Major TV networks have had a hard time building successful new franchises in the last few years, with some high-profile flops and a few expensive failures.To help offset this, they’ve increasingly begun to follow the model of their big-screen counterparts, with sequels, spinoffs, remakes and retreads of familiar films, TV series and established properties. The hope is that, in addition to the people who tune in because the ad looks good, they’ll also get the dedicated fan base of the source material, effectively giving them viewers with a built-in investment to the show.That’s translated to some success with series like Bates Motel and Hannibal and led to networks exploring properties like Zombieland and Heroes for new series. DC Entertainment and Marvel Studios have jumped in with Arrow, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and The Flash, as well, with both promising more to come. And of course, Under the Dome has been an unexpected summer hit. The series, originally planned as a season-long maxiseries based on Stephen King’s novel, was recently renewed for a second season and will continue at least one more year.
