Television in the era of sprawling franchises
Small, intimate series often struggle to compete as streaming platforms chase expansive sagas. Recent mini-series have shown moments of brilliance, yet the bigger strategy dominates: extend a single idea across many titles to maximize reach. Major players like Disney lean on their production behemoths, with Marvel and Star Wars leading the charge, but other studios have adopted a similar path. In Disney’s universe, franchise-derived games can evolve into their own genres, and while Ahsoka has concluded, Loki released new adventures, with a continual stream of projects hovering in the air.
In the broader market, the same dynamics apply to rival franchises. Star Trek has expanded to eleven ongoing series, with more on the way. DC, meanwhile, is positioning its titles for a future shaped by comic-book inspired ideas and the leadership of James Gunn over the company’s audiovisual slate. In fantasy television, HBO’s strategy centers on a cluster of Game of Thrones projects as it shifts its focus to Max. Despite cancellations, developments continue to unfold, and the leading figure is often the one who steps into the spotlight, exemplified by Jon Snow’s evolving role.
The Walking Dead universe persists with new installments, branding itself around familiar heroes, yet it struggles to recapture the cultural imprint of the flagship run. The latest chapter followed Daryl Dixon, while fans await new York-based entries featuring Negan and inquiries about Rick Grimes’ cinematic future.
Spin-offs are a familiar tool, typically reserved for major successes, yet any potential sequel in the current climate can still appear. Netflix has signaled interest in expanding comic-inspired properties into series, though not without bumps. Mark Millar’s projects have tested independence from Marvel and DC, with Jupiter’s Legacy faltering yet keeping doors open for potential continuations. Animated takes like Super Hustlers offered a fresh perspective from villains’ viewpoints, garnering a warmer reception than the parent show but facing sustainability questions as a whole.
Not every project or venture centers on superheroes or fantasy. Some series embrace grounded drama and human stories. Yellowstone stands out as a flagship example, spawning prequels that map the generations of the Dutton family. Early entries like 1883 and 1923, featuring Sam Elliott and Harrison Ford, have joined the catalog on platforms such as Sky ShowTime, as the series Mother with Kevin Costner expands to five seasons. The world of Yellowstone promises more chapters, including upcoming installments set in the forties and sixties of the last century. After Costner’s departure, a Yellowstone sequel titled 6666 is in development with Matthew McConaughey as a leading star. Taylor Sheridan directs this sprawling universe, guiding additional projects like the prison drama Kingstown and the gangster series Tulsa King, with Sylvester Stallone involved. Sheridan’s footprint extends to future productions, and the contemporary drama Lioness explores espionage against a terrorism backdrop, featuring a strong cast including Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldana.
Showtime’s prestige lineup continues to expand with Billions, whose seventh season marks a turning point in a saga about high finance. Four additional projects are in motion: a Miami-set entry, a London arc, and two stories focusing on money, power, and risk. The same network keeps stirring the pot around Dexter, with a possibility of a prequel exploring the early days of the infamous killer, and chatter about a new season of Blood and Truth that would resolve long-standing questions. A shift toward character-centered narratives remains evident, with a spotlight on ensemble stories like Three, which delivered one of the series’ strongest seasons.
Among notable creators, Ryan Murphy’s FX slate remains prolific. His American stories family—American Horror Story, American Crime Story, and related titles—continues to evolve, with producer-driven collaborations shifting between networks and streaming services. The strategy leans toward broad, anthology-like formats that can illuminate different facets of American life, while maintaining a signature tone that audiences recognize and anticipate.
Beyond the superhero and fantasy tracks, the industry frequently returns to procedural and ensemble formats. The enduring appeal of CSI, NCIS, and the broader Dick Wolf universe keeps networks invested in a stable of related dramas, ranging from firefighters to doctors to lawyers. Before launching a new series, networks often map out watch orders and cross-series connections to help audiences navigate a growing, interconnected TV landscape.
As the landscape evolves, it remains essential for viewers to track which titles belong to the same universe, and in what sequence they should be watched to savor the overarching arcs. This approach helps fans follow character journeys across multiple installments while staying engaged with new entries meant to expand the franchise’s mythology.
Sources: industry coverage and public announcements through 2025 updates. For context, most strategic planning emphasizes cross-title storytelling, global audiences, and the long-term value of recognizable IP. Critics and audiences alike watch closely to gauge whether these expansions deliver genuine momentum or simply broaden the catalog for the sake of volume. Attribution: entertainment industry reports and press materials.