From the iconic Incredible Hulk TV series to the gripping Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and from the gritty Netflix street-level shows that introduced characters like Daredevil and Luke Cage to streaming audiences, Marvel Comics have long been a powerhouse for small screen adaptations. While previous attempts to weave these live-action TV shows into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe often met with challenges—remember Runaways and Cloak and Dagger?—2021 marked a turning point. Marvel Studios ushered in a new era by launching a series of interconnected shows on Disney+, their flagship streaming service, directly tied to their renowned multi-billion dollar film franchise.
As the charming Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man swings onto our screens as the 13th Disney+ Marvel show in just four years, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the Marvel Studios television that has come before. Just as the Avengers gathered to enjoy shawarma amidst the ruins of New York, the Marvel enthusiasts at IGN have come together to rank the first 12 Disney+ Marvel TV shows. Stay tuned for the inclusion of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man once the series concludes.
Every Marvel TV Show in the Disney+ Era Ranked
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Secret Invasion
It's quite surreal to discuss a Secret Invasion series that ended up being so disappointing that it unanimously ranked as the worst Marvel TV show to date. In the comics, Secret Invasion is a pivotal and transformative event, but this adaptation seemed uninterested in its source material. Director Ali Selim openly admitted to not reading the comics and feeling they were unnecessary for his storytelling approach. While the MCU has demonstrated that new visions can revitalize classic stories, Secret Invasion fell short.
Attempting to emulate the espionage vibe of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Secret Invasion focused on Nick Fury's (Samuel L. Jackson) mission to thwart a Skrull invasion. However, the slow pacing, an AI-generated opening sequence, the abrupt and unsatisfying demise of a beloved female character, and the introduction of an odd superpowered character unlikely to return, cemented its place at the bottom of the MCU television rankings on Disney+.
Echo
Echo represents a significant leap in quality from Secret Invasion, securing the 11th spot despite not being as critically panned. Alaqua Cox reprised her role as the deaf Cheyenne superhero Echo from Hawkeye, delivering an intimate and action-packed story. Echo returns to her reservation, grappling with her powers, past, and complex relationship with Kingpin (Vincent D'Onofrio), the nefarious villain from the Daredevil series.
Like many later Marvel Studios TV shows, Echo's episode count was reduced, leaving some viewers wanting more. Yet, the series boasts some exhilarating action scenes, including a thrilling opening fight against Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox). Echo also broke new ground with a predominantly indigenous cast and crew, making it a unique, emotionally resonant, and compelling addition to the MCU, even if it didn't have the same impact as higher-ranked shows.
Moon Knight
It might come as a surprise to see this Oscar Isaac-led series ranked so low, but Moon Knight didn't resonate strongly enough with our voters to climb higher. The series explores the dark, multi-faceted world of Marc Spector, a man struggling with his sanity amidst action-packed battles. This surrealist take blends elements of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Indiana Jones, and Fox's Legion, creating a unique yet challenging narrative.
Moon Knight introduced a new hero, Scarlet Scarab (May Calamawy), who emerged as a standout character. With F. Murray Abraham voicing Khonshu and Ethan Hawke as the villainous Dr. Arthur Harrow, the series boasted a strong cast but couldn't secure a spot at the top of our list or earn a second season.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Despite high expectations, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier struggled to take flight. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprised their roles from the Marvel films, bringing a beloved chemistry to the screen. However, the series was weighed down by ambiguous moral dilemmas, a heavy focus on the Blip's timeline, and an emphasis on espionage over the expected aerial heroics.
As the second Marvel TV show on Disney+, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was initially set to be the first to launch but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing WandaVision to take the premiere spot. The global health crisis undoubtedly affected its production, which halted from March to August 2020. Despite these challenges, the show's narrative has become crucial to understanding the current MCU landscape, especially in relation to this year's Thunderbolts film.
