Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Does What MCU and DCU TV Still Can’t

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Get ready for more monster action! The popular series, which expands the world of giant creatures from the films, is back for a second season on Apple TV+. It follows the secret organization Monarch and their battles against Apex Cybernetics. Season 2 starts February 25th and promises even bigger fights and thrilling adventures.

The MonsterVerse isn’t the only shared cinematic universe, and it’s actually smaller than giants like the Marvel and DC universes. While it might not reach the same level of popularity as those superhero worlds, the new series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters could help it grow.

The MonsterVerse Has the Best Worldbuilding Thanks to Monarch

Unlike the Marvel and DC cinematic universes, the Apple TV+ series Monarch is a compelling television extension of a larger world established in films. It’s not only a well-crafted and emotionally resonant story, but it also cleverly expands the MonsterVerse, enriching the overall universe instead of introducing confusing new problems.

The Monarch: Legacy of Monsters series is bringing the Godzilla and Kong franchise together in a way that feels more unified than ever before. It skillfully fills in the gaps between films like Kong: Skull Island and Godzilla, which were previously linked only by existing in the same universe. Monarch shows us the hidden events and organization that actually tie these stories together, revealing what happened behind the scenes.

What’s truly impressive about Monarch is that it avoids a common pitfall of many shared universes. Often, these franchises struggle to connect their TV shows and movies effectively – either the shows feel completely disconnected, or they’re overloaded with references that alienate new viewers. Monarch manages to strike a perfect balance, making the series enjoyable for both newcomers and dedicated fans of the MonsterVerse.

Despite decades of experience, Marvel and DC Comics haven’t consistently succeeded in keeping audiences engaged with their connected universes. Disney+’s Marvel shows, for example, initially drew large crowds, but viewership declined as the shows started to feel like required preparation for the main movies. Viewers preferred the self-contained stories over those heavily tied to the broader, ongoing narrative.

The DC Universe is just getting started, and it’s already showing some of the same problems. Currently, only two series exist within James Gunn’s DCU, and while fans have enjoyed them both, they sometimes prioritize connections to the broader franchise over telling strong, individual stories. The DCU is currently doing better than Marvel in this regard, but it needs to avoid making the same mistake of overemphasizing connections to a larger universe.

What Can Marvel and DC Learn From Monarch: Legacy of Monsters?

Both Marvel and DC could benefit from looking at what Apple TV+’s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters does well. The show delivers the large-scale action and impressive visuals audiences expect from superhero stories, but importantly, it prioritizes a strong narrative too.

Even without the other MonsterVerse films, this is a fantastic TV series. It stands on its own because the story isn’t dependent on connections to a larger cinematic universe. The show delivers the exciting monster battles fans expect, but also thoughtfully explores the personal lives and struggles of its characters. While the movies often fall short in this area, Monarch successfully makes viewers invested in the human side of the story.

The success of Monarch comes down to its engaging story and memorable characters. Viewers are eagerly anticipating season two, and the show’s popularity has allowed its creators to expand the storyline beyond what they initially envisioned. If it maintains the quality of its first season, Monarch will likely remain a highlight of the MonsterVerse.

Many shared universes could learn from Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. What makes it great is that it stands on its own, rather than constantly depending on connections to major plots or appearances by famous characters. It’s one of the best TV spin-offs ever made, and other franchises should take note of its approach.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 premieres on February 25, exclusively on Apple TV+.

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2026-02-16 19:07