Part 8/9:
Franchises that once thrived on their unique appeal now face a critical question: how much can they change before they lose their identity? As the creators push for representation—sometimes making it the focal point of new stories—fans feel increasingly alienated. The message from some creators is that if you don’t like the new direction, you’re not a true fan and should stop watching.
This approach risks turning a once-loyal fanbase into a marginalized group of detractors. As viewer numbers dwindle, the franchise’s viability diminishes, and the risk of long-term decline grows. The pattern seems clear: when franchises alienate their foundational audiences in favor of political messaging, they often suffer the consequences.