Summary

  • Inhumans is considered the worst Marvel series ever, with uneven storytelling and subpar visual effects.
  • Iron Fist had slow pacing, lackluster fight choreography, and cultural insensitivity, making it the least successful Marvel series in the Defenders Saga.
  • Luke Cage was a popular entry in the Defenders Saga, featuring an iconic bulletproof hero and tackling social issues in Harlem.

There is a litany of Marvel television series that are not considered the MCU timeline. Some of these are considered the pinnacle of superhero television, but some have been substantially less successful.

The MCU canon has changed since several television series were released. Netflix's Defenders Saga was initially released as canonical, but was subsequently changed - though this has been further complicated by Vincent D'Onofrio's Kingpin and Charlie Cox's Daredevil appearing in MCU shows. Additionally, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Carter were designed as companions to the MCU franchise, but their true canonicity is uncertain.

Related
Every Marvel Movie: Full MCU Phase 5 & 6 List (& Beyond)

Between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, here is every Marvel movie release date and what we know about the projects so far.

6

17 Inhumans (2017)

Originally Released By ABC

Inhumans

Release Date
September 29, 2017
Network
Disney Channel
Seasons
1
Streaming Service(s)
Dis

Marvel's Inhumans followed the eponymous royal family of superhuman aliens, who seek refuge in Hawaii. The series navigates narratives concerning political turmoil, betrayal, and internal power struggles. Despite its intriguing premise, the series faced criticism for its uneven storytelling, subpar visual effects, and underdeveloped characters. Inhumans struggled to resonate with audiences and was met with a lukewarm reception, leading to its cancelation after just one season. Even now, Inhumans is considered the worst Marvel series of all time. Despite this unpopularity, Anson Mount reprized his role for a Black Bolt cameo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

16 The Amazing Spider-Man (1977-1979)

Originally Released By CBS

Spider-Man climbs a building in the 1977 CBS TV show.

Starring Nicholas Hammon as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man portrayed a more grounded version of the iconic Marvel character. The series mostly featured Spider-Man's crime-solving and toned-down abilities. The Amazing Spider-Man faced budget constraints, leading to limited special effects and a departure from the comic book's more fantastical elements. While it gained a modest following, The Amazing Spider-Man lasted for only two seasons, leaving a nostalgic but somewhat dated imprint on Spider-Man's on-screen history. Consequently, it is one of the weakest Marvel TV shows, despite its sentimental charm.

15 Iron Fist (2017-2018)

Originally Released By Netflix

Iron Fist
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Ludovic Coutaud
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Donté Grey
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Alberto Bonilla
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Craig Geraghty

Release Date
March 17, 2017
Network
Disney Channel
Streaming Service(s)
Netflix

Netflix's Iron Fist followed Danny Rand (Finn Jones), a martial artist who returns to New York after his presumed death, to reclaim his family's business. Possessing the power of the Iron Fist, he battles crime and corruption. Despite high expectations, the series faced criticism for its slow pacing, lackluster fight choreography, and a perceived lack of cultural sensitivity in its portrayal of martial arts. While season 2 attempted improvements, Iron Fist was ultimately canceled after two seasons, marking it as the least successful entry in Netflix's Defenders Saga.

14 Blade: The Series (2006)

Originally Released By Spike

blade the series Sticky Fingaz as Blade holding a sword in promo image

Blade: The Series brought the titular hero to television, played by Kirk "Sticky" Jones. The show followed the half-vampire, half-human vampire hunter as he pursued his eternal quest to eliminate supernatural threats. Set after the events of the Blade trilogy, the series exposed Blade's complex relationships and his ongoing battle against a new vampire menace. Despite offering a darker, serialized take on the character, Blade: The Series faced challenges with its narrative structure and high production costs, leading to its premature cancelation after just one season. While it failed to achieve long-term success, it remains a notable entrant into Marvel television.

13 Cloak & Dagger (2018-2019)

Originally Released By Freeform

Poster for the show Marvel's Cloak & Dagger showing the main characters standing in front of a wall
Cloak and Dagger

Cast

  • Cast Placeholder Image
    J.D. Evermore
  • Headshot Of James Saito
    James Saito
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Miles Mussenden
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Noëlle Renée Bercy

Release Date
June 7, 2018
Network
ABC
Streaming Service(s)
Hulu, Dis

Cloak & Dagger centered on Tandy Bowen (Olivia Holt) and Tyrone Johnson (Aubrey Joseph), teenagers with newly acquired superpowers. Tandy has the power to emit light daggers, while Tyrone possesses the ability to engulf others in darkness and transport them to the Darkforce Dimension. Set in New Orleans, the show explored the duo's complex connection and the challenges they faced as they discovered their powers. Cloak & Dagger distinguished itself by addressing social issues and adolescence alongside the superhero narrative. Despite a dedicated fan base, the series concluded after two seasons.

