Is ‘Watchmen’ A Sequel? What Viewers Should Know About HBO Show

HBO’s “Watchmen” certainly doesn’t attempt to retell the story from the 2009 movie. It also definitely isn’t a direct adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ hit graphic novel. Instead, “Watchmen” is a sequel—even if showrunner Damon Lindelof doesn’t like using the term.

“I feel like this is a continuation of, and in conversation with, the original ‘Watchmen.’ Here’s another instance where I want to punch myself in the face: I called this thing a remix, because it doesn’t feel like a sequel to me,” he told Rolling Stone. “But it does by the traditional rules of a sequel, in that this chronologically follows the original. But it’s also kind of a prequel, because this story starts in 1921, which predates any of the events of the comic.”

HBO’s “Watchmen” is set in the present day. However, the series starts by explaining the events the 1921 race riot that massacred “black wall street” in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The series deals with racism and bigotry in 2019 Tulsa, but in between, the events of the “Watchmen” comics took place.

“My justification [for calling this ‘Watchmen’] is there are characters from the original Watchmen,” Lindelof explained. “And more importantly, we inherited a world from the original Watchmen that is in continuity with this world. Everything that happened in those 12 issues, happened. We’re not erasing or changing any of it. Therefore, to not call this television show Watchmen would be disingenuous, and probably illegal.”

Fans can expect Rorschach, Doctor Manhattan, Silk Spectre and more to turn up in the new series. However, they shouldn't expect any references to "Doomsday Clock," Geoff Johns' comic book sequel to Watchmen, which is set to wrap up in December.

“Watchmen” Season 1 premieres Sunday at 9 p.m. EDT on HBO.