By MARLESSA STIVALA

COPY EDITOR

While modern television is not completely void of creativity, it is no secret that many networks are littered with remakes and adaptations of already-existing shows. Even if a show is not an exact replica of a previous show, familiar plot lines and characters often beg the question: Hasn’t this already been done? Of course, familiar television shows can sometimes feel this way for a reason — that is, in the case of a spinoff.

Spinoffs are always risky. Capitalizing on the success of a beloved show may seem like an ideal way to continue to enjoy both commercial and financial benefits, but it does not always work out this way. While both Frasier Crane and Joey Tribianni were both popular characters on “Cheers” and “Friends,” respectively, time proved that Frasier was a much more successful character outside the Boston bar where “everyone knows your name,” than Joey was without his fellow, well, “friends.”

Though “Frasier” and “Joey” each had different levels of success (if it was not evident enough from the former’s highly-rated 11-season, multi-Emmy-winning run versus the latter’s average two-season stint), both spinoffs did have the advantage of airing right after the shows off of which they were based ended.

So, what will happen now that “the powers that be” are currently working on resurrecting a beloved, nostalgic sitcom that has been off the air for 12 years and focuses on a completely new character? This premise either has the potential to be so crazy it just might work, or so far from the original that it will disappoint fans everywhere and prove to be a mistake.

What is the latest show being worked into a spinoff, you may wonder? One hint: Fe-fe-Feeeeny.

That is right. The major Disney buzz seems to revolve around the fact that a “Boy Meets World” sequel/spinoff is currently in the works. The title for this series is (ready for it?) “Girl Meets World” and will focus on Riley Matthews, the preteen daughter of Cory Matthews (Ben Savage, “Car Babes”) and Topanga Lawrence (Danielle Fishel, National Lampoon Presents Dorm Daze), aka one of television’s most iconic couples.

While everyone knows nothing could ever quite replace or recapture the original series, what makes this new series so promising is the fact that both Savage and Fishel are apparently in talks to reprise their most famous roles. Fishel herself even recently tweeted a cryptic yet encouraging message: “Just want you guys to know that @BenSavage and I have talked and we’ve decided…Thanksgiving is going to be delicious this year!”

If Savage and Fishel do officially sign on along with the original production team for “Girl Meets World,” this could lead to a good show (and if they do not, would Disney dare to replace them? That definitely would not end well).

Of course, a “Boy Meets World” sequel of any form would not feel right without Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong, Borderland), Eric Matthews (Will Friedle, “Batman Beyond”) and of course George Feeny (William Daniels, “Grey’s Anatomy”) along for the ride. Would a complete reunion of the original cast be too much to hope for?

What ultimately makes “Boy Meets World” such a timeless ’90s gem is the fact that its themes and lessons are relevant no matter what generation comes to appreciate its episodes and characters. The show was not about secretly being a pop star, spy or any of the other non-relatable plot lines that teen shows tend to focus on nowadays. It was about life: the honest, heartwarming and sometimes painful lessons of everyday life. Life is never easy, but, ultimately, one is never alone. As Cory said in the “Boy Meets World” series finale:

“Even though it will seem like the world’s going out of its way to teach you these hard lessons, you’re going to realize that it’s the same world that’s given you your family and friends… you’re going to come to believe that the world’s going to protect you. Boy meets world. Now I get it.”

Let’s hope “Girl Meets World” “gets it,” too.