After featuring inBreaking Bad, Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) had his backstory explained inBetter Call Saul. Angel (David Boreanaz) had his own spin-off after appearing inBuffy the Vampire Slayer. Hell, to really target the “villain” appeal, even The Penguin (Colin Farrell) has been explored in great depth withThe Penguin. The point is, spin-off series have long been a great way to expand on characters and stories that audiences are enthralled by, and delving into the depths of antagonists can be a rich and rewarding approach.
While a spin-off series won’t suit every villain,what audiences have seen of these 10 so far suggests a more thorough inspection of their character could make for terrific viewing. From powerful political figures in fantasy realms to sadistic serial killers hiding in society, these villains are some of the most imposing yet compelling characters audiences have ever seen, and it is a minor shame that we got to see so little of them.
10Lorne Malvo
‘Fargo’ (2014–2024)
Running with an anthology approach with each of its five seasons,Fargohas endeared itself to audiences with its loosely connected tales of quirky and chaotic crime sagas that typically follow ambitious crooks and the honest small-town cops that investigate them. Amid its dazzling array of impressionable and offbeat characters, the series' villains have always stood out, with few making such an indelible mark asSeason 1’s Lorne Malvo(Billy Bob Thornton).
Whether it was a dedicated spin-off or even just an additional season of the main series that incorporated a younger version of the character into its story,Malvo’s cold menace and chilling philosophy would be enticing to explore in more detail at a different juncture of the character’s life. With his psychotic intensity marrying with the series’ off-kilter style, another dose of Lorne Malvo would be a treat for lovers ofFargo.
9Dr. Martin Brenner, aka Papa
‘Stranger Things’ (2015–2025)
WithStranger Thingssoon set to end with its fifth and final season, a gaping hole will be left in Netflix’s ongoing catalog of television series. Perhaps the best way to fill that space would be to expand on the pre-existing intrigue and depth of theStranger Thingsuniverse. If Netflix were to indulge, then exploring the motivations and obsession of Dr. Martin Brenner (Matthew Modine)—also known as ‘Papa’—could be the most interesting avenue going forward.
WhileStranger Thingsutilizes him as the amoral overseer of Project MKUltra, which developed Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) abilities through unethical experiments and trials,Brenner’s backstory as an employee of the US government is rife with ambiguous complexity and sci-fi horror intrigue. Such a spin-off would likely have to be a dark departure fromStranger Things’Steven Spielberg-esque tone, but it could be a treat of television drama that brings even more depth to what is one of the medium’s most defining titles of the last decade.
Stranger Things
8Katherine Pierce
‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)
One of the major antagonists ofThe Vampire Diaries, Katherine Pierce (Nina Dobrev), is the conniving doppelgänger of Elena Gilbert (also Dobrev), who often uses manipulation and her intelligence to get what she wants. A centuries-old witch, Katherine’s backstory is marred by tragedy, giving her a sympathetic depth and a pathos which would be excellent to explore in isolation, in a series that focuses on her perspective rather than the antagonistic role she serves in someone else’s story.
Initially known as Katerina Petrova in 1400s Bulgaria, Katherine is forced to leave her tumultuous family life behind and go on the run alone as a desperate traveler when Klaus (Joseph Morgan) sets his sights on her as her doppelgänger blood could break his werewolf curse. A series exploring her 600-year journey, including the relationships she developed, the survival tactics she employed, and the changing times she had to navigate, could bea compelling addition toThe Vampire Diariesuniversethat also sets right the unsatisfying resolution the character receivedat the end of the series.
The Vampire Diaries
7Princess Azula
‘Avatar: the Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)
Villainy inAvatar: The Last Airbenderseems to be largely defined by Prince Zuko’s (Dante Basco) redemptive arc, and that is understandable given the brilliance of his development, but it’s an arc that comes to an end by the conclusion of the series. His sister, Princess Azula (Grey DeLisle), however, is more conducive to further exploration in the form of a focused spin-off series, so long as the story and character development are handled the right way.
While another redemptive arc mimicking Zuko’s could be done in a rewarding fashion, it would also beterrific to explore Azula’s journey and life after the events ofAvatar: The Last Airbender. The fact that she is a villain who has so many possible storylines available to her is evidence enough that a focused spin-off series dedicated to her could be a compelling and intriguing viewing experience for anime fans.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
6Gus Fring
Excelling as one ofthe most arresting villains television has ever seen, Gustavo Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) makes an immediate and lasting impact with his cold, calculating menace, unflustered demeanor, and his underlying sense of ruthlessness. After being introduced inBreaking Bad’s second season, he went on to be Walter White’s (Bryan Cranston) greatest adversary through Seasons 3 and 4. His influence and meticulous planning are only further explored throughout the spin-off,Better Call Saul.
WhileVince Gilligan, who created bothBreaking BadandBetter Call Saul, has been outspoken on his stance that he will not do any more projects related to the story world, if his stance were to change, thena true character study and backstory exploration of Gus Fring would be sure to enchant the masses. Given the character’s immense popularity and lingering questions pertaining to his past and his rise up the ranks of organized crime, the potential for another nuanced and engagingBreaking Badspin-off is impossible to deny.
