Mass Effect TV Series Set in a New Timeline, Shepard’s Story Left Behind Bioware Confirms

Amazon’s upcoming Mass Effect TV series will tell a new story set in the iconic sci-fi universe, rather than retelling the adventures of Commander Shepard from the original video game trilogy.

This was confirmed by BioWare during its annual N7 Day celebration, giving fans a first look at what’s ahead for the franchise.

Mass Effect lead Mike Gamble shared on the official BioWare blog, “The show will explore a brand-new story within the universe’s timeline, and will be set after the original trilogy. It won’t be a retread of Commander Shepard’s story – because after all … that’s YOUR story, isn’t it?”

He added that the team working on the series has been collaborating closely with Amazon and has made significant progress in defining how the show will fit into the broader Mass Effect canon.

Amazon was previously reported to have scheduled production for the series in the fourth quarter of 2026. Earlier listings hinted at a plot similar to the first Mass Effect game, but both BioWare and fans have suggested that a straight adaptation of Shepard’s story would be unlikely.

The series’ narrative choices, including the player’s selection of a male or female Shepard, alliances, and romance options, make it hard to present a single definitive storyline.

The approach mirrors BioWare’s handling of Mass Effect: Andromeda, which took place in a different galaxy to respect the multiple endings of the original trilogy. By creating an original story, the TV show avoids contradicting player choices and preserves the franchise’s established lore.

Amazon has experience adapting video games into original TV content, such as their Fallout series, which has successfully combined new stories with existing franchise elements to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.

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