5 Lessons Marvel Television Should Learn for the Next Phase of Disney+ | Analysis

The finale of "VisionQuest" marks the close of a five-year experiment by Marvel Television on Disney+. In these years, Marvel produced more content for streaming than fans could easily keep track of, often disregarding conventional television wisdom. However, does "VisionQuest" signal that Marvel Television is learning its lesson?

"Chasing the movies is tough, I've learned," said a Marvel Television insider. The transition from movies to television requires more people, writers, and collaboration. The first stretch of Marvel TV on Disney+ - from "WandaVision" in 2021 to "Born Again" finale in 2027 - saw some highs and lows, with inconsistent viewership, infrequent renewals, and repeated backtracking.

Disney+’s live-action television era began with great anticipation, but quickly faltered, resulting in an inconsistent experience. Marvel’s live-action shows were designed to interweave with the films, but the post-production flexibility of films doesn’t translate well to TV. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige took over control of Marvel TV from Jeph Loeb, aiming to create grand and interconnected TV shows akin to the movies.

However, this endeavor was only partly successful. While the Infinity Saga felt like a well-oiled machine, the Multiverse Saga felt clunkier and more laborious, with Marvel Studios unable to fully embrace the unique nature of television. As Marvel looks ahead to the X-Men and Ghost Rider in film, Marvel Television has announced its first live-action series after "Secret Wars," a spy thriller called "Zodiac."

This marks a new era for Marvel TV, overseen by Brad Winderbaum and less connected to the films. Lessons for Winderbaum and the team include letting television be television, investing in passionate showrunners, and avoiding excessive reliance on the cinematic canon.