television

13 Spin-Off Worthy Simpsons Characters

POSTED BY | TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 AT 9:45 PDT 
The Simpsons

With 20 seasons and a successful movie under their belts, the next logical expansion of the Simpsons empire would be a spin-off. If it's going to happen, here's a list of characters that would be perfect in the spotlight, plus a few that would totally suck.

13. Kent Brockman

simpsons kent brockman
Spin-off title: The Brockman Report
Think along the lines of Fox's Kelsey Grammar-driven, Back to You only in cartoon form and with jokes that people can actually laugh at. They could introduce a whole newsroom full of new characters from the wacky weather man to the surly sports woman who doesn't take crap from anybody. Or, they could just make him the cartoon Colbert.

12. Lionel Hutz

Simpsons Lionel Hutz
Spin-off title: Hutz Happenin'
Sadly, Phil Hartman is no longer with us to voice the shadiest lawyer in town, but if he was, his character could easily fill the void left so long ago by Night Court. There are already plenty of serious law shows on the air, we could use one that's not afraid to have a little fun and rip off a few clients. It's the perfect venue for Simpsons cameos, too. Who else is Otto going to go to when he gets a DUI or Moe when he violates a restraining order?

11. Krusty

Simpsons Krusty the Klown
Spin-off title: Clown About Town
He is one of the oldest and most well-known secondary characters on the show, so we wouldn't have to go throught that awkward character exposition phase. Plus, he has a long and eventful history in show business that could provide plenty of funny and new material to carry a show. I'm picturing an animated Larry Sanders with more jokes about speed and Matzo.

10. Comic Book Guy

simpsons comic book guy
Spin-off title: Best. Spin-off. Ever.
He's a fan favorite with the Comic Con crowd, which all but assures that the show would be a success. It would be the perfect venue for a lot of Family Guy-style pop culture references, which isn't the most original idea, but could certainly be entertaining. It could even be set in the comic book store, like the Clerks animated series which deserved way more of a chance than it got.

9. Fat Tony

simpsons fat tony
Spin-off title: Fat Tony and the Family
With The Sopranos gone, there's a serious dearth of mobsters on TV at the moment. They could easily make a show about wacky gangsters, but I think it would be more interesting if they went in a more serious direction. How cool would it be to see Fat Tony whack someone in cold blood. It's about time we got to see Springfield's seedy underbelly.

8. Dr. Hibbert

Simpsons Doctor HIbbert
Spin-off title: Dr. Hibbert's Office
Doctor shows are extremely popular, but usually really depressing. With no Scrubs around, the market is ready for a doctor show with more jokes and less doctors who screw each other instead of dealing with patients. Fox already has House to fill the grumpy MD slot, and I can think of no better foil for him than the jovial Dr. Hibbert. Plus, he could have Dr. Nick as a sidekick.

7. Otto

simpsons otto
Spin-off title: Otto (when you're making a show for stoners, simplicity is good)
He's lovable, non-threatening and ready to get into whatever situation presents itself. He could spend a whole season as a roadie for Metallica or even just showing what he does after he drops the kids off at school. There's plenty of opportunity for ganja-fueled shenanigans between 8 and 3.

6. Hank Scorpio

simpsons scorpio
Spin-off title: Scorpio
We only got to know him for one episode, but he sure did leave an impression. He's an evil billionaire genius with unlimited resources and the time to talk to any of his employees when they need him, even when he's under attack from ninjas. That's the kind of character you want to get to know. He's sort of like Dr. Evil, only much smarter and a lot less annoying. I picture a Pinky and the Brain type series where his failed attempts at global domination do nothing to hinder his ambition and spirit. Plus, there has to be at least one episode where he visits the hammock district.

5. Snake and 4. Wiggum

simpsons chief wiggum and snake
Spin-off title: Ever Blue Terrace
Snake has robbed and terrorized almost every inhabitant of Springfield and that has to be getting under the skin of the good-hearted police chief. Sure, he's lazy but a man can only be embarrassed so many times before he pulls up his size 54 pants and actually starts doing his duty. Since both are voiced by Hank Azaria, they could keep the main cast fairly small.

3. Lenny and 2. Carl

simpsons lenny and carl
Spin-off title: A Semi-Carl Kind of Life
Their relationship has been a mystery to us for all these years, it's time we finally get to know Lenny and Carl for the men they truly are. Are they gay? Is Lenny's eye finally healed enough to get pudding in it once again? What ever happened to Lenny's plastic surgery that made him smile all the time? Those are all questions I would love to see answered. It would be the buddy comedy to end all buddy comedies. Then, when it gets old after a few seasons, they can throw a kid in there to mix things up. Or Poochie.

