Actor Troy McClure hosts “The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase” from the Museum of TV and Television. McClure explains that the FOX network approached the producers of “The Simpsons” about creating new shows to help fill holes in most of their lineup. The producers, however, were not up to the task. Instead, they created three spin-offs, transplanting characters from the show into new locales and situations. The first of the spin-offs features Chief Wiggum as a New Orleans detective, and Principal Skinner as his street-wise sidekick, Skinny Boy, in “Chief Wiggum, P.I.” The plot finds Wiggum’s son, Ralph, being kidnapped by a villainous Cajun named Big Daddy. Wiggum and Skinner track Big Daddy to a Mardi Gras parade on Bourbon Street. A fan boat chase ensues on a bayou, leading Wiggum and Skinner to the (stolen) Louisiana Governor’s mansion. Big Daddy hurls Ralph at Wiggum and makes his escape.

The second spin-off features Moe and Abe Simpson in the situation comedy, “The Love-Matic Grampa.” As explained in the opening credits, Grampa’s soul got lost on the way to heaven. His spirit inhabits a love-tester in Moe’s bar, from which he dispenses romantic advice. As the plot unfolds, a brassy blond named Betty enters the bar. With some coaching from Grampa, Moe lands a dinner date with Betty at a fancy restaurant. Still lacking confidence, Moe lugs the Love Tester into the restaurant’s men’s room. Betty, however, discovers the truth about the love-tester. She tells Moe she loves him all the more for going to so much trouble—and gives him a kiss.

The third spin-off features the entire Simpson clan (save the original Lisa, who refused to participate) in “The Simpson Family Smile-Time Variety Hour.” The family appears in a series of musical-comedy skits, and are joined by special guest Tim Conway. In one skit, the Simpsons portray a clan of beavers; in another, they appear as 1950s teeny-boppers. Later, Troy McClure gives a sneak preview of what’s on tap for Season Nine of “The Simpsons.”