Do you need to watch The Terminal List before Dark Wolf? Chronological order of the Prime Video franchise, explained

The Terminal List has been Prime Video's most iconic action-thriller franchise, but with the release of The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, the prequel show, everyone is wondering if you even need to watch The Terminal List before that. It's a question that does make sense!

Each time prequels and sequels come along, everyone wants to know if there is actually some proper way of watching the shows. The short answer in this case is: no, you don't need to see The Terminal List first. Because Dark Wolf is a prequel, action happens years ago and shines a light on Ben Edwards' history.

But your preference, by release-date or chronological order, will slightly alter the tone of the story. Let's get down to business, dissect the timeline on how to watch this developing franchise!

What is The Terminal List?

The Terminal List is an action-drama television series based on Jack Carr's novel of the same title. It premiered in July 2022 and revolves around James Reece, the commander of a Navy SEAL portrayed by Chris Pratt, whose team is ambushed during a secret operation.

When the operation fails, Reece finds that there exists a conspiracy far more insidious than within the battle area, and he embarks on a vengeance-driven mission. One of the most prominent characters in the show is Ben Edwards, played by Taylor Kitsch. Well known initially as a faithful friend, the show takes a dramatic turn with his character.

Rebranding himself as Dark Wolf, he gets involved in some major developments that affect Reece and other characters of the show to a large extent. This makes him not only a show-stopper of The Terminal List but also Dark Wolf.

What is The Terminal List: Dark Wolf?

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, which premiered on August 27, 2025, on Amazon Prime Video, is a prequel spinoff that follows Ben Edwards’s origin story. Rather than James Reece being the main character, the plot reveals Edwards’s life as a Navy SEAL and how he became a CIA operative.

The prequel looks into why he did what he did later in The Terminal List, revealing the reasons for becoming a morally compromised, complicated character. Incidentally, Dark Wolf originated from the last scene of The Terminal List. That intense fight between Reece and Edwards left the producers with so much to inquire that they decided to solve them in a spin-off series.

Dark Wolf is more or less a continuation for die-hard fans and an introduction for new fans who want to begin from the starting point of the timeline.

Chronological order of the franchise

If you’re looking to watch The Terminal List franchise in chronological order, here’s how the timeline plays out:

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf (2025)

Covers Ben Edwards’s background as a SEAL and his recruitment into the CIA. Focuses on the choices and pressures that eventually led him to betray James Reece in the original series. Provides context on the darker side of his loyalty and motivations.

The Terminal List (2022)

Starts with James Reece's operation going awry and spiraling into his one-man quest for vengeance. Ben Edwards is integral to the conspiracy, his betrayal being a plot twist to the story.

Release order of the franchise

If you wish to watch the events portrayed in the shows as per the original design of the creators, you should start with The Terminal List and proceed with Dark Wolf.

The Terminal List (2022): Got viewers ready for Reece's tragedy and quest. The bewilderment that comes at the end of the series was caused by Ben Edwards' treachery, without showing his entire backstory.

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf (2025): Serves as a prequel that reveals what compelled Edwards to that turning point. Provides viewers with answers to the questions prompted by the initial series.

This is the benefit of following this order, as it retains suspense and can serve as a type of "fill-in-the-gaps" story after you have watched the 2022 series first.

How Dark Wolf is important to the franchise

The germ of Dark Wolf traces back to The Terminal List's narrative decisions. When Season 1 concluded, there were still questions regarding Edwards: Why did he go over? Was he motivated by loyalty, ambition, or survival? They were hanging questions that were so fascinating that the producers believed a prequel was warranted.

So, although The Terminal List is most deeply concerned with the war of James Reece, Dark Wolf is more concerned with Edwards. This balance widens out the franchise: it's not only the one-man vendetta but also about the difficult choices and politics around the lives of the soldiers.

Best viewing experience

The best viewing experience for the franchise overall is just what you want from it:

Chronological order provides you with a linear experience. You are introduced to Ben Edwards as a SEAL member, and then he introduces you to the universe of The Terminal List. It makes his betrayal feel unavoidable, like observing a tragedy in increments.

Release order provides suspense. You get to know Edwards first as a friend and then see him betray you without having any idea about the motives behind it. You learn about what drove him into this much later, in Dark Wolf.

Neither choice is terrible. Both are good, and both paint the entire picture of the story, just differently. You do not need to see The Terminal List before Dark Wolf, but if you do, then your mind will be changed about the characters.

Therefore, beginning with Dark Wolf provides you with context from the beginning, whereas beginning with The Terminal List provides you with a larger shock value and suspense.

Either is fine, the timeline is easy to follow, and plot is understandable, and it is up to you!