Exploring the Best TV Show Prequels

Television prequels have emerged as an exciting and engaging way to delve deeper into the origins of beloved characters and the universes they inhabit. For fans of the original shows, these prequels offer a pleasurable viewing experience by unraveling the events that led up to the narratives they cherish. In this article, we will explore the top 10 TV show prequels that have not only captivated audiences but also enriched their understanding and appreciation of the characters and stories they came to love.

Table of Contents

1. Pennyworth (2019-2022)

Pennyworth is a prequel series to the acclaimed show Gotham, with a focus on the early life of Alfred Pennyworth, portrayed by Jack Bannon. For those who followed Gotham, this prequel provided a unique opportunity to delve into the in-depth character development of Alfred and uncover his intriguing backstory.

One of the standout qualities of Pennyworth lies in its ability to offer more depth and context to the main character’s origins. Viewers were treated to a glimpse of Alfred’s life before the events of Gotham, adding layers to a character they thought they already knew.

2. Fear the Walking Dead (2015-2022)

Fear the Walking Dead serves as a prequel to the immensely popular The Walking Dead series, immersing viewers in the early days of the zombie apocalypse as it unfolds in Los Angeles. This unique perspective on the collapse of society struck a chord with fans of The Walking Dead franchise.

For fans, the allure of Fear the Walking Dead lies in its fresh take on the apocalyptic world. It introduces new characters while unraveling the mysteries of how the outbreak began, answering long-standing questions from the original series and providing crucial context to the The Walking Dead universe.

3. Mixed-ish (2019-2021)

Mixed-ish serves as a prequel to the hit series Black-ish, focusing on the childhood of Rainbow Johnson, played by Arica Himmel. For fans of Black-ish, this prequel offered an opportunity to explore Rainbow’s backstory and witness her mixed-race family’s journey as they navigate the challenges of assimilation in a new neighborhood.

The show’s success can be attributed to its ability to address important issues of identity and race, much like its parent series. While Mixed-ish provided valuable context to Rainbow’s character, it managed to maintain the same level of entertainment, humor, and heart that made Black-ish beloved.

4. Young Sheldon (2017-)

Young Sheldon, premiering in 2017, serves as a prequel to the immensely popular The Big Bang Theory. The show focuses on the early years of Sheldon Cooper, portrayed by Iain Armitage, a brilliant but socially awkward physicist.

Fans of The Big Bang Theory find Young Sheldon captivating as it offers a deeper understanding of Sheldon’s character. It explores the origins of his idiosyncrasies and complex relationships while successfully capturing the essence of its parent series and offering a fresh perspective on Sheldon’s formative years.

5. The Carrie Diaries (2013-2014)

As the prequel to the iconic series Sex and the City, The Carrie Diaries transports viewers to the 1980s, immersing them in the teenage years of Carrie Bradshaw, portrayed by AnnaSophia Robb. The show delves into her high school experience in New York, her dreams of becoming a writer, and her early romances.

The Carrie Diaries is a beloved prequel for Sex and the City fans, offering a glimpse into Carrie’s formative years. It evokes nostalgia by capturing the spirit of its predecessor while retaining its original wit and charm, all while providing a fresh perspective on coming-of-age.

6. Star Trek: Discovery (2017-)

Star Trek: Discovery serves as a prequel to the iconic Star Trek: The Original Series, set approximately a decade before the events of the original series. The show follows the adventures of the USS Discovery as it explores new frontiers and encounters new species.

Fans of the original series appreciate Star Trek: Discovery for its modern and visually stunning take on the Star Trek universe. It delves deeper into the franchise’s history, adding layers of depth and context to the beloved Star Trek universe.

7. 1883 (2021-2022)

1883 represents the first prequel to Yellowstone, offering insights into the early history of the Dutton family and how they came to own the land that would become the Yellowstone Ranch. Set in the post-Civil War era, the show provides a compelling narrative of the Duttons’ journey to settle in Montana.

Fans of Yellowstone found 1883 to be a captivating prequel as it unveiled the backstory of the Dutton family, shedding light on their origins and the challenges they faced. The show retained the gripping drama and Western setting that fans loved about Yellowstone.

8. 1923 (2022-)

Not only does 1923 serve as the prequel to Yellowstone, but it also acts as a sequel to another Yellowstone prequel series, 1883. Set in 1923, the show explores the hardships faced by the Dutton family during the early stages of the Great Depression and the 1929 Stock Market Crash.

For many fans, 1923 surpasses Yellowstone in terms of quality. The show features iconic performances by Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, and fans continue to enjoy the strong storytelling that Yellowstone was known for.

9. House of the Dragon (2022-)

House of the Dragon emerges as a prequel to the wildly popular series Game of Thrones, set nearly 200 years before the events of the original show. The series revolves around the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war within House Targaryen, with many characters being ancestors of their Game of Thrones counterparts.

Longtime fans of Game of Thrones find House of the Dragon to be an impressive prequel that manages to stand on its own merits. While viewers were aware that the show was a prequel, it offered a distinct narrative that introduced new characters, rekindling their love for the Game of Thrones franchise.

10. Better Call Saul (2015-2022)

Better Call Saul serves as the prequel to the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad. The series centers around the transformation of Jimmy McGill, portrayed by Bob Odenkirk, from a struggling lawyer trying to do what’s right to the ethically dubious Saul Goodman, a “criminal” lawyer.

Fans of Breaking Bad appreciate Better Call Saul for its exploration of Saul’s backstory. The show maintains its compelling storytelling and complex characters, characteristics that defined the original series. It provides viewers with valuable context to the Breaking Bad universe.

In conclusion, TV show prequels have not only become a means to explore the origins of beloved characters and universes but have also added depth and context to the stories fans hold dear. These 10 prequels have successfully enriched the viewing experience for fans, offering fresh perspectives, captivating narratives, and a deeper understanding of the characters they love. Whether it’s unraveling the early life of Alfred Pennyworth or delving into the complex history of House Targaryen, these prequels have left an indelible mark on the world of television.