Marvel Studios has unveiled its future strategy for Marvel television, shifting away from the one-and-done season format. Instead, they are focusing on a more traditional TV approach, aiming to produce shows that can last multiple seasons. This change reflects a desire to keep characters in the spotlight for longer periods of time, aligning with the classic television model.
The fate of several Marvel Studios projects was recently discussed by Brad Winderbaum, who heads the television division at Marvel Studios. While Kevin Feige oversees the broader scope of Marvel, including films, some duties have been divided to prevent being stretched too thin. Winderbaum’s focus is primarily on the TV side of things, which helps address some of the issues that have emerged since “Avengers: Endgame,” where certain projects have not met fan expectations.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Winderbaum explained why Marvel has been hesitant to renew or continue specific series and outlined their plans moving forward. He stated, “We are thinking about television really more like traditional television where you could last multiple seasons, where we can see characters brew in the culture hopefully for many years.”
This new strategy is evident in shows like “Daredevil,” “Ms. Marvel,” “Moon Knight,” and “Hawkeye.” These are examples of series that Marvel intends to continue for more than one season, partly because they are less expensive to produce and have received positive feedback from fans. Unlike some of the limited series that were originally pitched as one-offs, these characters are seen as valuable assets that Marvel wants to keep in the spotlight.
🎯 Exciting news for Hawkeye fans! 'Hawkeye' Season 2 is reportedly in the works at Marvel Studios! 🏹 Are you ready for more action with Clint and Kate? Let us know what you hope to see in the next season! 👀 #Hawkeye #MarvelStudios #MCU
— Guardians of the Fandom (@GuardiansFandom) September 6, 2024
(via https://t.co/QH5mbWzGca) pic.twitter.com/08ObfbzGMK
Essentially, Marvel is returning to the old TV model because creating a limited series focused on a character, investing heavily in research and development, and then ending it after one season is not cost-effective. Both Marvel and the broader entertainment industry have recognized that if done correctly, the traditional TV model can sustain a series for years. A prime example of this success is “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” which ran for nearly a decade.
While there is still a place for limited series in the Marvel lineup, the new approach emphasizes the need for characters to maintain a presence in pop culture beyond sporadic appearances every few years. This shift is expected to bring longevity and consistency to Marvel’s TV offerings. However, we will have to wait to see which shows Marvel decides to renew for additional seasons. There are strong rumors that many fan-favorite shows are likely to receive follow-up seasons.
This new direction from Marvel Studios reflects a strategic pivot towards building a sustainable television universe that keeps fans engaged over the long term. By embracing traditional TV models, Marvel aims to create enduring series that keep their beloved characters active and relevant in the cultural landscape.