The Avengers TV Show Headed to ABC?

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is rapidly expanding with no end in sight, but it looks like the superhero franchise might take a new approach and head to the small screen. According to a report from Deadline, Marvel is eying a television series that will take place in the same universe as Joss Whedon's recent Avengers movie. Since Marvel is a Disney subsidiary, the series is being considered for Disney's network, ABC. 

Don't get too excited yet, though -- this won't be a television series starring the heroes from this summer's blockbuster Avengers movie. "[T]he connection to the Avengers franchise would be light as the project is expected to be set in the universe and feature some of its themes and feel, but may not include any characters from Joss Whedon’s blockbuster," Deadline reports. Ideas being explored include a "high-concept cop show." Considering that an animated Avengers series is slated to premiere on Disney XD, it seems likely that Marvel will be pursuing a more adult tone with the possible new ABC series.

I think I'd be okay with it if ABC did an Avengers Universe-set version of Heroes -- one that didn't start freefalling in quality after the first season. It seems more likely, though, that the series will focus somehow on the organization S.H.I.E.L.D., which would unite the high-concept cop series conceit with sporadic guest appearances from Samuel L. Jackson -- which is always acceptable.

Marvel's been looking to start a primetime television series on ABC, with a Hulk series (not starring Mark Ruffalo) currently in development at the network. Which Marvel superhero would you like to see receive their own network series?

The Avengers film will come to DVD on September 25.