10 Classic TV Series You Didn't Know Were Spinoffs
7. Benson (1976-1986)
Spun off from: SoapBenson DuBois (Robert Guillaume) ran the mansion occupied by befuddled Governor Eugene Gatling (James Noble), bumping heads with the governors staff and occasionally getting the governor out of a tough spot of two.
Benson was a critical and commercial success, earning 17 Emmy nominations and winning two, one for Guillaume. Benson began his television career as a butler for the Tate family in the late night comedy Soap, which was a riff on the popular daytime soap operas of the day. The series is noted for jumpstarting the careers of Robert Urich and Billy Crystal. Benson trivia: comedian Jerry Seinfeld appeared in three episodes of Benson during the 1980 season.