Cinematic shared universes are not just limited to movies; television has also seen its fair share of successful interconnected franchises. From crime dramas to supernatural fantasies, these TV universes have captivated audiences and expanded their worlds with multiple spinoffs. Here are the top 10 best television universes, ranked.
10. One Chicago Universe Starting with Chicago Fire, the One Chicago Universe quickly gained popularity among drama enthusiasts. Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med followed suit, creating a sensation in a short span of time. With crossovers to other successful series like Law & Order: SVU, this universe continues to grow.
9. Power Rangers Universe Although not as prominent as it was in the ’90s, the Power Rangers universe boasts a dedicated fanbase. With twenty-seven shows, movies, and video games, this action-packed franchise is expansive and interconnected.
8. Law & Order-Verse Law & Order set the precedent for procedural crime dramas when it first aired in 1990. With two ongoing shows and more rumored to be in development, this franchise remains culturally significant.
7. CSI Universe Focused on the work of forensic specialists, the CSI Universe explores the scientific side of crime-solving. From CSI: Crime Scene Investigation to CSI: Miami and CSI: New York, this franchise offers formulaic yet compelling storytelling.
6. Buffyverse While not as expansive as others, the Buffyverse remains iconic in the fantasy genre. Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spinoff Angel have loyal fanbases and continue to be cherished by audiences.
5. NCIS Universe Known for its unique military procedural format, the NCIS Universe began with the show JAG in the ’90s. With successful spinoffs like NCIS: Los Angeles and Hawaii: Five-O, this franchise has mastered the art of crossovers.
4. The Vampire Diaries Universe The Vampire Diaries paved the way for new-age fantasy shows in the 2010s. Its spinoff, The Originals, added depth to the universe, and Legacies targeted a younger audience while expanding the lore.
3. The Walking Dead Franchise As the most popular horror franchise on TV, The Walking Dead universe began with a gripping post-apocalyptic plot and has since expanded into multiple successful spinoffs.
2. Arrowverse DC heroes and storylines come together in the Arrowverse. With series like DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and The Flash, this interconnected universe has pleased comic book fans worldwide.
1. Star Trek Universe The most expansive and beloved science fiction universe, Star Trek, has shaped pop culture since the ’90s. With numerous movies, live-action TV series, and animated shows, it continues to be a cornerstone of the sci-fi genre.
These television universes have left a lasting impact on pop culture, offering diverse storytelling and captivating characters. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas, supernatural fantasies, or sci-fi adventures, these interconnected franchises have something for everyone.
