Here's Why Marvel's ABC & Netflix Shows Are So Different
With most of Marvel Television's outputs split between ABC, Netflix, and - as of next year's [...]
With most of Marvel Television's outputs split between ABC, Netflix, and - as of next year's release of Cloak and Dagger and New Warriors - Freeform, fans don't have to look far to find some sort of Marvel related programming. But according to ABC President Channing Dungey, there is a very good reason for the various properties to be released through different platforms and networks.
While speaking at ABC's Television Critics Association presentation, Dungey argued that keeping the shows on different networks allows for the best, most distinct stories to be told on each platform.
"Look, I am a fan of the Marvel shows," Dungey revealed, "and I think that some of what they are doing the work on Netflix is fantastic. The tone and the style of some of the Netflix shows, it's not a very ABC tone or style. I don't think that those shows would work as well on our air as they do work at Netflix, and I think that the right home for those shows is there."
With some praising the Netflix side of the MCU - such as the upcoming The Defenders miniseries - for taking more creative risks, Dungey believes that ABC's outputs have begun to catch up - albeit while telling a more episodic story.
"For those of you who are fans of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," Dungey explained, "that show has continued to grow creatively every season, and I feel like last season, Season 4, was its strongest creatively yet. I am very excited for what we have planned for Season 5."
While both The Defenders and Marvel's Inhumans are set to debut within the next month, Marvel Television shows no signs of slowing down. ABC's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Netflix's The Punisher are set to debut later this year, with many more new seasons and premieres on track for 2018.
The fifth season of Marvel's Agents of SHIELD will debut this coming Winter, consist of 22 episodes, and is shifting from Tuesday to Friday nights and airing at 9 p.m -- taking over The Inhumans timeslot.
