Series vs Franchise: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Are you confused about whether to use the term series or franchise when referring to your favorite movies or TV shows? Let’s clear up the confusion.

Both terms can be used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between them. A series refers to a group of related works that follow a particular storyline or theme. On the other hand, a franchise is a collection of works that share the same characters, universe, or brand, but may not necessarily follow a linear storyline.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between a series and a franchise, and how they impact the way we consume and enjoy popular media.

Define Series

A series is a collection of related works, such as books, films, or television shows, that share common characters, themes, or storylines. Each individual work within a series is typically self-contained and can be enjoyed on its own, but together they form a larger narrative arc.

For example, the Harry Potter series consists of seven books that follow the adventures of the titular character and his friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Each book tells a complete story, but together they form a larger narrative about Harry’s battle against the dark wizard Voldemort.

Define Franchise

A franchise is a collection of related works that are united by a common brand or intellectual property. Unlike a series, which typically features self-contained works, a franchise may include works that are interconnected and rely on each other for context and continuity.

Franchises often include a range of media, such as films, television shows, books, video games, and merchandise. They may also incorporate spin-offs, prequels, sequels, and reboots, all of which contribute to the larger franchise universe.

Examples of Franchises

Franchise	Media
Star Wars	Films, television shows, books, video games, merchandise
Marvel Cinematic Universe	Films, television shows, comic books, video games, merchandise
Pokémon	Video games, anime, trading card game, merchandise

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to discussing movies, TV shows, and other forms of entertainment, the terms “series” and “franchise” are often used interchangeably. However, there are important differences between these two words that should be understood in order to use them correctly in a sentence.

How To Use “Series” In A Sentence

A “series” refers to a group of works that are related to each other in some way, often featuring the same characters or settings. When using “series” in a sentence, it is important to make sure that the context makes it clear which specific series is being referred to. For example:

• “I can’t wait to watch the next episode of my favorite series, Game of Thrones.”
• “The Harry Potter series consists of seven books and eight movies.”

Note that “series” is often used to refer to TV shows, but can also be used for other types of works, such as book series or movie series.

How To Use “Franchise” In A Sentence

A “franchise” refers to a group of works that are related to each other through a common brand or concept. This can include movies, TV shows, books, video games, and more. When using “franchise” in a sentence, it is important to make it clear which specific franchise is being referred to, as there may be multiple franchises with similar names. For example:

• “The Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the most successful movie franchises of all time.”
• “The Harry Potter franchise includes not only the books and movies, but also theme parks and merchandise.”

Note that a franchise can contain multiple series within it. For example, the Star Wars franchise includes multiple movie series, TV shows, books, and more.

More Examples Of Series & Franchise Used In Sentences

In order to understand the difference between a series and a franchise, it’s important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of how the terms “series” and “franchise” can be used in a sentence:

Examples Of Using “Series” In A Sentence

• The Harry Potter series is a beloved set of books and movies.
• Netflix has produced a number of successful series, including Stranger Things and The Crown.
• The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a series of interconnected movies.
• Friends is a classic TV series that still has a large following today.
• The Hunger Games is a popular book series that was adapted into movies.
• The Twilight series of books and movies sparked a cultural phenomenon.
• The Lord of the Rings is a series of books and movies that has a dedicated fanbase.
• Game of Thrones is a series that captivated audiences for eight seasons.
• The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of books that has been adapted into movies.
• The James Bond movies are a long-running series that has spanned decades.

Examples Of Using “Franchise” In A Sentence

• Star Wars is a massive franchise that includes movies, TV shows, books, and merchandise.
• The Fast and the Furious franchise has produced nine movies and counting.
• The Marvel Cinematic Universe is not only a series, but also a franchise with merchandise, theme park attractions, and more.
• Disney is a media conglomerate that owns a number of successful franchises, including Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar.
• The Call of Duty video game franchise has been popular for over a decade.
• The Jurassic Park franchise includes five movies and a theme park attraction.
• The Mission: Impossible movies are part of a successful franchise that has been going strong since 1996.
• The Transformers franchise includes movies, TV shows, and toys.
• The Harry Potter franchise includes books, movies, theme park attractions, and merchandise.
• The James Bond movies are not only a series, but also a franchise with merchandise and theme park attractions.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

In the world of entertainment, the terms series and franchise are often used interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when using series and franchise interchangeably, along with explanations of why they are incorrect.

Mistake #1: Using The Terms Interchangeably

One of the biggest mistakes people make is using the terms series and franchise interchangeably. While they may be related, they are not the same thing. A series is a group of related works that share the same characters, setting, or theme. A franchise, on the other hand, is a brand or intellectual property that has been extended into multiple works across different media.

For example, the Harry Potter series consists of seven books that follow the same characters and take place in the same setting. The Harry Potter franchise, on the other hand, includes not only the books but also the movies, merchandise, theme parks, and more.

Mistake #2: Assuming All Franchises Are Series

Another common mistake is assuming that all franchises are series. While many franchises do include a series of related works, not all of them do. Some franchises may include standalone works or works that are only loosely related to each other.

For example, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a franchise that includes multiple series of related movies, such as the Avengers series and the Captain America series. However, it also includes standalone movies, such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Doctor Strange, that are only loosely related to the other movies in the franchise.

Mistake #3: Ignoring The Context

A third mistake is ignoring the context in which the terms are being used. Depending on the context, the terms series and franchise may have different meanings or implications.

For example, in the context of a movie studio, a franchise may refer to a successful and profitable intellectual property that the studio can continue to exploit for financial gain. In this context, a series may refer to a group of related movies that the studio is producing in order to build the franchise.

