7 TV show franchises that will never have the perfect replacement 

Aashna
7 TV show franchises that will never have the perfect replacement (Images via Instagram/@outlander_starz, @gameofthrones, @downtonabbey_official and @startrek)
7 TV show franchises that will never have the perfect replacement (Images via Instagram/@outlander_starz, @gameofthrones, @downtonabbey_official and @startrek)

From reboots and revivals to spin-offs and legacy sequels, every major TV show franchise eventually faces the question of replacement. But some TV show universes are so deeply rooted in their original vision that no successor can truly fill the void they leave behind. Some up-and-coming franchises or reboots might try to mimic their formula or storytelling techniques but some fictional universes refuse to be replaced or remodeled.

These franchises don’t need a replacement; they need to be remembered as cultural milestones. Here are seven TV show franchises that will never have the perfect replacement.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the author's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.


Here are 7 TV show franchises that will never have a replacement

Peaky Blinders (Image via Instagram/@peakyblinders)
Peaky Blinders (Image via Instagram/@peakyblinders)

Peaky Blinders

Steven Knight's crime drama series starring Cillian Murphy went from a small Irish production to one of the biggest hits in the gangster genre. Across its six-season run, the show follows the rise of the Peaky Blinders, the real-life gang from Birmingham in the 1880s. Oscar-winning actor Murphy plays Tommy Shelby, the ruthless and strategic leader of the titular pack, who will reprise his character in the upcoming film, The Immortal Man.

Why Peaky Blinders will never have a replacement: Knight's TV show managed to master the gangster crime genre on the small screen, which was already dominated by The Godfather trilogy. Peaky Blinders is not just a show but a cultural phenomenon that took over fans across the globe. Its cinematography, acting, and narrative are hard to match for any other TV franchise.


Stranger Things

Stranger Things (Image via Instagram/@strangerthingstv)
Stranger Things (Image via Instagram/@strangerthingstv)

The Duffer brothers' sci-fi saga, which recently wrapped its five-season run on Netflix, deserves a shining spot on this list. The show follows a group of four young D&D-playing nerds on bikes who navigate strange happenings and monsters in their town of Hawkins.

Why Stranger Things will never have a replacement: The TV show combines nostalgia and genre storytelling with emotional sincerity. The show is anchored through heartwarming coming-of-age tales and wholesome friendships. In an era of fast streaming, Hawkins gang will always be a comfort group and the show will be irreplaceable in every fan's heart.


The One Chicago franchise

NBC's One Chicago franchise, comprising Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D., has been an important part of the television for over a decade. The TV show follows the personal and professional lives of the first responders in the Windy City.

Why the One Chicago franchise will never have a replacement: The One Chicago franchise operates on a weekly procedural format and has something for everyone. All three TV shows prove that honest storytelling, authentic narratives, and relatable characters resonate with audiences, making it one of the most iconic franchises on the small screen. Even though we live in the age of fast-paced streaming, the One Chicago franchise continues to unite families in front of the television with every new season’s release.


Outlander

Outlander (Image via Instagram/@outlander_starz)
Outlander (Image via Instagram/@outlander_starz)

This Starz historical romance show is based on Diana Gabaldon's book series, which follows the story of a WWII nurse who accidentally time-travels to 18th-century Scotland and falls in love with a kind Highlander.

Why Outlander will never have a replacement: The TV show has a niche audience, but it stands out as one of the rare shows that effortlessly weaves time travel, period drama, and romance into a compelling narrative. Additionally, Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan's chemistry remains one of its defining USPs.


Game of Thrones

HBO's first adaptation of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire hardly needs an introduction. The fantasy TV show is set on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos and follows a complex arc concerning the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms.

Why Game of Thrones will never have a replacement: Love it or hate it, even after the controversial opinions regarding the GOT series' finale, the franchise remains one of the most popular on the small screen. In addition to bringing Martin's fantastical world to life, Game of Thrones delighted seasoned fans of the fantasy genre in every way, from casting to cinematography.


Downton Abbey

This Masterpiece classic, created by Julian Fellowes, is set on the fictional Yorkshire country estate in the early 20th century. This series revolved around the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants. The TV show stars Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, and Maggie Smith in the lead roles.

Why Downton Abbey will never have a replacement: With countless historical dramas flocking to the small screen every year, Downton Abbey remains iconic. Across six seasons, five specials, and three feature films, the Crawley family taught us the ways of the British aristocracy. While modern shows like The Gilded Age and Bridgerton have tried to recreate this magic, Downton Abbey continues to stand apart in a class of its own.


Star Trek

The biggest sci-fi franchise of the small screen certainly deserves a spot on this list. Gene Roddenberry's pop cultural phenomenon began with the Star Trek: The Original Series TV show in 1966, which eventually expanded to film franchises, comic books, and even theme parks.

Why Star Trek will never have a replacement: While Star Trek is one of the most financially successful sci-fi franchises of all time, it remains iconic because of its loyal fandom, who hold conventions and nerd out about the fictional world created in the franchise. Star Trek has now attained a classic and timeless status in entertainment. While upcoming sci-fi franchises may attempt to replicate its formula, none are likely to match the scale of its collective cultural frenzy.


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Edited by Aashna