From the classic Incredible Hulk TV series to the network hits like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the gritty Netflix shows that introduced characters like Daredevil and Luke Cage to streaming audiences, Marvel Comics have long been a fertile ground for small screen adaptations. Previous efforts to weave these live-action TV shows into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have often faltered—remember Runaways and Cloak and Dagger? But in 2021, Marvel Studios ushered in a new era. This pivotal moment started with Disney+ being loaded with new series that are deeply intertwined with the multi-billion dollar film franchise that has made Marvel Studios a household name.
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 time to reflect on the Marvel Studios television that paved the way. Just as the Avengers gathered for shawarma amidst the ruins of New York, the Marvel experts at IGN convened to rank the first 12 Disney+ Marvel TV shows. Stay tuned for the addition of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man once the series concludes.
Every Marvel TV Show in the Disney+ Era Ranked
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12. Secret Invasion
It's surprising to discuss a Secret Invasion series that was so universally panned that it ranked last among all Marvel TV shows on Disney+. In the comics, Secret Invasion is a landmark event, but the show seemed disinterested in its source material. Director Ali Selim's admission that he hadn't read the comics and didn't see the need to reflects the series' lack of engagement with its roots. While the MCU has shown that fresh takes on classic stories can be invigorating, Secret Invasion failed to capture that spark.
Attempting to channel the espionage vibe of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Secret Invasion centered on Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) trying to thwart a Skrull invasion. However, its slow pacing, an AI-generated opening, the abrupt demise of a beloved female character, and the introduction of an odd, seemingly one-off superpowered character left it at the bottom of our MCU television rankings on Disney+.
Echo
The jump in quality from Secret Invasion to Echo is significant. Although Echo landed in the 11th spot, it was far from as criticized as our lowest-ranked show. Alaqua Cox reprised her role from Hawkeye as the deaf Cheyenne superhero Echo, in a story that delves into her life as she returns to her reservation, grappling with her powers, her past, and her relationship with Kingpin (Vincent D'Onofrio), the villain who raised her.
Like many later Marvel Studios TV efforts, Echo was condensed into fewer episodes, which left some viewers wanting more. Nevertheless, it boasts some spectacular action sequences, including a thrilling opening fight against Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox). Echo also broke ground with its predominantly indigenous cast and crew, making it a unique, emotionally 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 quite resonate enough with our voters to climb higher. The series delves into the complex psyche of Marc Spector, blending elements of mystery and action as he battles to keep his multiple personalities in check. This surreal narrative draws inspiration from classics like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the adventures of Indiana Jones, and the experimental style of Marvel's Legion.
True to Marvel's tradition, Moon Knight introduced a new hero, Scarlet Scarab (May Calamawy), who emerged as a standout by the series' end. With a strong cast including F. Murray Abraham voicing Khonshu and Ethan Hawke as the villainous Dr. Arthur Harrow, Moon Knight had all the pieces, but it couldn't secure a higher spot or a second season.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Despite the potential for a soaring success, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier struggled to take flight. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprised their roles from the Marvel films, and fans appreciated their chemistry. However, this second Marvel TV show on Disney+ was weighed down by murky ethical dilemmas, a heavy focus on the Blip's timeline, and more emphasis on espionage than on the high-flying action fans expected.
As the first TV show developed by Marvel Studios, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was initially set to be the first released on Disney+. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, reshuffled the release schedule, and WandaVision took the debut slot instead. It's unclear how much the global health crisis affected the show's final quality, but production was halted from March to August 2020. Despite its challenges, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier laid crucial groundwork for the MCU's ongoing narrative, especially relevant for this year's Thunderbolts* film.
