The Best New Superhero TV Shows

Superhero TV shows have changed a lot lately. They’ve moved beyond simple stories where heroes fight a new villain each week and are now tackling more complicated and creative plots. Streaming services have given creators the freedom to explore mature themes, lesser-known characters, and different animation styles that wouldn’t have been possible on traditional TV. Whether you like realistic, dark dramas or fast-paced, animated action, there’s a superhero show out there for you. This surge in new content has led to some of the best and most highly praised superhero stories ever made.

‘X-Men ’97’ (2024–)

‘X-Men ’97’ is a continuation of the popular 1990s cartoon, picking up the story with more mature themes for today’s viewers. The series starts with the X-Men facing a world without Professor X, leading Cyclops and Magneto to form an unlikely partnership to guide mutants. Critics have praised the show’s exciting action and sensitive treatment of difficult subjects like prejudice and genocide. It skillfully blends familiar nostalgia with new stories, demonstrating that traditional animation can still be deeply impactful.

‘The Penguin’ (2024)

Following the story of ‘The Batman’, this crime series centers on Oswald “Oz” Cobb and his efforts to take over Gotham City’s criminal world. It connects to the films by showing the fallout after the death of crime boss Carmine Falcone, creating an opportunity for new power players. Colin Farrell reprises his role as the Penguin, again using extensive makeup, and delivers a complex performance that makes the villain both sympathetic and dangerous. The show is a realistic, hard-hitting mob story, similar to high-quality crime dramas seen on television, and avoids the more fantastical aspects of the superhero genre.

‘Invincible’ (2021–)

Okay, so as a huge comic book and animation fan, let me tell you about ‘Invincible’. It’s based on this awesome, long-running comic, and it totally flips the superhero genre on its head. It’s not your typical good guys vs. bad guys story; it gets dark and really makes you question everything. The show centers around this kid, Mark Grayson, who suddenly gets superpowers from his dad, Omni-Man – who, by the way, is the strongest hero ever. But as Mark tries to figure out how to be a hero, he stumbles onto a crazy family secret that could destroy the world. Honestly, what really sets it apart is the voice acting – it’s incredible – and how brutally realistic the fight scenes are. It doesn’t shy away from showing what superpowered battles would actually look like, and it’s pretty intense.

‘Loki’ (2021–2023)

Tom Hiddleston returns as Loki in a series that significantly altered the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After taking the Tesseract, this version of Loki is apprehended by the Time Variance Authority, an organization responsible for keeping the timeline in order. He then partners with agent Mobius M. Mobius to track down another, dangerous version of himself, which leads him on a path to understand himself and potentially find redemption. The show is celebrated for its unique visual style, thought-provoking themes about choice and destiny, and the engaging dynamic between Hiddleston and Owen Wilson.

‘Peacemaker’ (2022–)

Created by James Gunn, ‘Peacemaker’ is a spin-off of ‘The Suicide Squad’ that follows Christopher Smith, a violent and nationalistic killer. After recovering from injuries, Peacemaker reluctantly joins a secret team to fight alien parasites called Butterflies. The show cleverly examines Peacemaker’s problematic beliefs about masculinity and patriotism using both crude humor and genuine emotional moments. John Cena delivers a strong performance, transforming a previously unlikeable villain into a complex and relatable character haunted by his father’s troubled past.

‘Gen V’ (2023–)

‘Gen V’ is a spin-off of ‘The Boys’ that follows a group of young superheroes at Godolkin University. These students are not only competing for the best grades and sponsorships, but they also start to uncover a dark secret involving dangerous experiments on people with powers. Like ‘The Boys’, ‘Gen V’ is full of shocking violence and sharp social commentary, but it also focuses on the challenges of growing up, dealing with school stress, and figuring out who you are. The series introduces fresh powers and characters that connect to the larger story of ‘The Boys’ universe.

