Why a James Bond TV Show Would Be a Bad Idea

The Bond Franchise's Aversion to Change

A James Bond TV show might seem like a profitable endeavor, but the producers of the Bond franchise have been clear about their aversion to radical change. In recent years, executive producer Barbara Broccoli confirmed that there would not be a female James Bond, while producer Michael G. Wilson stated that a Bond TV show was also off the cards. Broccoli reaffirmed this in an interview, stating that a scripted TV show in the James Bond universe wasn't a high priority for the franchise's creators.

Matt Damon as Jason Bourne and Jeremy Irvine as John Randolph Bentley in Treadstone

The producers' reluctance to embrace a TV adaptation of the James Bond universe suggests that they have carefully considered the potential drawbacks and challenges of such a venture. This decision reflects their focus on making the upcoming Bond 26 film a priority, indicating that a TV show is not in line with their vision for the franchise's future.

Composite of Daniel Craig, Sean Connery (in tuxedo and smoking), and Pierce Brosnan as James Bond

Lessons from Treadstone's Failure

The 2019 series Treadstone, which attempted to bring the Jason Bourne franchise to TV, serves as a cautionary tale for the potential pitfalls of adapting spy franchises for television. Treadstone's failure and subsequent cancellation after only one season highlighted the challenges of translating the fast-paced, action-packed essence of spy stories to the small screen.

Treadstone struggled due to the nature of spy stories, which thrive on the big screen with their fast-paced car chases, exotic locations, and intense fight scenes. The show's inability to capture the essence of the Bourne franchise on television underscores the difficulties that the James Bond franchise would face in a similar endeavor.

Furthermore, the lack of involvement of the lead character, Bourne, in Treadstone contributed to its shortcomings. Similarly, the Bond franchise's reputation and the iconic status of its lead character pose significant challenges for a potential TV adaptation. The limitations in incorporating the lead actor and the risk of diluting the mysterious allure of James Bond present significant obstacles for a successful TV show.

Why Bond Isn't Suited for Television

The lavish, big-budget nature of James Bond's adventures, the lengthy runtimes of the movies, and the star-studded casts all contribute to the unsuitability of the franchise for television. While the Bourne series is less glamorous and grittier, Treadstone's failure to impress critics upon release reflects the challenges of adapting spy franchises to the small screen.

Considering the difficulties faced by Treadstone, it is evident that James Bond's journey to the small screen would be even more challenging. The high expectations associated with Bond's big-screen adventures, coupled with the potential drawbacks of a TV adaptation, make a compelling case for the franchise to steer clear of television.