story of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, this may not be the case, which could end up being sad news.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 finally introduced Idris Elba's Knuckles to the world of the live-action movie series, with him being one of the most highly-anticipated additions to the films. Knuckles' addition was made even more exciting by the announcement of a spinoff Knuckles TV show, finally giving the iconic red echidna his time in the spotlight. The series was released on Paramount+ in early 2024, with it expanding on the universe of the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog movies even further, giving it the potential to set up the third movie.

Sonic 3’s Trailer Strongly Suggests The Knuckles Show Isn’t Required Viewing

The Trailer Doesn't Really Tie In To Knuckles

Although the Knuckles TV show was the most recently released project from the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog series, the first trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 strongly suggests that the spinoff isn't required viewing. The first Sonic the Hedgehog 3 trailer showed off many exciting aspects of the third film, with it finally giving a proper look at Keanu Reeves' Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow faces off against Team Sonic, and while there are some immensely exciting points, there isn't much that ties directly into the Knuckles show.

Knuckles is featured in the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 trailer, with him seemingly having his hand broken after attempting to fight Shadow. However, major elements of the Knuckles spinoff series are missing from the third film's first trailer entirely, such as Wade Whipple and Pachacamac. This suggests that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 won't be relying heavily on the story developments that occurred in the spinoff show. This is sad news for fans of Knuckles, as it almost makes the Paramount+ TV series feel unimportant.

The Knuckles TV Show Was Very Self-Contained (Including The Finale)

It Isn't Super Connected To The Movies

Although the Knuckles TV show was a spinoff of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, it was very self-contained. Sonic, Tails and the rest of the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog cast are hardly in Knuckles, with the titular echidna and Wade Whipple being the only returning characters who have a major role. The show centers around Knuckles training Wade to challenge his estranged father in a bowling competition while Knuckles also takes on two former GUN agents, both of whom are original characters.

While it was expected that the Knuckles spinoff show's finale may tie back into the movies, this didn't turn out to be the case. The new villain that Knuckles fights in the climactic battle is a former employee of Robotnik who has never been seen before, and Wade Whipple's bowling match undoubtedly won't impact Sonic the Hedgehog 3 all that much. Knuckles attempted to be a self-contained story that focused on its characters rather than one that builds out the Sonic the Hedgehog universe, explaining its minimal impact on the third movie.

Why You Should Still Watch Knuckles (Even If It Isn’t Important For Sonic 3)

It Is Still A Great Time Within The Sonic Universe

Although Knuckles may not be essential viewing for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, you should still watch it. If you are a fan of the Sonic the Hedgehog video games, you will probably find a lot to enjoy in it. The series allows for viewers to enjoy several more hours of Idris Elba's near-perfect version of Knuckles, while also delving into some significant elements from the games, such as Pachacamac and the Flames of Disaster.

New content from the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog series only comes out once every few years, so the Knuckles spinoff shouldn't be overlooked. The idea of centering a Knuckles series around a police officer's desire to be as good of a bowler as his father is wacky, with the absurdity of the plot being one of the biggest appeals of the spinoff. The Knuckles TV show is on par with the two movies in of quality, which is why it is perfect to fill time during the wait for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.