different energy to the already lively dynamic of Laverne & Shirley. In a spin-off, she could have been shown making her way in a new city, navigating work and friendships in her own quirky way.
Her character’s optimism and resilience would have made for heartwarming and hilarious stories. She could have been a perfect blend of the era’s sitcom charm and relatable everyday struggles.
11. Ray Foster – Barney Miller
Ray Foster was a recurring character who added a unique flavor to Barney Miller’s ensemble. While not a main cast member, he had enough personality to stand out whenever he appeared. A spin-off could have centered on him transferring to another precinct or even starting his own private investigation agency.
The mix of police procedural and situational comedy would have worked perfectly with his personality. Foster’s approach to solving cases—sometimes unconventional, often hilarious—could have created a memorable new series.
12. Loretta Haggers – Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman
Loretta Haggers was Mary’s aspiring country-singer neighbor, and her blend of naïveté and ambition made her unforgettable. She had big dreams and a heart of gold, and a spin-off could have followed her pursuit of fame in Nashville.
Her fish-out-of-water adventures, mixed with the oddball charm of the ’70s, could have been endlessly entertaining. Loretta’s optimism in the face of setbacks would have made her a relatable and inspiring lead.
13. Ralph Malph – Happy Days
Ralph Malph was the jokester of the group, always ready with a one-liner. While Happy Days followed Richie, Fonzie, and the gang, Ralph’s life outside Arnold’s Drive-In was largely unexplored. A spin-off could have followed him heading off to college or starting his own comedy act.
His blend of humor, vulnerability, and good-natured personality could have led to plenty of heartfelt and funny moments. Ralph had the comedic chops to carry a series, and fans would have loved to see more of him.
14. Julie Cooper – One Day at a Time
Julie Cooper was Ann Romano’s independent and sometimes headstrong daughter. While the show focused on the family as a whole, Julie’s journey into adulthood was full of possibilities for a spin-off. She could have moved to another city, started a new job, and tried to balance independence with family ties.
Her personality and determination could have anchored a show about finding yourself in your twenties. The mix of comedic moments and real-life challenges would have kept audiences engaged.