1. Frank Grimes

simpsons frank grimes
Spin-off title: The Story of Grimey
Sadly, Frank is dead, so the only real option would be to make the whole series a prequel to his episode, but the man lived a full life before he crossed paths with Homer Simpson. His story could be touching and funny all at the same time, sort of like the clown at my seventh birthday party. It would be nice watching a show, knowing that the hero eventually achieves his modest dream. And then he's electrocuted to death.

Three characters that don't deserve their own show.

Gil

simpsons gil
I can barely deal with this whiney bastard for the short amounts of time that he's on screen as a secondary character. All of his mumbling and whining gets old fast. It would be like giving Bill from King of the Hill his own show, only worse.

Sideshow Bob

simpsons sideshow bob
I know there are those of you out ther that love the Sideshow Bob episodes, but for this die-hard Simpsons fan, they fall right above Lisa episodes and right below the awful clip shows on the chart of suckiness.

Moe

Simpsons Moe
While Moe is a great character, he has proven that he can be really annoying when a whole episode is devoted to him. The only way I could see it working is if the show focused around his tavern rather than himself. That way, Barney could help carry some of the load.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

  1. Max Powers Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 12:00 pm

    I want to see a quiet, introspective, spotlight interview show where Millhouse (scotch in hand, leather patches on his blazer) takes on some of the most brilliant minds of our times.

  2. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 07:30 pm so insanely un-creative. this sucked. thanks for nothing, asshole.
  3. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 07:47 pm worst. article. ever.
  4. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 07:45 pm perhaps having Nelson do a version of Punk'd?
  5. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 07:49 pm Lisa is the heart of the family. Her episodes I rank as some of the best. Lisa on Ice? Classic.
  6. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 07:50 pm Haha! Someone that agrees with me on the sideshow bob episodes.
  7. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 07:52 pm Dude, Frink! John Frink.
  8. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 07:58 pm Good call on the Frink, and I disagree with your Bob idea
  9. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 07:59 pm mr. burns is by far the greatest secondary character ever. In fact, the single best Simpsons episode ever revolves around Burns' casino... the fact that he is not on this list is disgraceful.
  10. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 08:01 pm Yea you did write a shitty list here. Someone should have smothered you as a child. plus scrubs still on shit brick.
  11. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 08:04 pm I was with you until you gave Frank Grimes the top slot and then ripped Sideshow Bob. And where the hell is Professor Frink? It could be like Bill Nye the Science Guy on acid.
  12. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 08:05 pm Not one Female character.
  13. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 08:03 pm Two words: Hans Moleman
  14. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 08:05 pm This is like watching an autistic kid give his review of the latest hit movie by emphasizing worthless characters and disregarding the awesome ones.
  15. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 08:09 pm I just can't picture any of these characters outside the Simpson's context. Many of these proposed 'shows' would probably be good, at least for a while. But the 'greatness' of each is a function of thier subsidiary role in the larger ensemble of animated genius. In other words, when it comes down to it, 'without which no other'
  16. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 08:11 pm Well, the article was bland and not worth my time, and the show titles make the word uninspired sound like a Barack Obama speech. The only thing I agree with that Hank Scorpio is one of the greatest one-off characters of all time.
  17. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 08:16 pm no love for skinner? built in story line, and budding relationship with the superintendant (chalmskin was so funny) plus you got willie, doris, krabapple, ralph, milhouse, and otto. why not? it would be way better than frank grimes
  18. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 08:18 pm as a fellow diehard simpsons fan (with a flying hellfish tattoo), i must say this was a great article. personally, i think lenny & carl would make the best spin off show (lots of possiblities). i also think patty & selma would make a good female version buddy comedy. another one would be the springfield bullies, they could take a little rascals type approach to it. one charachter who definately does not deserve a show would be disco stu, the joke is getting old and not funny anymore. smell ya later
  19. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 08:18 pm What about Apu?
  20. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 08:20 pm Yeah definitely a lame article. How can you say Ol' Gil gets old? He's gold in short durations. Definitely not show worthy, but definitely hilarious!
  21. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 08:33 pm What I can't even leave my name if I wanted to?
  22. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 08:36 pm I honestly don't see how someone could not even so much as mention itchy and scratchy. I would GLADLY watch a half hour show about that!
  23. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 08:52 pm Anything with Kelsey Grammar in it is amazing, so bring on the SS Bob spin-off. And Grimes was way more whiny than Gil. And hello, Disco Stu, anyone?!
  24. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 09:09 pm Barney moves in with Smithers for an Odd Couple type show.
  25. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 09:20 pm An interesting article, but I could not disagree more about sideshow Bob. But I do agree with Hank Scorpio!
  26. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 09:41 pm this is a tough article to write, and shouldn't have been written in the first place. that's because you can't touch the simpsons. Too many people can personally relate to it. leave it alone. you are going to be wrong no matter what. Frank Grimes was an extremely weak spin-off character, though. I think Krusty should have been number 1 Or mrs. krabapple. but you won't see an article from me!!
  27. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 09:42 pm oh and Mr. Burns! thanks, anonymous
  28. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 09:43 pm Old Gil's gonna show ya. You just wait!
  29. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 09:45 pm How about Cat Lady? Haw hayah hay! He yah hay!
  30. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 09:58 pm Disco stu has some broozo for youzo
  31. Stan Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 10:00 pm

    I agree that writing Simpsons articles is really hard. But the fact that everyone holds it so dear and is willing to talk about it, often passionately, is what makes it fun and, ultimately, seem worth while.

