Video games and television have shared a fascinating connection since the early days of gaming. Over time, this relationship has grown, with numerous video game franchises branching out into the entertainment industry, including TV series adaptations. While some of these shows never reached the popularity of their gaming counterparts, others have left a lasting impression on fans. Even if you’re not a gamer, you’ve likely watched and enjoyed at least one show based on a video game. Here are the 10 best TV shows inspired by video games.
10. Rayman: The Animated Series
Rayman, one of the most iconic video game characters, owes much of his success to the PlayStation console, despite never being exclusive to it. Ubisoft attempted to capitalize on the game’s popularity with a TV series called Rayman: The Animated Series (also known as Rayman: The TV Series). Initially planned for 26 episodes, the show was canceled after just four. However, more than 20 years later, there’s still hope for Rayman’s return to television.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ubisoft is working on another animated series based on the game. Details are scarce, but fans eagerly await more information.
9. Pac-Man
Unless you were around in the early 1980s, you might not know that Pac-Man had an animated series as part of the famous Saturday morning cartoon lineup. Upon its release, it became the highest-rated Saturday morning cartoon in the country. The show followed the Pac-Man family as they battled their enemies, the Ghost Monsters. Despite its popularity, Pac-Man only aired from 1982 to 1983, with a total of 44 episodes and two holiday specials. The franchise returned to TV in 2013 with a computer-animated series called Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures, which was canceled in 2015.
8. Earthworm Jim
The video game industry has a knack for creating unique characters, and Earthworm Jim is no exception. Introduced in 1994, the character quickly gained a following, and the animated series debuted the following year as part of the Kids’ WB lineup.
Earthworm Jim, as his name suggests, is an earthworm who gains superpowers after discovering a mysterious suit. His newfound abilities make him a target for villains seeking to steal the suit. The series, featuring an all-star voice cast including Dan Castellaneta (the voice of Homer Simpson), received positive reviews but only lasted two seasons.
7. Wakfu
While not well-known in the United States, the animated series Wakfu deserves a spot on this list. Based on the computer game Dofus, the show was animated with Adobe Flash and produced primarily in France. A Kickstarter project later brought the series to Netflix with an English dub.
6. Dota: Dragon’s Blood
Dota: Dragon’s Blood, the newest show on this list, has quickly become a fan favorite. This Netflix original series is based on the 2013 video game Dota 2 and follows Dragon Knight Davion as he slays dragons to avenge his family. The show appeals to fans of dragons and fantasy, and can be enjoyed even without knowledge of the game. After a successful first season, Dota: Dragon’s Blood has been renewed for a second season, though the release date is unknown.
5. Mortal Kombat: Legacy
Mortal Kombat, one of the most famous video game franchises, has made numerous appearances on the big and small screens in both live-action and animated formats. While the movies have been more successful, Mortal Kombat: Legacy was a solid series.
Released on YouTube in 2011 and starring Michael Jai White, Mortal Kombat: Legacy served as a prequel to the video game, exploring the backgrounds of various characters. The show lasted two seasons and left a strong impression on fans.
4. Viva Piñata
Based on the Xbox game of the same name, Viva Piñata was a computer-animated series that aired from 2006 to 2009. The show followed the lives of sentient piñata characters and their adventures. While not critically acclaimed, it was popular among young viewers.
3. Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog, introduced in 1991 as Sega’s answer to Nintendo’s Mario, quickly gained popularity among teenage gamers. In addition to numerous video games and movies, Sonic starred in the 1993 series Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog. The fun, lighthearted show depicted Sonic as a typical teenager with extraordinary abilities. Voiced primarily by Jaleel White (with Tahj Mowry as young Sonic), the series consisted of 65 episodes and a TV special.
2. Maniac Mansion
Although inspired by the 1987 video game, Maniac Mansion the TV series had little in common with its source material. The show followed the lives of Fred Edison and his family, who lived in a mansion with a science lab in the basement. Combining sitcom elements with science fiction, Maniac Mansion has a timeless quality nearly 30 years after its conclusion.
1. Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego was a popular PBS children’s show in the 1990s, fondly remembered by many for its problem-solving challenges. Contrary to popular belief, the show was based on the video game, not the other way around. Designed to teach geography in a fun, interactive way, the show featured young contestants answering trivia questions to track down the elusive Carmen Sandiego. Winners received National Geographic subscriptions. The show ran from 1991 to 1995, winning several Daytime Emmy awards, and spawned a spinoff, Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?, which aired from 1995 to 1999.
The Carmen Sandiego franchise returned to TV in 2019 with the animated series Carmen Sandiego, which focused more on entertainment than education. The show was canceled in 2021 but remains available on Netflix.
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