TV Show Crossovers That Should (and Could) Happen
The trend of TV show crossovers is growing and it’s only going to continue growing.
Ah, the crossover. It has become more and more popular over the years. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is quite famous for them, so much so that they’re following the same formula with their Netflix quartet of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist, which will crossover into The Defenders. Other superhero shows have followed suit, most notably the CW’s own quartet of Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow, which consistently include crossover “events.”
Crossovers are great. As viewers, we get to see the characters we love from one show pop-up and interact with characters from another. For networks, they get to use one show to promote another; it’s basically product placement, except better, because they own both entities. And for advertisers, it’s a unique opportunity to tap into a demographic they may not regularly be able to access. Crossovers are a win-win for all parties.
In recent years, the most popular TV crossovers have largely been those of the superhero variety (and maybe that Simpsons and Family Guy crossover, as well as the Dick Wolf procedural universe), but this past week, the non-superhero FOX comedies New Girl and Brooklyn Nine-Nine aired a two-part crossover “event”, and it got me thinking about other shows that could, and maybe should, realistically (meaning they would have to be shows on the same network and conceivably exist in the same universe) cross over.
“Notorious” and “How To Get Away With Murder” (ABC)
As mentioned, one of the benefits of crossovers is that networks get to promote one show on another. In this case, ABC could promote their new, and less successful Notorious on the cult favorite How To Get Away With Murder.
The two shows deal with similar subject matter (murder, crime, justice), and more importantly, have a similar cynical and dark mood and tone. It’s much easier to have a crime drama cross over with a legal drama than it is for a comedy to cross over with a crime drama. Hence, why the lighter Conviction (led by Hayley Atwell, who has been involved in crossovers) wouldn’t work as well, even though both are legal dramas.
I was thinking HTGAWM’s Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) takes on a case that becomes very publicized, drawing the attention of Notorious’ Julia George (Piper Perabo), especially after the law firm of her dear friend, Jake (Daniel Sunjata), gets involved in the case. Also, Julia’s anchor, Louis (Kate Jennings Grant) would definitely hit on Connor (Jack Falahee) of the Keating 5.
“Bull” and “Scorpion” (CBS)
Again, two similarly toned shows that deal with semi-similar subjects. One new show (Bull), one new network staple (Scorpion), both light and smart.
I’m thinking Walter (Elyes Gabel) does something stupid during a mission, because Paige (Katharine McPhee) was in danger, and then finds himself in legal trouble, and because none of the geniuses on the team are lawyers, they enlist the genius psychologist and trial jury consultant, Dr. Jason Bull (Michael Weatherly), for help. Expect the geniuses to get into a metaphorical brain-measuring contest and the two teams to get combative, until Paige defuses the situation by talking to Bull, who has a soft spot for her.
“You’re The Worst” and “Better Things” (FX)
Two very underrated shows. Both shows are quite funny. Both shows touch on some very real issues. And best of all, both shows take place in Los Angeles!
If you’ve been keeping up with You’re The Worst, you know that Jimmy (Chris Geere) recently sold his novel. I’m thinking that novel gets turned into a screenplay. I’m thinking Sam Fox (Pamela Adlon) of Better Things, who is an actress, lands a role on that project. I’m thinking Jimmy will bond with Sam’s neighbour and mother, who also happens to be British, and I’m thinking Gretchen (Aya Cash) somehow meets Sam’s three daughters who quickly begin to admire her badassery and no-fucks-given attitude.
What do you think? Have another pair of shows you think should cross over? Comment below! Also, check out the other stuff I’ve written about TV!
