Amanda Dirpes | Writer
February 21, 2023
In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in spin-off miniseries across various television networks and streaming platforms. Driven by several factors, this trend chiefly depends on the success of existing franchises, the changing nature of TV consumption habits, and the desire for studios to capitalize on existing intellectual property.
This influx of spin-off miniseries heavily profits off of existing, accomplished franchises. Movies and books including The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and The Karate Kid have all proven to be huge hits with audiences, spawning spin-offs that expand on the existing universe of those shows. For example, The Karate Kid spin-off, Cobra Kai, has been praised by critics and fans alike for its comedic and action-packed storytelling, as well as its nostalgic characters.
Another factor majorly contributing to the rise of spin-off miniseries is the changing nature of TV consumption habits. With the advent of streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, viewers are now able to binge-watch entire seasons or series in one sitting. This has created a demand for more content, and spin-off miniseries provide a way for studios to meet that demand without having to create an entirely new show from scratch.
Studios are also looking to capitalize on existing intellectual property by creating spin-offs that draw on the established fanbase of an existing franchise. This is particularly true in the realm of comic book adaptations, where studios like Marvel and DC are able to leverage their massive libraries of characters and stories to create new spin-off miniseries that appeal to fans of the original comics.
“I was very excited to see Disney + come out with WandaVision. The Scarlet Witch is my favorite Marvel character. The series allowed me to follow what happened to her after the end of the Infinity Saga,” senior Kaelynn Graham expressed.
This also applies to the Star Wars franchise, as the streaming platform, Disney +, has released a multitude of binge-worthy shows which take place in the intergalactic universe such as The Mandalorian, Boba Fett, and the Kenobi series.
“Picking a favorite Disney + Star Wars original would be difficult, but The Mandalorian is definitely up there. I grew up with the franchise and the fact that Disney continues to produce profitable content based on it speaks volumes to the dedication of its fans,” senior Max Norton noted.
Although these ventures please fans, one must ask themselves the question: is creativity still valued? Are creators and writers running out of original ideas? These mini-series, though profitable, do not sit well with some fans, as they are seen as cash-grabs rather than thoughtful stories.
Overall, the rise of spin-off miniseries can be attributed to a number of factors, including the success of existing franchises, changing TV consumption habits, and the desire for studios to capitalize on existing intellectual property. As audiences continue to demand more content and studios look for ways to satisfy that demand, it’s likely that we’ll see even more spin-offs in the years to come. A new mini-series seems inevitable, but it may be difficult to predict when studies will release something fresh.
i wish they’d stop cancelling indie shows over reboots and sequels and spinoffs of stuff that’s been around for years. rip infinity train
the cartoon industry has been really bad about cancelling stuff early when it’s on streaming services. there was that whole scandal with hbo max where a ton of archived cartoons were taken down and basically became lost media overnight