Tue Jul 08 12:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
While the number of new scripted TV series is decreasing, the trend of extending existing franchises with reboots, sequels, prequels, and spinoffs is intensifying. This “brand extension mania,” previously limited to procedurals and unscripted shows, is now common even in prestige dramas, with examples like the “Dexter” franchise showcasing multiple iterations.
**News Article:**
**”Dexter” Resurrection: TV’s Franchise Mania Thrives Amid Scripted Series Decline**
NEW YORK – Networks and streaming services are releasing fewer new scripted series than in recent years. Hollywood’s obsession with expanding established franchises is stronger than ever. The “Dexter” franchise, featuring the serial killer Dexter Morgan, exemplifies this trend. With the upcoming “Dexter: Resurrection” premiering July 11 on Paramount+ with Showtime, the franchise boasts multiple iterations, including the original series, a reprise, and a prequel.
The return of “Dexter,” despite his apparent demise in “Dexter: New Blood,” highlights the current television landscape, which is dominated by reboots, revivals, sequels, and prequels. This trend, first identified several years ago, sees networks prioritizing familiar brands over original content in the increasingly competitive TV landscape.
While the sheer volume of new TV shows has slowed, the focus on franchise extension has only intensified. Previously, franchises were common in procedurals, unscripted series, and specific genres like “Star Trek.” Now, prestige dramas are following suit. The existence of multiple “Dexter” spinoffs, once an anomaly, is now the norm, reflecting a broader industry strategy of leveraging established intellectual property to attract viewers.
First Piper 