‘WandaVision’ (2021)

The ‘WandaVision’ miniseries launched Marvel’s Phase Four with a unique mix of classic TV tropes and unsettling horror. It centers on Wanda Maximoff and Vision, who seem to be living a perfect, picture-book life in the town of Westview, New Jersey, with their reality changing to mirror different eras of television. As things fall apart, Wanda must deal with the overwhelming sadness caused by losing the people she loved. The show was important for fully introducing the Scarlet Witch and diving into the emotional pain that shapes the hero she becomes.

‘Moving’ (2023)

The South Korean series ‘Moving’ became popular worldwide by combining a fantastical superhero story with a heartfelt family drama. It follows three retired secret agents who go into hiding to shield their children, who have superpowers, from those who would exploit them. The show skillfully blends thrilling spy action with the relatable experiences of teenage romance and the sacrifices parents make for their kids. Reviewers have especially praised its focus on characters and their relationships, even though the action scenes are still exciting and impactful.

‘The Sandman’ (2022–)

The long-awaited live-action adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s beloved comic book series beautifully captures its fantastical and often unsettling atmosphere. The story follows Morpheus, the Lord of Dreams, as he works to rebuild his kingdom after being imprisoned for a hundred years. Each episode explores different genres – from horror to historical fiction and mythology – as Dream encounters his powerful siblings. ‘The Sandman’ is visually impressive and thought-provoking, staying true to the original comics while also feeling fresh and relevant for today’s audiences.

‘My Adventures with Superman’ (2023–)

‘My Adventures with Superman’ is a new animated series that puts a positive spin on the Superman story, with a style inspired by anime. The show follows Clark Kent in his twenties as he develops his superhero persona and builds relationships with Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. It highlights their work as journalists and features updated versions of classic Superman villains. Fans love the show’s heartwarming feel, the believable romance, and its focus on Clark’s genuine desire to help others.

‘Agatha All Along’ (2024)

Okay, so I’m super excited about this! Kathryn Hahn is back as Agatha Harkness, and this show is a direct continuation of ‘WandaVision’. It’s way darker than what we’ve seen before, leaning into fantasy and horror. Basically, Agatha’s lost her powers and is trying to get them back by going on this crazy journey along the Witches’ Road with a group of… well, let’s just say unexpected allies. It really digs into the magic side of the Marvel universe, exploring how witchcraft works and what happens when people get too greedy for power. What I’ve heard is it’s got a really fun, over-the-top vibe with some surprisingly good musical numbers, and a mystery that’s going to completely change how we see some of the established magical characters. I can’t wait!

‘Supacell’ (2024–)

This British drama, set in South London, offers a realistic take on the superhero genre. Five everyday Black Londoners suddenly gain superpowers, and they realize they’re all connected by a shared history of sickle cell disease. They have to work together to save a member of their group from a terrible fate, all while avoiding a mysterious organization that’s pursuing them. ‘Supacell’ explores important social issues and community relationships, with authentic acting and conversations.

‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ (2024–)

Created by Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams, and Matt Reeves, ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ is a new animated series inspired by the popular Batman cartoon from the 1990s. It’s set in the 1940s, with a dark, film-noir style, and emphasizes Batman’s detective skills rather than relying on advanced technology. The series offers fresh takes on iconic villains like Harley Quinn and Clayface, exploring their psychological sides within the show’s vintage atmosphere. Critics are celebrating ‘Caped Crusader’ for its immersive mood and sophisticated stories, which feel original despite building on familiar characters.

‘Moon Knight’ (2022)

Wow, Oscar Isaac really blew me away in ‘Moon Knight’! He plays a guy, Steven Grant, who discovers he’s sharing his body with a completely different person, Marc Spector – and things get weird fast. It turns out Marc is connected to an Egyptian moon god, Khonshu, and they’re thrown into this globe-trotting adventure from London to Egypt, fighting a dangerous cult leader named Arthur Harrow. But it’s not just about the action; the series really digs into the characters’ fractured psyches. What I loved most is that ‘Moon Knight’ feels completely separate from the rest of the Marvel universe, which allows it to be a really focused, compelling story about mental health and ancient mythology. It’s a truly unique and gripping watch.

