Unranked: The Ultimate Guide to Superhero TV Series

Summary

Superhero TV shows offer a unique way to explore characters closer to their original comic book roots.
Series like Smallville, Loki, Jessica Jones, and Arrow have successfully brought superheroes to life on TV.
Animated shows like Young Justice and X-Men: The Animated Series have also made a significant impact in the superhero TV genre.

Numerous TV shows spanning the history of broadcasting have centered around the thrilling escapades of many cherished superheroes. While movies have gained prominence as the preferred platform to depict superheroes lately, television might offer a more authentic portrayal of these characters, mirroring their original comic book personas.

Superhero shows have consistently remained a popular favorite, from their golden age through the animated craze of the 90s, up to the present day with the influx of movies. These shows, along with countless others, have captivated audiences and kept comic book enthusiasts engaged at various points in time.

10. Smallville

The Standard Bearer For Modern Superheroes

Ran From 2001-2011
Ran For 217 Episodes
Created By Alfred Gough & Miles Millar
Starring: Tom Welling, Allison Mack & Michael Rosenbaum

For many years, Superman has been an iconic representation of superheroes and was extremely popular on television. However, creating a long-lasting series in 2001 proved challenging due to his established presence. Instead of telling a conventional Superman tale, the creators decided to focus on the journey of a teenage Clark Kent as he navigated his path towards becoming a hero, before fully transforming into Superman.

In this unique interpretation, the mythology transcended being solely about Clark and encompassed various aspects of the DC Universe. This flexibility freed up “Smallville”, enabling it to span a broader narrative scope than many shows of its era, and its enduring legacy continues to shine as an unblemished beacon of quality in the genre.

9. Loki

The Height Of MCU Television

Ran From 2021-2023
Ran For 12 Episodes
Created By Michael Waldron
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Sophia Di Martino & Jonathan Majors

Despite some criticism about the expansion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) via Disney Plus and the addition of numerous series, certain standalone shows have still managed to shine brilliantly. One such example is the series “Loki“, which initially appeared to be a self-indulgent endeavor aimed at capitalizing on Tom Hiddleston’s popular character within the MCU.

If the series served as a fitting conclusion for the character within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it couldn’t have been more apt. It concluded Loki’s transformation into a hero and deity, giving him the noble purpose he had long pursued. While we await confirmation on whether the show also eliminated the menace of Kang the Conqueror, one thing is certain: it was exceptional, especially in its second season, serving as a testament to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ability to deliver outstanding television programming.

8. Marvel’s Jessica Jones

A Different Breed Of Superhero

Ran From 2015-2019
Ran For 39 Episodes
Created By Melissa Rosenberg
Starring: Krysten Ritter, Rachael Taylor & Eka Darville

Netflix initially aimed to produce shows suitable for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) before Disney Plus debuted, and Jessica Jones was one such show. It starred Krysten Ritter as a tough-as-nails detective with supernatural abilities, fitting well within the gritty, street-level genre. The outstanding performance of David Tennant in the first season, portraying the sinister villain Kilgrave, significantly contributed to the series’ massive popularity and widespread adoration.

The Jessica Jones series delved into the reasoning behind someone choosing not to lead a superhero life, presenting compelling characters while intertwining with The Defenders. It also dealt with a significant amount of emotional turmoil stemming from Jessica’s traumatic past and grappling with themes such as addiction and Trish’s downfall in season three.

7. Batman

The Original Caped Crusader

Ran From 1966-1968
Ran For 120 Episodes
Created By William Dozier
Starring: Adam West, Burt Ward & Alan Napier

Few television shows can boast the unique blend of style, panache, and enduring influence that the 1966 original Batman series possessed. Starring Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin, it presented memorable portrayals of many Batman villains that are still widely recognized today. Indeed, this show was a remarkable achievement.

The Batman series, both as a film and a show, has endured as an iconic classic due to its unique campy tone and humor. It drew heavily from comic book tropes, reflecting the style of comics during that era, and often divided stories into multiple parts across various episodes, typically two or three. The portrayal of Batman by Adam West is still one of the most cherished, even though darker interpretations of the character have gained popularity more recently.

6. Young Justice

The Best Of DC’s Animated Team-Up Shows

Ran From 2010-2022
Ran For 99 Episodes
Created By Brandon Vietti & Greg Weisman
Starring: Nolan North, Danica McKellar & Jesse McCartney

The lively world of superhero television is frequently undervalued. Remarkable shows have emerged from both Marvel and DC, such as Young Justice, which focuses on sidekicks and younger versions of heroes within the Justice League. This group, operating beyond the boundaries of more established teams, showcases their youthful exploits outside.

