Apple TV+ Expands Godzilla Timeline with 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' Season 2

The upcoming season bridges the gap between key MonsterVerse films, providing crucial backstory and character development.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Apple TV+'s 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' is proving to be more than just a companion piece to the larger MonsterVerse franchise. The upcoming second season will unfold with a modern timeline set in 2017, immediately following the events of season one, and feature flashbacks to 1957 to expand on the origins of Monarch and the early days of Titan discovery. This multi-generational narrative structure is a unique strength of the series, which effectively bridges the gap between the events of 'Godzilla' (2014) and 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters' (2019).

Why it matters

The success of 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' highlights a growing trend: the use of streaming platforms to deepen and expand cinematic universes. Traditionally, worldbuilding was primarily confined to feature films, but now series like 'Monarch' offer the space to explore characters, lore, and events in greater detail, enriching the overall experience for fans. This approach allows for a more nuanced and immersive storytelling experience within the MonsterVerse.

The details

The upcoming second season of 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' will unfold with a modern timeline set in 2017, immediately following the events of season one. Flashbacks will center around 1957, expanding on the origins of Monarch and the early days of Titan discovery. This multi-generational narrative structure, following the Russell family across decades, is a unique strength of the series.

  • The modern timeline is set in 2017, immediately after season 1, between 'Godzilla' (2014) and 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters' (2019).
  • The flashbacks in season 2 cover the year 1957.

The players

Monarch

An organization that investigates and monitors the Titans, a group of ancient and powerful creatures, including Godzilla.

Russell Family

The central characters of 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,' whose story is told across multiple generations.

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What’s next

With 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' season 2 premiering on February 27, 2026, and 'Godzilla x Kong: Supernova' on the horizon, the MonsterVerse is poised for continued growth. The introduction of new Titans and the exploration of the Monarch organization's history suggest a commitment to expanding the scope and complexity of the franchise.

The takeaway

The interplay between the films and the streaming series will be crucial to maintaining audience engagement and deepening the overall MonsterVerse experience. 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' is setting a precedent for how streaming services can enrich established cinematic universes through more nuanced and immersive storytelling.