4 Years Ago, Apple TV’s First Sci-Fi Shared Universe Made The Decision That Changed It Forever

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Apple TV+’s growing science fiction universe started with a crucial decision made four years ago. Unlike some streaming services that prioritize quantity, Apple TV+ has gained a reputation for releasing fewer shows, but focusing intensely on their quality – and so far, that strategy is proving successful.

Apple TV is home to popular and award-winning shows like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show. It also offers a strong selection of genre television, especially science fiction. With new series like the upcoming Neuromancer adaptation on the way, Apple TV is expanding its sci-fi offerings. But the platform’s first attempt at a connected sci-fi universe hinges on a single key choice.

A Casting Decision Gave Apple TV Its First Sci-Fi Shared Universe

Season 2 of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters premieres on Apple TV on February 27th. The show takes place within the Monsterverse, and will help Apple TV create a fully connected universe of shows. Following a strong first season, a spin-off series centering around Colonel Lee Shaw, played by Wyatt Russell, is also being developed.

I really enjoyed Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, but honestly, one of the coolest things about the show was the casting of Kurt and Wyatt Russell as Lee Shaw. They played the older and younger versions of the same character, and it was amazing how much they looked and acted alike! It really helped keep the character feeling consistent, no matter which timeline you were watching.

Lee Shaw quickly became a standout character in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, arguably the best one. The cast had great chemistry, and Wyatt Russell’s portrayal of Lee, showing his evolution over time, was the highlight of the season. Because of this, Apple TV’s decision to cast him in July 2022 proved crucial, as Lee Shaw’s popularity sparked a spinoff and the potential for a larger, interconnected sci-fi television universe.

How Apple TV’s Upcoming Sci-Fi Series Can Top Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters

Even though fans are looking forward to season 2 of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which will feature a new Titan called Titan X, the upcoming Apple TV+ spinoff might actually be even more compelling than the original series. The strongest part of Monarch was watching the relationship between Lee Shaw, Bill Randa, and Keiko Miura develop and evolve over time.

The new series reveals important information about the Titans and their history. It continues the story with Wyatt Russell as Lee Shaw, and focuses on a thrilling mission: Shaw goes undercover in 1984 to prevent the Soviets from gaining an advantage in the Cold War by weaponizing a Titan. This offers a new and exciting direction for the sci-fi franchise.

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2026-02-03 23:40