Not content with conquering Hollywood, Marvel has significantly invested in the television industry in the past few years. Some of the MCU's biggest stars have brought their characters to television, while Marvel has also taken the opportunity to introduce less established characters.
Disney+ premieres new shows every few months, such as the currently airing Moon Knight, which has been left off this list since it is yet to finish. With so many shows to watch, here is a guide that separates the mediocre from the marvelous.
Inhumans (2017) IMDB Score: 5
A train wreck on arrival, Inhumans was Marvel's first major flop in the MCU. The series follows a royal family from outer space, who are forced to flee to Earth after a military coup. Each member of the family has a unique power, such as leader Black Bolt who can cause destruction with his voice, and their giant dog Lockjaw, whose power is being the best boy.
The show holds an eye-watering 11% on Rotten Tomatoes and was criticized for being boring, having weak characters, and being noticeably low-budget.
Iron Fist (2017-2018) IMDB Score: 6.5
After being presumed dead for 15 years, billionaire Oliver Queen Danny Rand returns to New York to reclaim his father's company. Having spent the last decade and a half training with Buddhist monks, Danny calls upon the mystical power of the Iron Fist to combat crime.
While the other Defenders shows received varying levels of positive reception, opinions on Iron Fist were mixed. The fight scenes are enjoyable, but Danny is a less interesting protagonist when compared to the likes of Matt Murdock and Jessica Jones.
The Defenders (2017) IMDB Score: 7.3
The culmination of the Defenders Saga, The Defenders brings together Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist to combat the villainous group The Hand. Though each hero comes from a different walk of life, they are brought together by a common desire to protect their city.
While not as epic as The Avengers, it is still entertaining to see these four heroes brought together and the banter and fights that ensue. All the actors bounce well off each other, and the lambasted Iron Fist shines better as part of a team.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) IMDB Score: 7.3
Following Steve Rogers' retirement, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier finds Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie) grappling with the concept of becoming Captain America. When new enemies emerge, Sam partners with Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) to save the day once again.
The series closely resembles the MCU films, which is to its detriment as it feels like an action movie stretched out across six episodes. The show still succeeds however due to the winning chemistry shared between Mackie and Stan, and the time given to their characters who are usually relegated to supporting roles in the films.
Luke Cage (2016-2018) IMDB Score: 7.3
The third hero introduced in the Defenders Saga, Luke Cage (Mike Colter) first appeared in Jessica Jones before receiving his own show. Luke Cage follows the indestructible hero with a heart of gold who fights to protect his city.
Led by the likable Colter and featuring a great supporting cast, the show is successful at being socially conscious and exploring characters and environments the MCU had largely ignored up to this point. Despite being almost impossible to kill, Cage is never boring, and it is easy to get invested in his journey from convict to hero.
What If...? (2021-) IMDB Score: 7.5
An animated series that follows alternate storylines in the MCU and the repercussions that ensue. Such storylines explored include Peggy Carter being Captain America instead of Steve Rogers, T'Challa becoming Star-Lord, and a zombie apocalypse.
Many actors reprise their roles, including Chadwick Boseman, Hayley Atwell, and Benedict Cumberbatch, helping to keep it connected to the pre-established characters audiences know and love.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013-2020) IMDB Score: 7.6
Marvel's first attempt at a tv show set within the MCU, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D follows a team within the agency that contends with new threats and foes in every episode. Led by Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg), the series also introduced famous comic book characters to the MCU for the first time, such as Ghost Rider.
While the series began with mixed reviews, later seasons bridged the show into the MCU and improved in quality. The biggest example is the destruction of S.H.I.E.L.D. in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which has a major impact on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s plot.
Hawkeye (2021) IMDB Score: 7.7
Following the titular character in retirement, Hawkeye finds Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) called on to help the young Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) after she inadvertently puts herself in danger. Only wanting to spend Christmas with his family, Barton is instead forced to confront his dark past as Ronin.
Losing his hearing due to his years as an Avenger, Hawkeye shows the toll a heroic lifestyle takes on someone who is not a literal god or a super-soldier. Renner and Steinfeld are a winning combination, and the master/student dynamic that develops is the beating heart of the enjoyable action series.
Jessica Jones (2015-2019) IMDB Score: 7.9
Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) is a private detective working in New York City. Possessing super strength, Jones gave up her life as a superhero after a traumatic experience with the villain Kilgrave (David Tennant).
Suffering from PTSD after this ordeal, the series explores dark topics across its three seasons and is a more mature story than most other MCU offerings. Ritter and Tennant are fantastic in the lead roles, with Tennant's absence in the later seasons being felt as the series never manages to recapture the magic of his villainous turn.
WandaVision (2021) IMDB Score: 8
WandaVision finds Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olson) living a peaceful life in the suburbs with her husband Vision (Paul Bettany). How this scenario is taking place is kept a mystery as the show jumps time periods and explores each era of television.
The show is anchored by the strong performances of the two leads, whose chemistry was a highlight of the films. Kathryn Hahn shines as a friendly neighbor who seems to know more than she is letting on. A delightful series that combines humor and drama, WandaVision also explores the topic of grief.
Loki (2021-) IMDB Score: 8.3
Finally giving the fan-favorite character his moment in the spotlight, Loki begins with another universe's version of the character being sent to the time police. Faced with being erased from existence, Loki is forced to partner up with Agent Mobius (Owen Wilson) and help fix the timeline.
Sometimes feeling more like Doctor Who than the MCU, Tom Hiddleston is a joy to watch as he navigates multiple timelines and universes in his quest for freedom. Eventually, he crosses paths with other versions of himself, including Alligator Loki, the greatest Loki of them all.
The Punisher (2017-2019) IMDB Score: 8.5
The Punisher follows Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) as he attempts to move on from his crusade as the vigilante. Soon enough he is drawn into a conspiracy that offers new information regarding the death of his family, and his quest for vengeance begins again.
The Punisher has always been a violent property for Marvel and this series is no exception, as Castle shoots, stabs, and eye gouges his way to the truth. Bernthal is fantastic in the lead role, perfectly encapsulating the rage that always lives beneath Castle's stoic exterior.
Daredevil (2015-2018) IMDB Score: 8.7
Daredevil follows Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), a lawyer by day, and a crime-fighting vigilante by night. Left blinded after a childhood accident, Murdock soon develops heightened senses that aid him in his journey for justice.
The pinnacle of Marvel television, Daredevil earns a place among the greatest television shows of all time. Murdock's struggle with his vigilantism and his faith is a tremendous tale, and Cox is superb as the character. Vincent D'Onofrio also excels as the villain Wilson Fisk, with both actors being seen as irreplaceable in the eyes of fans.