Tips On How To Avoid These Mistakes

Now that you know some of the most common mistakes people make when using series and franchise interchangeably, here are some tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future:

• Be clear about what you mean when using these terms. If you are referring to a series, make sure you are using the term correctly and that your audience understands what you mean.
• Understand the context in which you are using the terms. Depending on the context, the terms may have different meanings or implications.
• Do your research. If you are unsure about whether a particular work is part of a series or a franchise, or if you are unsure about the difference between the two terms, do some research to ensure that you are using the terms correctly.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between a series and a franchise, context matters. The decision to use one over the other can depend on a variety of factors, including the medium being used, the target audience, and the overall goals of the project.

Medium

The medium being used to convey the story or concept can greatly impact the decision to use a series or franchise. For example, a television show may lend itself better to a series format, where each episode builds on the previous one and the overall story arc is developed over time. On the other hand, a video game may be better suited for a franchise format, where each installment introduces new characters, settings, and gameplay mechanics.

Target Audience

The target audience can also play a role in the decision to use a series or franchise. For instance, a young adult book series may be more appealing to readers who want to follow the same characters throughout multiple books and see their development over time. However, a children’s toy franchise may be more successful by introducing new characters and storylines to keep kids engaged and interested.

Goals

Finally, the overall goals of the project can influence the choice between a series and a franchise. A series may be more appropriate if the goal is to tell a cohesive story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. On the other hand, a franchise may be better if the goal is to create a brand with multiple revenue streams, such as merchandise, sequels, and spin-offs.

Examples

Context	Series or Franchise?	Reasoning
Television Show	Series	Each episode builds on the previous one and the overall story arc is developed over time.
Video Game	Franchise	Each installment introduces new characters, settings, and gameplay mechanics.
Young Adult Book Series	Series	Readers want to follow the same characters throughout multiple books and see their development over time.
Children’s Toy Franchise	Franchise	Introducing new characters and storylines keeps kids engaged and interested.
Film Franchise	Franchise	Creates a brand with multiple revenue streams, such as merchandise, sequels, and spin-offs.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using series and franchise are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. In these cases, it’s important to understand the nuances of how the terms are used and why they might deviate from the norm.

Exceptions For Series

One exception to the rules for series is when a show is labeled as a “limited series.” This means that the show has a predetermined number of episodes and will not continue beyond that. While it might seem like a contradiction to call something a “series” if it’s not ongoing, the term is used to differentiate these shows from traditional miniseries, which typically have a self-contained story that wraps up in a set number of episodes.

Another exception is when a show is considered an “anthology series.” This means that each season (or sometimes each episode) has a self-contained story, with a new cast of characters and plotlines. While the show might have an overarching theme or style, each installment is essentially its own standalone series. Examples of anthology series include American Horror Story and Black Mirror.

Exceptions For Franchise

When it comes to franchises, there are a few exceptions that might not fit the traditional mold. One example is the James Bond franchise, which is unique in that it has had multiple actors portray the titular character over the years. While each film is technically a standalone installment, they are all connected through the character of James Bond and the overarching themes of espionage and action.

Another exception is the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is a sprawling franchise that consists of multiple interconnected films and TV shows. While each individual installment might have its own plotline and characters, they are all part of a larger narrative that spans multiple mediums. This type of franchise is often referred to as a “shared universe,” where multiple properties exist within the same continuity.

Exceptions to Series and Franchise Rules

Term	Definition	Example
Limited Series	A show with a predetermined number of episodes that will not continue beyond that	Big Little Lies
Anthology Series	A show where each season or episode has a self-contained story, with a new cast of characters and plotlines	American Horror Story
James Bond Franchise	A series of films that are all connected through the character of James Bond and the overarching themes of espionage and action	Goldfinger
Marvel Cinematic Universe	A sprawling franchise that consists of multiple interconnected films and TV shows	The Avengers

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of series and franchise is through practice exercises. These exercises will help you apply the concepts you’ve learned and solidify your understanding of the differences between the two.

Exercise 1: Series Or Franchise?

For each of the following examples, determine whether it is a series or a franchise:

Example	Series or Franchise?
Harry Potter	Franchise
The Hunger Games	Franchise
The Lord of the Rings	Series
Game of Thrones	Franchise
The Twilight Saga	Franchise

Answer Key: Franchise, Franchise, Series, Franchise, Franchise

Exercise 2: Complete The Series

Complete the following series:

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and the _________

Answer: Deathly Hallows

Exercise 3: Identify The Franchise

For each of the following examples, identify the franchise:

1. The Marvel Cinematic Universe
2. The Fast and the Furious
3. The James Bond films
4. The Star Wars franchise
5. The Jurassic Park/World franchise

Answer Key: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Fast and the Furious, James Bond films, Star Wars franchise, Jurassic Park/World franchise

By completing these practice exercises, you’ll be able to improve your understanding and use of series and franchise in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the differences between the two, and to use them correctly in your writing.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between series and franchises, it’s clear that these terms have distinct meanings in the world of entertainment. A series refers to a related set of works that share characters, storylines, and themes, while a franchise encompasses a broader range of media and merchandise that expands upon a central concept or brand.

It’s important for writers, marketers, and fans to understand these distinctions in order to use these terms accurately and effectively. Misusing these terms can lead to confusion and miscommunication, which can ultimately harm the success of a project or brand.

As you continue to learn about grammar and language use, remember to pay attention to the nuances of language and terminology. Understanding the subtle differences between similar words and phrases can help you communicate more clearly and effectively.