‘Extraordinary’ (2023–)

This British comedy offers a fresh take on superheroes by imagining a world where everyone develops powers on their 18th birthday—except for Jen. Feeling lost in a boring job and insecure, Jen spends her twenties trying to unlock her own hidden ability. ‘Extraordinary’ is a funny and often outrageous show that uses superpowers to explore the anxieties of growing up and the weirdness of everyday life. Instead of focusing on epic, world-saving missions, it’s all about the relatable messiness of personal struggles.

‘Superman & Lois’ (2021–2024)

Unlike most superhero shows that start with how heroes get their powers, ‘Superman & Lois’ focuses on Clark Kent and Lois Lane raising their teenage twin sons. The family returns to Smallville to take care of some personal matters, but they quickly discover that life in a small town isn’t as peaceful as they thought, and it’s full of hidden dangers. The show is praised for its impressive special effects and its ability to handle both exciting, otherworldly threats and realistic family issues with emotional depth. Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch deliver strong performances as Superman and Lois, making their characters feel both heroic and relatable.

‘Hawkeye’ (2021)

Set in New York City during Christmas, the series ‘Hawkeye’ teams up experienced hero Clint Barton with aspiring archer Kate Bishop. Clint’s trying to make it home for the holidays, but gets caught up in a dangerous plot involving a criminal group known as the tracksuit mafia and a shadowy figure. The show takes a lot of its ideas from a popular comic book series, including fun characters like Pizza Dog and a gritty, realistic style. Ultimately, ‘Hawkeye’ is a successful action-comedy that also introduces a new hero to the world.

‘Ms. Marvel’ (2022)

Ms. Marvel follows Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teen in Jersey City, as she navigates the challenges of school, family, and newfound superpowers. The show is a vibrant and imaginative coming-of-age story, blending live-action with animation to showcase Kamala’s inner world. Praised for its realistic portrayal of Muslim-American life and its exploration of the Partition of India, the series cleverly incorporates history into its superhero origins. Iman Vellani delivers a fantastic performance, perfectly capturing the energy of a passionate fan who becomes a hero.

‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ (2021)

This action-packed series explores what happens after Captain America, focusing on Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes as they fight a worldwide group opposing patriotism. The show dives into important issues like racial inequality, how we treat veterans, and the challenges faced by a Black man taking on the role of Captain America. It brings back the villain Baron Zemo and introduces John Walker, a new Captain America chosen by the government, who adds another layer of complexity. The chemistry between Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan is a highlight, balancing lighthearted moments with thoughtful commentary on society and politics.

‘Marvel’s Hit-Monkey’ (2021–)

Inspired by a lesser-known Marvel comic, ‘Hit-Monkey’ is an animated series about a Japanese snow monkey on a quest for revenge against Tokyo’s criminal organizations. He’s mentored by the ghost of an American assassin, and together they leave a trail of destruction through the Yakuza. What makes this show special is its unusual story and cool, classic-revenge-movie style animation. It’s surprisingly emotional while still being funny, making it a standout in the world of superhero content.

‘Dead Boy Detectives’ (2024)

I’m completely captivated by ‘Dead Boy Detectives’! It takes place in the same incredible world as ‘The Sandman,’ and follows these two teenage ghosts, Charles and Edwin, who just don’t want to move on. Instead, they’ve started their own detective agency, helping other supernatural beings with their problems. It’s a really unique blend of teenage drama, spooky gothic horror, and pure imagination. What I especially love is how well the two lead actors play off each other, and how the show brilliantly expands on the magical side of the DC universe – it’s a really clever and fun addition!

‘What If…?’ (2021–)

Inspired by the cosmic perspective of Uatu the Watcher, this animated series reimagines iconic moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Each episode presents a different reality, like what if Peggy Carter received the super-soldier serum, or if a zombie outbreak consumed the world. The show’s unique, comic book-inspired animation style allows for visually dynamic storytelling that wouldn’t be possible with live actors. ‘What If…?’ boldly remixes familiar characters and plots, leading to surprising, heartbreaking, or wildly unusual outcomes.

