franchise
n. countablen. a business model where a company lets someone else use its name and sell its products. It can also mean a series of related movies or books, like a superhero story.
n. an authorization granted by a government or company to an individual or group enabling them to carry out specified commercial activities. In modern media, it refers to a collection of related works in which each serves as a sequel or spin-off to the original.
He decided to open a fast-food franchise in his hometown.
The studio is looking for a new director to lead the next installment of their most profitable horror franchise.
While the initial investment for a well-known franchise is substantial, the established brand recognition significantly mitigates the risks typically associated with launching a new independent business.
From Middle English franchise, fraunchise, from Old French franchise (“freedom”), a derivative of franc (“free”). More at frank.
From Middle English franchisen, fraunchisen, from Old French franchir (stem franchiss-, “to set free”), from franc (“free”). More at frank.
Often used with 'the' when referring to a media series or with 'a' when referring to a specific business outlet.