The first sign that a TV show has been a success is when it is renewed for more seasons. This is not always a gauge of quality; some great shows get canceled, while others get renewed despite poor critical reviews. But it does mean that people are tuning in and that’s what matters to the producers. If a show makes it to five seasons or more, it can probably be labeled as a smash hit.
Many top TV shows can make money in other ways via merchandising or licensing and one of the most popular forms of licensing is through gaming. So, here are three examples of top TV shows that have become gaming hits.
Narcos
One of Netflix’s big early hits was Narcos, an American crime drama filmed in Colombia, and later in Mexico. The show is based on the story of a billionaire crime lord and his interactions with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents. The theme of the show, and its target audience, made it a natural fit for a video game. The result was Narcos: Rise of the Cartels, an action strategy game launched across popular platforms including Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo. Players can choose to play on either side of the law, which adds a great dynamic to the gameplay.
Narcos also makes an appearance in the online casino world with the Narcos slot game. The game is packed with familiar characters who inhabit a world full of danger, vices, and money. The game, developed by NetEnt, is available at many licensed Ontario online casinos where players can now access the top casino brands from the US and European markets – you can get more information here. For those who prefer an old-school gaming experience, there is even a Narcos classic-style board game.
Star Trek: Bridge Crew
Star Trek is more than just a successful TV show, it is an institution. More than 50 years after the original series first appeared on our screens, the franchise is still going strong. Ongoing series include Picard, Star Trek Discovery, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, which has just been renewed for a second season.
ICYMI: A special message from the cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds ✨ #StarTrek https://t.co/br6Y5egpUX
— Star Trek (@StarTrek) March 13, 2021
In 2019, Star Trek: Bridge Crew was launched as a groundbreaking virtual-reality adventure game. The show is set in the same timeline as the movie starring Chris Pine, which launched in 2009. The plot revolves around the search for a new home for the Vulcans after their planet was destroyed. It is the perfect game for those who want to travel through space, encounter aliens, and save those in need.
The Walking Dead
If the success of a show can be measured in longevity, The Walking Dead is right up there with eleven seasons released. It was only natural it should get the video game treatment. Telltale Games, the group behind other top TV-based games including Game of Thrones, made it happen. The game offers a thrilling experience that hits just the right spot for a TV adaptation. It is an emotional experience, which brings many familiar elements and characters from the TV show and comic books. The Walking Dead game is atmospheric and bleak but lots of fun to play. It was released in five seasons across all the popular platforms on PC, console, and mobile.
If you are looking for a top TV video game adaptation, these are three of the best. Others you might want to consider include 24: The Game and South Park: The Fractured But Whole.
Originally published July 25, 2022. Updated July 26, 2022.
