15 Fantastic Superhero TV Shows You Should Watch Now

While many superhero movies hit the movie theatres this summer, it’s important not to forget that there are also plenty of superhero TV shows worth tuning into.

Some viewers might assume that superhero TV shows are all action, but they cover more than just the flashy fights. Superhero shows such as Watchmen and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier have received plenty of critical acclaim for telling politically relevant stories. 

Additionally, some superhero shows explore the concept of what a superhero can be. For example, The Boys has gained popularity thanks to its cynical approach to the commercialization of superheroes. 

There’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vast and expansive genre!

Here are 15 of the best superhero TV shows you should watch now: 

1. Doom Patrol

Doom Patrol may be a less well-known team compared to the Justice League. However, this DC show shouldn’t be overlooked.

It subverts the trope of superheroes being more capable than humans by demonstrating how these characters are just as human as we are. Each character has their own individual struggles. For example, Negative Man eventually comes to terms with his sexuality.

Luckily, the Doom Patrol have one another to lean on in trying times. Watching this found family of misfits fight odd creatures like butt-zombies truly never gets old. 

2. Titans

Titans is another must-watch DC show. While the Teen Titans are better known for their animated, kid-friendly adaptation, this show is a grittier adaptation of this superhero team. 

Across four seasons, the show most notably brought DC characters that aren’t often acknowledged to the screen, such as Wonder Girl. Additionally, it excels in casting and distinctive character designs, which many people look for in superhero shows. 

In terms of story, Titans may not be as comic-accurate or consistent as other superhero shows. But if you’re looking for a more soapy drama with emotional twists and turns, this should be your next watch. 

3. Arrow

Arrow deserves a shoutout for establishing a DC universe in TV shows. It is one of the first superhero shows to grow popular after its premiere in 2012. 

Since it was one of the first DC shows to air on The CW, Arrow built the foundation for the Arrowverse and later DC shows on the same network, such as The Flash. Though the Arrowverse is no longer active, it had been the primary superhero TV universe for this franchise for several years. 

Arrow also shows flashbacks to develop Oliver Queen’s character. This creative form of storytelling keeps viewers engaged and interested in learning more about the elusive vigilante. 

4. Peacemaker

Similarly, Peacemaker marks the beginning of the DCEU TV shows. But more importantly, this show is an excellent watch even without the context of the larger universe. 

It delves into Peacemaker’s past and present, exploring his journey to find a purpose as a superhero. Although the show focuses on Peacemaker, it also highlights the fascinating characters he befriends, such as Vigilante. 

Full of both comedy and moving drama, Peacemaker paints a beautiful portrait of the growing pains of finding your identity in a world where you feel like you don’t belong. 

5. Watchmen

Watchmen is one of the most political DC shows and has earned all the praise it deserves. Written as a continuation of the influential comic by the same name, the show incorporates historical events and tackles issues like racism through the lens of the superhero genre. 

What Watchmen does best is balance the fantastical elements of superhero worlds with real-world inspiration. It doesn’t shy away from the worst parts of humanity and the limits of superhero vigilantism in combating injustice.  

6. Loki

Loki may be the god of mischief, but the Loki series delves deeper into his grief. The series goes above and beyond to elevate Loki’s backstory, even though he may be dead in the MCU. 

In addition to the emotional storytelling, Loki also incorporates elements of the sci-fi genre. The show covers the topics of time travel and alternate universes without making the technicalities too overbearing. 

Loki might not have given the character a happy ending that fans wanted for him, but the show has certainly given Loki some closure.

7. Wandavision

When the MCU first announced TV shows, Wandavision became known for being the first Marvel show to premiere on Disney+.

For dedicated Marvel fans, Wandavision has also influenced the MCU by setting up the show Agatha All Along and the movie Doctor Strange: The Multiverse of Madness. It takes an innovative approach to superhero shows by blending several genres, including sitcoms.

In addition to having visually stunning genre homages, Wandavision is also a masterclass in worldbuilding. It’s incredible to watch the show flesh out the fake world that represents Wanda’s grief around losing Vision. 

8. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier

Marvel tackles political commentary with The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. By having Bucky and Sam directly confront civilian groups and reckon with their own morals, the show approaches the superhero genre with a new angle. 

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is definitely one of Marvel’s darker shows, both in terms of story and aesthetically. It’s refreshing to see a superhero show offer realistic, grounded portrayals of political unrest and address conflicts between ideals.

But even between the dramatic moments, the show also highlights Sam and Bucky’s friendship, one of the best dynamics in the MCU. After all, who wouldn’t want to see more of their hilarious banter? 

9. Ms. Marvel

Ms. Marvel is easily one of the most lighthearted superhero shows on this list. Part of it comes from the fact that the series centers around a teenage girl coming of age while also exploring her superpowers. 

There are some heavier emotional moments, but Ms. Marvel explores themes like family and the process of growing up in a lighter way than some other Marvel shows. The show feels like a warm hug for those seeking comfort in superhero shows.

Additionally, during a time when darker aesthetics are prevalent in superhero media, it’s refreshing to see a more colorful, vibrant superhero show.  

10. Moon Knight

The topic of mental health often exists in the background of superhero shows, but Moon Knight really brings this subject to the forefront. As one of Marvel’s grittier shows, this series doesn’t shy away from exploring the effects of trauma. 

Oscar Isaac deserves a special shoutout for how he expertly embodies several different characters across the course of the series. He delivers incredibly compelling portrayals for each character that convince the audience to empathize with even the more morally grey ones. 

While Moon Knight can be a challenging watch, the creative interpretation of how trauma can manifest makes the show a standout in the superhero genre.

11. The Boys

The most well-known anti-superhero superhero show is The Boys. In this world, superheroes act more like celebrities and work for the Vought corporation. 

This more cynical take on superheroes is perfect for those who might not be as interested in Marvel and DC shows. It sheds light on the dark, twisted side of selfish superheroes who present a clean public image. 

Admittedly, The Boys might not be for everyone, but it never shies away from relentlessly pushing the idea that not all superheroes are truly as great as they seem. 

12. Gen V

Gen V may be a spinoff from The Boys, but the show has its own distinct tone.

The show is set in a college for up-and-coming superheroes. Gen V captures the social complexities of navigating school while also learning to harness their superpowers. 

All the characters have flaws, but compared to the superheroes in The Boys, these college students genuinely want to make the world a better place. Sometimes, that means getting competitive, but they all need to do what it takes to survive the cutthroat world of God U.

13. Invincible

Invincible easily takes the cake as one of the best animated superhero adaptations. Drawn in a similar style to the comics, the show captures the spirit of the original media while adding a modern take. 

It’s easy to get invested in Mark’s character arc. He experiences everyday dilemmas, such as passing classes and dealing with relationship drama. However, he must also balance his personal struggles with his duties as a superhero. 

Although the show is animated, it still features plenty of bloody fight scenes for those seeking action. Invincible delivers incredible storytelling and stunning sequences that have established it as one of the most beloved superhero adaptations in recent years. 

14. The Umbrella Academy

This wouldn’t be a superhero show list without a mention of The Umbrella Academy. This family of messed-up misfits with unique powers may appear to hate one another, but deep down, there’s plenty of love to go around. 

The early seasons of The Umbrella Academy are a must-watch for fans of the superhero genre. It features complex plotlines, such as being sent back in time, as well as grounded personal conflicts, including resolving sibling rivalries. 

This show has something to offer for anyone looking to explore how family drama can look in the world of superheroes.

15. Powerless

If you’re looking for a show about superheroes that isn’t centered around superheroes, Powerless is the perfect watch for you. 

This wholesome sitcom follows a group of people without superpowers who work in the superhero business. It features all the flashy special effects of superhero shows, along with the heart of beloved workplace sitcoms. 

Powerless is the best show to tune into after watching a darker superhero show because it’s a guaranteed pick-me-up. Additionally, no prior knowledge of the superhero universe is required to watch it, even if it’s branded as a DC show. 

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That concludes our list of the 15 best superhero TV shows in recent years!

How many of these have you seen? Are there any shows you would add to this list? Comment below! 

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