12 Runaways (2017-2019)

Originally Released By Hulu

The Runaways characters standing outside looking down at something surprised
Runaways
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Kip Pardue
  • Headshot Of Angel Parker
    Angel Parker
  • Headshot Of Brittany Ishibashi
    Brittany Ishibashi
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Virginia Gardner

Release Date
November 21, 2017
Seasons
3
Streaming Service(s)
Hulu, Dis

Hulu's Runaways adapted the Marvel Comics series of the same name, following a group of teenagers who discover their parents are part of a sinister organization. Gifted with unique abilities, they unite to thwart their parents' nefarious plans. The series, known for its character-driven storytelling, addressed themes of friendship, identity, and rebellion. Runaways boasted an engaging ensemble cast and a willingness to tackle social issues. Although it ended after three seasons, the series left a positive legacy among audiences, offering a fresh and youthful alternative to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

11 Helstrom (2020)

Originally Released By Hulu

Alain Uy and Sydney Lemmon in Helstrom
Helstrom
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Tom Austen
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Sydney Lemmon
  • Headshot Of Elizabeth Marvel
    Elizabeth Marvel
  • Headshot Of Ariana Guerra
    Ariana Guerra

Release Date
October 16, 2020
Streaming Service(s)
Hulu
Seasons
1

Hulu's Helstrom was a supernatural horror series based on characters from the Marvel Comics universe. It revolves around siblings Daimon (Tom Austen) and Ana Helstrom (Sydney Lemmon), the offspring of a notorious serial killer, as they investigate and combat demonic forces. The show diverged from traditional superhero narratives, delving into darker themes of family trauma and occultism. Despite intriguing performances and a moody atmosphere, Helstrom received mixed reviews for its narrative choices and pacing. Unfortunately, the series faced a premature cancelation, leaving it as a unique but short-lived addition to Marvel's television shows.

10 The Incredible Hulk (1977-1982)

Originally Released By CBS

Lou Ferrrigno Incredible Hulk TV Show

The Incredible Hulk, which aired on CBS from 1977 to 1982, starred Bill Bixby as Dr. David Banner (changed from Marvel Comics' Bruce Banner) and Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk. The series follows Banner's quest to control his anger-induced transformation into the Hulk. Focusing on his wandering and encounters with people in need, the show blended elements of drama and action. Despite low-budget special effects, Ferrigno's imposing, live-action Hulk became iconic. The series garnered a dedicated audience and still holds up to modern viewing. The Incredible Hulk remains a classic in television adaptations of comic book superheroes.

9 The Gifted (2017-2019)

Originally Released By Fox

Sean Teale Natalie Alyn Lind Amy Acker and Stephen Moyer in The Gifted Season 1 Finale
The Gifted
  • Headshot Of Stephen Moyer
    Stephen Moyer
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Amy Acker
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Sean Teale
  • Headshot Of Natalie Alyn Lind
    Natalie Alyn Lind

Release Date
October 2, 2017
Network
FOX
Seasons
2

The Gifted was a spin-off from Fox's X-Men franchise, depicting the lives of a suburban family discovering their children possess mutant abilities in a world hostile to mutants. Struggling to escape governmental persecution, they an underground network of mutants fighting for survival. With a focus on family dynamics and societal prejudice, The Gifted was a notable entrant in the X-Men universe. Strong performances, intricate storytelling, and timely social commentary on discrimination added depth to the show. Despite its critical acclaim and dedicated viewership, The Gifted only lasted two seasons.

8 Luke Cage (2016-2018)

Originally Released By Netflix

Release Date
September 30, 2016
Seasons
2
Streaming Service(s)
Disney+

Luke Cage, part of Netflix's Defenders Saga, showcased the eponymous bulletproof hero portrayed by Mike Colter. Set in Harlem, the show follows Luke Cage's journey from a reluctant hero to a symbol of justice, battling crime and corruption. Laden with themes of community, identity, and social issues, it became a standout within Netflix's Marvel franchise. Colter's charismatic performances and the series' urban atmosphere garnered praise. Luke Cage proffered a powerful, culturally resonant superhero narrative, which, while not as compelling as other series in Netflix's Marvel franchise, still rivaled other Marvel TV shows.