AceShowbiz - Monarch: Legacy of Monsters continues to solidify its position as a major sci-fi hit, expanding its audience beyond Apple TV. The series, which returned for a highly anticipated second season in February 2026, has now surged in popularity on Prime Video as well, ranking as the third most-watched show on the platform domestically.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is an ambitious sci-fi family drama set within the acclaimed MonsterVerse franchise. The MonsterVerse is one of the few successful shared universes modeled after the Marvel Cinematic Universe, boasting over $2 billion in combined box office revenue from its theatrical entries. This series marks the franchise's first live-action television offshoot, exploring a multi-generational narrative with a focus on legacy and monster lore.

The show features a compelling dual timeline with the unique casting of Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell portraying the same character at different ages. They are joined by Anna Sawai, known for her roles in Sh?gun and Pachinko, adding depth and star power to the ensemble cast. Since its debut in 2023, the series has earned positive critical acclaim and quickly became a standout on Apple TV.

According to FlixPatrol, Monarch remains the number one series on Apple TV, but its reach is expanding rapidly. It now sits at number three on Prime Video’s domestic viewership charts, trailing only behind Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock and the controversial documentary about Melania Trump. This strong showing places it ahead of other high-profile Prime Video titles such as 56 Days, Fallout, and feature films like The Bluff and The Wrecking Crew.

The series holds an overall Rotten Tomatoes score of 82%, with the second season receiving a "Certified Fresh" rating of 79%. The critical consensus praises the show for delivering a powerful blend of action and drama, stating, "Against all odds, Monarch continues to pack a striking gut-punch of action-drama by embracing its Legacy of Monsters' talent and leading with a cast of rich and complex characters."

Set after the epic battles between Godzilla and the Titans, Monarch uncovers the hidden secrets of a family intertwined with the mysterious Monarch organization, the central body tracking the existence of monsters. Its storylines weave personal drama with thrilling sci-fi spectacle, making it a unique addition to the growing MonsterVerse narrative.

Looking ahead, the franchise is poised to continue its expansion with an upcoming theatrical release scheduled for next year. Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, directed by Grant Sputore, will bring the MonsterVerse back to the big screen, carrying forward the momentum generated by the TV series and previous films.

Apple TV’s strong commitment to sci-fi content is evident through its slate of hits including Silo, Invasion, Foundation, and the acclaimed Severance. More recently, the platform also debuted Pluribus, created by Vince Gilligan of Breaking Bad fame. Yet, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters stands out as a defining series that has successfully bridged streaming platforms, proving its appeal beyond Apple’s ecosystem.

As the MonsterVerse continues to grow, Monarch represents a flagship production combining rich storytelling, complex characters, and high-stakes action, ensuring it remains a centerpiece in the sci-fi genre on television. Fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to watch the series on Apple TV and catch up through Prime Video, where it's rapidly gaining new viewers.

Stay tuned to Collider for ongoing coverage and updates on the MonsterVerse franchise and future developments related to Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.