    That said, Frink might be all right, but his voice annoys the hell out of me. Skinner is too much of a pussy and Willy didn't make the cut because I just plain don't like Scottish people. (Kidding! [kind of])

  32. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 10:47 pm I second Anonymous 8:36PDT : Itchy and Scratchy would be the best thing on TV.
  33. Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 11:00 pm I agree with Anonymous TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 AT 7:30 PDT This was a retarded waste of time. No offense to any retards that may be above the stupidity that is this list. But then all im really doing is venting my frustrations about rich people on you. Then again i LOVE BEING POOR so much im gonna VOTE McCain. for the love of our country vote obama... please like how i turned it into a political thing? no?
  34. Says:
    October 1st, 2008 at 12:42 am The original idea was probably the best way to go. Which was making a spin off about teenage Homer and teenage Marge. It would cover a niche uncovered by the Simpsons which is late adolescence.
  35. Says:
    October 1st, 2008 at 12:47 am While i like concept here, i feel that this list was put together with little to no pretext... The title should be, my favorite Simpsons characters... And, well, since we are identifying them, mine are (Homer (of course), Lenny & Carl (cause they are one entity), Lionel Huts / Troy McClure (god rest their soles), Furious George (hell yeah!), Albert Brookes (almost every character he did), Larry Burns (god rest Rodney Dangerfield), Lou (with emphasis on finding his last name), Dr. Nick (the reason i pursuing a doctorate), Hans Moleman (cause everyone loves the moleman), Curly (b/c he must have some great stories), Mrs. K. (if we want this to get a little dirty), the Captain (Argh) and last, but not least, Herb Simpson (cause everyone loves Danny D.). Honorable mention goes to Duffman (because it's all about the Duff).
  36. Says:
    October 1st, 2008 at 02:20 am no macbain / tyson?
  37. Says:
    October 1st, 2008 at 04:23 am No Ralph... Fail
  38. Says:
    October 1st, 2008 at 05:08 am Ah yes, we need a multi-episode prequel where we see young homer, how he grew up and got discovered, went through training and became what he is as an adult. It's been done with a different character of a beloved series and it has absolutely sucked and so would this. As well, the Simpsons has jumped the Shark many seasons ago and is lame. Any spin-off would be lamer than the present series, which isn't all that great to watch these days. You'd think that the season opener would set the tone for the rest of the season and boy, it sure did and it looks like I won't be watching much of the Simpsons this year. 8oP
  39. Says:
    October 1st, 2008 at 05:09 am What about a McBain action movie?
  40. Says:
    October 1st, 2008 at 07:16 am Scorpio didn't fail though. He took the eastern seaboard.
  41. Says:
    October 1st, 2008 at 07:45 am Holy crap, is somebody being paid to compile these lists?
  42. Says:
    October 1st, 2008 at 08:04 am Egad! Moe's.. It could be a direct rip-off of Cheer's.. Hijinx would ensue..
  43. Says:
    October 1st, 2008 at 10:01 am Damn you got ripped by some of the people on this board! I think you are undeserving of the harsh criticism you're receiving. I think you list kicks ass actually. Nice work with Sideshow Bob..he has so many episodes its like he already has a spinoff. Also, most Lisa episodes indeed DO suck, but my favorite Simpsons episode is "Lisa the Vegetarian." It was great on so many levels!
  44. Max Powers Says:
    October 1st, 2008 at 10:43 am

    Homeboy's got a point. You dont get friends with Salad, OR hateful comments.

  45. Says:
    October 1st, 2008 at 02:05 pm "Its just a little airborn, its still good, its still good!" "Ralph Wiggum lost his shin guard, hack the bone! HACK THE BONE!" "He's like a riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a vest" Lisa episodes bad? huh?
  46. Says:
    October 2nd, 2008 at 12:53 pm Why was this unfunny piece of crap posted to digg? By the way, your captcha sucks ass.
  47. Says:
    October 4th, 2008 at 04:19 pm Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die in a fire. Die. Die. Die. Die. In a fire. Die in a fire. Fire. Die in one. Die in a fire.
  48. Says:
    October 4th, 2008 at 04:19 pm Die
  49. Says:
    October 4th, 2008 at 04:19 pm Die
  50. Says:
    October 4th, 2008 at 04:19 pm Die
    51. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
    CAPTCHA

    If you don't want to figure out this word every time you comment, please either login or register for an account.