3 crossovers Netflix shouldn't be scared to try in 2024

The art of the crossover has been sadly lost in the streaming era of television.

The Night Agent. Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland in episode 101 of The Night Agent. Cr. Dan Power/Netflix © 2023
The Night Agent. Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland in episode 101 of The Night Agent. Cr. Dan Power/Netflix © 2023

We've lost a lot of television traditions in the streaming era, but one of the biggest declines has been the art of the crossover. Broadcast television would often deploy a crossover in an attempt bring eyes to more of its programming, and while they still happen from time to time, it's mostly established franchises like 9-1-1, Law & Order, FBI, and the like.

Netflix has the opportunity to do the most unexpected thing ever and bring the crossover back with a handful of its hit shows. Of course, there could be some obvious limitations and red tape, such as shows hailing from different studios. But where there's a will, there's a way. I mean, New Girl and Brooklyn Nine-Nine are from different studios but had the most random crossover that worked.

What Netflix shows could potentially have crossovers? Wednesday and The Sandman would likely have some tricky IP territory. Outer Banks might be a little too specific in its treasure hunting world, and it wouldn't logically crossover with One Piece. But there's a handful of shows that would definitely work for a crossover, even if just for an odd moment like Jess Day and Jake Peralta.

The Night Agent x The Recruit x The Lincoln Lawyer

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The Recruit. Noah Centineo as Owen Hendricks in episode 105 of The Recruit. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2022

I mean... Right? We're all thinking it! Not since That's So Suite Life of Hannah Montana would such an ambitions crossover event take place. FUBAR could be a better option than The Lincoln Lawyer since its another action series in the government agency lane, but The Night Agent and The Recruit could probably use some sage legal advice from Mickey Haller at some point. Possibly even The Diplomat, too, but I don't know. Kate Wyler seems pretty busy right now.

Honestly though, what's the point of having three of the biggest shows of similar tone and genre on at the same time and not taking advantage of the Venn diagram of audience appeal? The connection between The Night Agent and The Recruit seems self explanatory. It's just The Lincoln Lawyer that would need a bit of finessing into the plot. Maybe Owen Hendricks gets arrested (Peter Sutherland would never) and needs some assistance. Clearly, the story ideas write themselves. But the real selling point? Gabriel Basso, Noah Centineo, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo. It's almost too much handsome for one crossover. Almost.

Virgin River x Sweet Magnolias

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Sweet Magnolias. (L to R) Heather Headley as Helen Decatur, Joanna Garcia Swisher as Maddie Townsend, Brooke Elliott as Dana Sue Sullivan in episode 201 of Sweet Magnolias. Cr. Richard Ducree/Netflix © 2021

Again, has anything ever been more perfect and natural than a potential Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias crossover? Both series, which are of the same romantic drama genre, are equally beloved by Netflix fans, so it makes sense to combine forces for a Sweet Virgin River extravaganza. Nothing would be more iconic than a link up between Mel Monroe and the Sweet Magnolias.

Like the previous crossover pitch, getting the story right would be the key, but with these shows, logic isn't really the name of the game. Sure, they take place on opposite coasts of the United States, but who's to say Mel and Jack aren't on vacation visiting Serenity, South Carolina for a little rest and relaxation before they get married? Perhaps even their honeymoon? There's no doubt that Mel could become an honorary Magnolia for an episode, and Jack would be at home at Sullivan's. Oh, and the wisdom they could share with each other... Why hasn't this happened yet?!

Ginny & Georgia x My Life with the Walter Boys

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My Life with the Walter Boys. Nikki Rodriguez as Jackie in episode 108 of My Life with the Walter Boys. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix/© 2023 Netflix, Inc.

Now, a crossover between Ginny & Georgia and My Life with the Walter Boys might sound like a bit of a stretch, but walk with me here... Not only are both shows a huge hit with the younger demographic as well as the older demographic, but they explore similar themes about coming of age, loss, romance, identity, family — all the fun things that teenagers can experience for the first time.

Similarly to Sweet Magnolias and Virgin River, these shows take place on opposite coasts: Ginny & Georgia in Massachusetts, My Life with the Walter Boys in Colorado. It's completely reasonable that Ginny and Jackie would meet on a college tour, maybe even in Jackie's hometown of New York City, and become fast friends as they compared notes on their lives. Wouldn't that be so special? And beyond that, the story possibilities are endless. Of all of Netflix's current young adult series, they're the most feasible to crossover. Come on, Netflix. Make My Life with Ginny & Georgia happen!