‘Kite Man: Hell Yeah!’ (2024)

This animated series, a spin-off of ‘Harley Quinn,’ follows Kite Man and Golden Glider as they open a bar for Gotham’s villains. It’s a funny and irreverent show that focuses on the everyday challenges of running a business, even when your customers are supervillains. The series takes a minor character from the original show and turns him into a relatable hero just trying to earn a living, all while keeping the same adult humor fans loved before. It explores the lives of the ‘working class’ villains in a unique way.

‘Werewolf by Night’ (2022)

This special presentation from Marvel Studios is a tribute to classic monster movies from the 1930s and 40s. A group of monster hunters meets at the Bloodstone estate to compete for a valuable artifact, but they don’t realize a monster is already there with them. The film is shot mostly in black and white and relies on practical effects, which is a different style than most Marvel movies. ‘Werewolf by Night’ effectively brings a new, spooky, and sometimes gory side of the Marvel universe to life.

‘Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’ (2023–)

This fun animated series centers around Lunella Lafayette, a brilliant 13-year-old who unexpectedly summons a T-Rex to present-day New York City. The show has a dynamic, street art-influenced visual style, reminiscent of ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’, as it tells Lunella’s story. It’s praised for its music, its inspiring portrayal of science and technology for girls, and its quick, witty humor. Though geared towards kids, its clever writing and creative visuals make it enjoyable for animation lovers of any age.

‘Echo’ (2024)

Maya Lopez goes back to her hometown in Oklahoma to explore her Native American heritage, but she’s also being hunted by Wilson Fisk’s criminal organization. This new series, kicking off the “Marvel Spotlight” line, tells more personal, character-focused stories with fewer ties to the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. It beautifully showcases Choctaw language and culture, offering a fresh perspective in the superhero genre. The fight scenes are intense and realistic, highlighting Maya’s impressive skills as a deaf martial artist.

‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ (2022)

Jennifer Walters is a lawyer in her thirties who leads a complicated life – especially since she’s also a 6’7″ green super-hero! This funny legal show frequently breaks the fourth wall, directly talking to the audience and playfully poking fun at the Marvel universe. While some viewers might not enjoy its self-aware humor, the show offers a refreshing, down-to-earth look at what it’s like to have superpowers and how they impact everyday things like work and relationships. Plus, it brings back Charlie Cox as Daredevil in a fun, less serious role.

‘Creature Commandos’ (2024)

This animated series kicks off the new DC Universe, focusing on a covert team of monsters put together by Amanda Waller. The squad—featuring unique characters like Weasel, Doctor Phosphorus, and the Bride of Frankenstein—takes on missions that are too risky for regular humans. Written by James Gunn, the show delivers his trademark mix of quirky teamwork and intense action, and establishes the style for the new DC Universe, where animated and live-action stories will connect closely.

‘I Am Groot’ (2022–)

‘I Am Groot’ is a series of adorable, animated shorts featuring Baby Groot growing up. These short episodes take place on the Guardians’ spaceship and different planets, and they focus on fun, visual gags and Groot’s encounters with quirky alien creatures. With beautiful animation and no dialogue, it’s a lighthearted and enjoyable break from the main ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ storyline, perfectly capturing Groot’s playful personality.

‘Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (2024)

This animated series connects to the ‘Mutant Mayhem’ movie and its upcoming sequel, and it’s the first time we see the Turtles working on their own. They’re up against a new enemy named Bishop, who uses high-tech robots to target mutants. The animation style changes from the movie’s painted 3D look to a faster, more dynamic 2D style that works well for a TV series. The show builds on the characters and world introduced in the movie, giving us a deeper look at the mutant community in New York City.

Which of these new superhero shows has become your absolute favorite? Tell us in the comments!

2026-02-08 22:19