The fascination with TV show prequels has been growing, giving fans the chance to see the backstories of their favorite shows. These series can shed light on character origins and provide context that enhances the main series. Rotten Tomatoes, a popular review-aggregation website for film and television, has ranked many prequels, offering fans a critical perspective on these programs. Here are the ten best TV show prequels according to their Rotten Tomatoes scores:

1. Better Call Saul – Spinning off from the acclaimed “Breaking Bad,” this show follows Jimmy McGill’s transformation into Saul Goodman, highlighting his complicated relationship with the law and his descent into criminal lawyering.

2. Bates Motel – This chilling prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” delves into Norman Bates’ troubled past and complex relationship with his mother, setting up his future as cinema’s most infamous innkeeper.

3. Young Sheldon – A comedic, yet heartfelt look at the early life of Sheldon Cooper from “The Big Bang Theory,” showcasing his unique intellect and the challenges it presents in East Texas.

4. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance – Serving as a prequel to Jim Henson’s 1982 film, this fantasy series explores the world of Thra and the uprising of the Gelflings against their oppressors.

5. Ratched – Inspired by Ken Kesey’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” this series imagines the origin story of Nurse Ratched, exploring her evolution into the infamous character from both book and film.

6. Penny Dreadful: City of Angels – Set decades before “Penny Dreadful,” this show weaves together historical drama with supernatural elements in 1930s Los Angeles, redefining horror storytelling.

7. Caprica – A prequel to “Battlestar Galactica,” Caprica provides a nuanced exploration of society and technology in a world on the brink of cataclysmic conflict.

8. Spartacus: Gods of the Arena – Before Spartacus’ arrival, there was another gladiator who rose through the ranks: Gannicus. This mini-series is rich with political intrigue and brutal gladiatorial combats that defined the era.

9. Fear The Walking Dead – Exploring what happened at the beginning of the zombie apocalypse, this companion to “The Walking Dead” provides insights into a world descending into chaos and how different characters cope with it.

10. Smallville: The Early Years – Revolving around Clark Kent before he becomes Superman, Smallville offers an extended look at his teenage years and gradual discovery of powers in a small Kansas town.

While these prequels vary greatly in theme and style, what unifies them is their ability to add depth to already beloved worlds and characters. Their rankings on Rotten Tomatoes are evidence of their quality storytelling and their success in capturing audiences’ imaginations anew.