After receiving the fitting finale it long deserved, “Young Justice” now stands as a truly impressive series in its entirety. Each season offers a distinct narrative, contributing to its unique identity, demonstrating that even secondary characters can produce a top-tier television show.

5. Arrow

The Flagship For An Entire Universe

Ran From 2012-2020
Ran For 170 Episodes
Created By Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim & Andrew Kreisberg
Starring: Stephen Amell, David Ramsey & Emily Bett Rickards

For a full decade, The Arrowverse stood as the pinnacle of superhero television, with its inauguration in 2012 and an impressive eight-season run. It spawned numerous hit spin-offs, boasted massive crossover events, and served as the central hub for a whole superhero universe that some enthusiasts considered even superior to the DCEU which was also gaining traction around the same period.

In the absence of iconic figures such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, the Arrowverse primarily spotlighted lesser known heroes. These seasons were marked by significant season-long villains and shorter story arcs, yet still managed to execute some remarkable ideas. Notably, Arrow, with its unique mix of comic book elements and a more mature, realistic approach, sustained its popularity for a longer duration than many other superhero series.

4. The Boys

The Ultimate Work In Superhero Deconstruction

Ran From 2019-Present
Ran For 40 Episodes
Created By Eric Kripke
Starring: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid & Erin Moriarty

In contrast to comics like DC or Marvel, The Boys’ setting has proven beneficial. Originating from the Dynamite Entertainment comic series, The Boys portrays a superhero group analogous to the Justice League, but in a universe where these heroes act as indifferent deities and media sensations who perform little actual heroic work.

The show has consistently changed and follows a team’s efforts to take down characters such as the intimidating Homelander. As we near the final season, the political undertones and social messages have kept it timely and popular, making it a must-watch each time a new season premieres.

3. X-Men: The Animated Series

The Classic Beloved Take On Mutants

Ran From 1992-1997
Ran For 76 Episodes
Created By: Larry Houston, Eric Lewald & Julia Lewald
Starring: Cedric Smith, George Buza & Cal Dodd

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the rare instances where shows, especially animated ones, resonate so deeply with a generation that they are revived years down the line. Yet, the recent reboot of X-Men ’97 stands out as an exceptional case in point. It carries on the thrilling saga of this timeless animated series, which captivated audiences and brought the X-Men to life on screen more effectively than any other attempt so far.

This series tackled numerous social themes such as religion, divorce, and racism, but it also brought to life some of the most iconic X-Men storylines, including those of Apocalypse, Savage Lands, and Dark Phoenix. Characters like Magneto and Mr. Sinister made frequent appearances in various tales. With its extensive character roster and rich history, this show is a must-watch each week for any comic enthusiast, remaining engaging even to this day.

2. Marvel’s Daredevil

The Most Astounding Marvel Property

Ran From 2015-2018
Ran For 39 Episodes
Created By Drew Goddard
Starring: Charlie Cox, Deborah Ann Woll & Elden Henson

The outstanding peak of Marvel shows on Netflix was Charlie Cox’s portrayal as Daredevil, featuring impressive single-take fight sequences, compelling tales about a hero’s origin, the conflict with the Punisher, and his comeback as a damaged hero. Spanning three seasons, each one of Daredevil was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Not only did it become incredibly influential, but its impact was so significant that it sparked an unexpected spin-off series focusing on The Punisher. Daredevil even led the Defenders team, while both Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk continued to appear in other Marvel Cinematic Universe projects – a feat not accomplished by any other cast members from the Netflix series. Now, the show is being reborn in “Daredevil: Born Again,” an exciting development for fans and creators alike, demonstrating just how immense the legacy of this show truly is.

1. Batman: The Animated Series

The Ultimate Form Of Superhero Television

Ran From 1992-1995
Ran For 85 Episodes
Created By: Bruce Timm & Eric Radomski
Starring: Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist Jr & Bob Hastings

Through animation, superhero series can accomplish feats that would typically require massive budgets. Remarkably, “Batman: The Animated Series” utilized this medium to craft the most comprehensive and cherished portrayal of a superhero and their lore ever displayed on-screen. Essentially, it brought a comic book to life, significantly shaping Batman into the character fans recognize today.

To fully grasp the enduring impact of this series, one needn’t search beyond Harley Quinn, a character who first emerged in the animated realm before finding her place in comic books. The show crafted numerous characters whose versions have become integral to Batman narratives across various media formats. It dared to introduce mature themes within an animated context, breaking new ground for the genre, and played a pivotal role in the evolution of animated television as we know it today. Furthermore, it marked the beginning of the DC Animated Universe (DCAU) and showcased iconic voice performances by actors such as Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.

2025-02-27 10:36