One of my other favourite shows, Major Crimes, was a spinoff of a show called The Closer. They swapped out the lead actress, but the rest of the show stayed functionally the same. There was a whole “adjusting to new dynamics, team members” etc subplot, but the core of the show was the same. I think this would’ve worked really well after The Mentalist’s transition to the FBI; the show became softer and more gentle post RJ, adjusting to Abbott, Jane and Lisbon’s relationship dynamic (even her not being his boss), the new team members. I think it would’ve worked so well, and maybe gotten more than just the one season, if it was its own similar but different show, idk? Thoughts?

Also I’m new to this sub and so excited to see it’s so active for an older show. The Major Crimes one I was in died out shortly after the show ended so I’m glad to see TM still chugging along 🫶🏻