系列

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 系列 (けいれつ) combines system 系 and line 列 to denote an affiliated chain or network.
• Basic usage: It refers to stores under the same group and television stations in one nationwide network.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Affiliation does not mean identical operation
  • Members of one 系列 share organizational ties, but local selection, programming, or management can still differ.