Make a small-scale TV show that respects the canon
I don’t think “respecting the canon” has a whole lot to do with why it’s liked though. Not to any real degree. Nor should it be, honestly. Canon isn’t that important, ultimately. It’s just as malleable as any other story element. What’s important is whether or not you put some thought into why you’re breaking - or adhering - to it, and execute that thought well.