Breaking Bad
5Arthur Mitchell, aka The Trinity Killer
‘Dexter’ (2006–2013)
In many respects,Dexterwas somewhat prescient of society’s macabre interest in serial killers that runs rampant today. While the hit series’ wicked indulgence in Dexter’s (Michael C. Hall) antihero antics, the creators could go another step closer to the depravity and serial killer drama by launching a spin-off that focuses on the crimes and close-calls of Dexter’s most viscerally striking adversary, Arthur Mitchell (John Lithgow), also known as the Trinity Killer.
Granted, such an endeavor would face the imposing obstacle of making a being of brutal and unrestrained evil appeal to audiences, but it is something that could be executed to compelling and heart-stopping effect. Without humanizing the vile villain, a spin-off series—or even a miniseries—delving into his past and how such violent monsters are molded through their childhood experiencescould provide a confronting yet captivating character study into one of the most heinous antagonists television has ever seen. Given the renewed interest in the characterswith the success ofDexter: Resurrection, it is a spin-off series that has some merit in being made, despite more than 15 years having elapsed since the character’s prominence inDexter’s fourth season.
4The Master
‘Doctor Who’ (1963–)
Ever since the premiere ofDoctor Whoway back in 1963, the series has been a staple of television entertainment, an alluring cult hit of sci-fi adventure that has been blessed with the ability to systematically reinvent itself every time a new star enters the frayto portray a new iteration of the Doctor. While the series has generated some semi-successful spin-offs—with titles likeTorchwoodandThe Sarah Jane Adventuresbeing the most notable—the show has perhaps missed a golden opportunity to expand by focusing on the Doctor’s archnemesis, the Master.
Imbued with the same time-traveling abilities and a similar intellect as the Doctor, the Master—or “Missy” in female renditions of the character—is typically defined by a maniacal desire to dominate and conquer the universe. An attempt to make a series from the Master’s point of view—especially once separated from any previousDoctor Whoactors’ tenures—could bring a new perspective to the series’ complex and wondrous setting while delving into the evil depthsof what is one of television’s most iconic antagonists.
Doctor Who
3Reva Sevander
‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ (2022)
Obi-Wan Kenobiwasa foray into theStar Warsuniverse from Disneythat was both unnecessary and wasteful, an eye-catching title that hooked viewers, then did far too little with its characters and story. One of its most egregious faults is how it introduced the Imperial Inquisitor Reva Sevander (Moses Ingram) only to then waste her with an uncertain and inconsistent redemptive arc, undefined motivations, and a lack of confidence in where she should stand against other established villains like Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen).
While many would understandably be of the opinion that there are too many DisneyStar Warsspin-offs already,a more in-depth focus on Reva, possibly with a darker and more mature mood, could make for one of the bestand most compelling titles in the franchise since Disney took over. Few would deny that Reva is an intriguing character, being a key figure of the Empire yet having a sympathetic edge to her as well. Whether it was a redemption arc, a descent into conviction and evil, or a continuation of her quest for revenge, a potential Reva Sevander series is rife with possibilities that suggest such an endeavor could be worthwhile.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
2Tywin Lannister
‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)
WhileGame of Thronescame to a disastrous ending that led many to think its staying power as a franchise had been diminished, the popularity ofHouse of the Dragonand widespread interest in additional spin-off projects can’t be denied. While the hit fantasy series has no shortage of great villains whose backstories and origins could be explored in scintillating detail, it is impossible to go pastTywin Lannister (Charles Dance) as the antagonist whose history would be most compelling to see brought to the screen.
Tywin may have only been a major figure in three of the series’ eight seasons, but his impact on the story and the audience is unforgettable. A masterful tactician who is as calculating as he is ruthless, his political prowess and decisiveness make him a ceaselessly captivating and commanding figure. However, as was proven through his surprising camaraderie with Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) when she, in disguise, serves as his cupbearer, Tywin also has a wry sense of humor, and even a certain sentiment for those he respects. It is easy to see a series following his ascent to being the major powerbroker of House Lannister, and his resulting influence over Westeros, soaring as another enthralling deep dive into the fantasy splendor and moral ambiguity the world ofGame of Throneshas to offer.
Game Of Thrones
1Ben Linus
‘Lost’ (2004–2012)
A true television phenomenon,Lostis one of the defining series of the 21st century, with its combination of mystery, sci-fi, horror, and character drama resulting in essential viewing as it follows the survivors of a plane crash stranded on an island plagued by strange and unusual events and rife with dark secrets. One of the series’ most compelling figures proves to be Ben Linus (Michael Emerson), who, introducedinLostSeason 2, starts out as the antagonistic leader of The Others who harbors a duplicitous and immoral affinity for the island and the power it endows him with.
While he does become more of an antihero as the series goes on, Linus would still be an intriguing villain to explore ina more concentrated spin-off series due to his moral complexity, his relationship with the island, and his intriguing past. Granted, it would be important to handle to return to Linus’ story in a way that doesn’t compromise the brilliantly complex design of his character or retread ground that was covered inLost, but seeing either his backstory explored in more detail or his continued story brought to life could make for a modern television hit and an all-time great spin-off series.
