5 MCU TV show crossovers that were absolutely necessary

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) began with a bold idea. It aimed to link many stories across movies & television and build a world where characters could cross paths in exciting ways. This vision made room for crossovers that felt fresh and surprising. Moreover, it gave fans a chance to see heroes from different projects come together in one shared universe.

The MCU has united a great number of favorite characters through crossover events that have transformed the storylines eternally. For example, WandaVision's crossover into Doctor Strange's sequel is considered significant. Such crossovers showed the strength of the storytelling that connects the MCU. This article will display 5 MCU TV show crossovers that were necessary.

The list below shows 5 MCU TV show crossovers that were absolutely necessary:

1. Winter Soldier's real-time connection

Turn Turn Turn episode | Image via Disney+

The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. episode 'Turn, Turn, Turn' served as a feature-length epilogue to Captain America: The Winter Soldier. This crossover occurred barely a few days after the movie's premiere. Agent Phil Coulson's team experienced the chaos that unfolded in the MCU film. Hydra's infiltration within SHIELD became the focus of the television show.

This big revelation has pitted characters against one another. Brett Dalton introduced Grant Ward as a Hydra member in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the concluding part, Samuel L. Jackson, featuring Nick Fury, proved the events of the movie. This crossover fundamentally affected the foundation of SHIELD in the future.

2. The Defenders assembled

The crossover miniseries The Defenders on Netflix brought four MCU heroes together. Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist joined together to deal with the criminal gang known as the Hand. Each hero had their own individual series first before teaming up. Matt Murdock served as Jessica Jones' lawyer initially before realizing the greater danger.

Other MCU characters who joined this greater menace were Luke Cage and Iron Fist. The supporting characters freely transferred across the MCU series to create continuity.

3. WandaVision in Doctor Strange sequel

WandaVision in Doctor Strange 2 | Image via Hotstar

The Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in the MCU was directly established in WandaVision. Wanda discovered information about the Darkhold and recognized her true abilities as the Scarlet Witch. Her plot in the MCU television show became critical in interpreting the film. Elizabeth Olsen returned to play Wanda, continuing her experiences in both mediums.

Her children existed in alternate dimensions within the MCU. The viewer would not know her motivations without watching the television show. This MCU crossover made it clear to us how crucial Disney+ content is to the movie experience.

4. Hawkeye reveals Kingpin's return

Hawkeye cast Vincent D'Onofrio as Kingpin. This unveiling introduced the Netflix Daredevil show into the wider MCU universe. Kingpin appeared as the hidden mastermind behind several criminal plots. His presence in this show created enormous excitement among fans. Eleanor Bishop worked with Kingpin to hire an assassin in the series.

This motion picture association officially added the Netflix series to the MCU canon. Kingpin's appearance in Hawkeye led to his inclusion in further Daredevil films. The television reveal was necessary to establish his MCU comeback.

5. Multiverse fracture started with Loki

The multiverse-splitting notion was introduced in the Disney+ MCU series Loki. This TV event is directly related to the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Sylvie's actions in the MCU led to the disintegration of the holy timeline. Multiple universes began clashing as a direct result of the Loki series' conclusion.

The Spider-Man movie could not have worked without this television setup. Tom Holland's film featured villains from alternate universes because of the MCU show. This television crossover across multiple films became essential viewing. The MCU's multiverse rules changed because of Loki.