Since the publication of the first superhero comic back in 1936 (The Phantom), audiences have reveled in the idea of caped crusaders battling crime and otherworldly beings. DC and Marvel soon became forerunners for the genre as we know it today, creating the likes of Batman, Superman, and The Avengers.
Naturally, considering the success superheroes had with audiences – both young and old – creators were keen to take the adventures of many characters to the screen as television sets became widely available. Though many shows have enjoyed a certain level of success, there are more than a handful of made-for-tv superhero shows that have aged poorly.
10 Night Man Was A Poor Rip-Off Of Batman
Night Man aired between 1997 and 1999, and was based on the comic of the same name. The series follows Johnny Domino, a San Franciscan jazz musician who is struck by lightning and granted telepathic powers. Night Man dons a blue-caped black bulletproof bodysuit which allows him to fly and camouflage himself at night. Unable to sleep, Night Man battles new enemies in each episode as the series progresses, with his arch nemesis being tech billionaire Kieran Keyes (Kim Coates).
Even non-superhero fans can instantly recognize that Night Man is a clear rip-off of Batman, from his lack of superpowers (beyond telepathy) to his visage and alter ego. Like many 90s shows, Night Man is campy and cheesy, and overall, a poorly made show with lazy writing.
9 Shazam! Was Silly And Unlikeable
Airing between 1974 and 1977, Shazam! had a total of three seasons, and starred Michael Gray as the titular hero. The show follows teenager Billy Batson, whose alter-ego is Shazam!, and his adult companion Mentor as they travel across the country in an RV, helping people in need. The story is basic and ideal for daytime TV, but unlike superhero shows today was ultimately best suited for children.
Shazam! was silly and dull, with poor costuming and even lousier writing. Despite this, the show had fair morals, and so did well among family audiences. However, its low production value means it hasn't aged particularly well, in addition to it being un-relatable for audiences today.
8 Mutant X Was A Wannabe Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Mutant X was a sci-fi show which aired between 2001 and 2004 before it was abruptly canceled due to the dismantling of its production company, Fireworks Entertainment. While it was created under a Marvel Comics license, Mutant X has no connection to the comic of the same name. The show follows a fugitive geneticist and four of his creations, who search for others of their kind while attempting to stay a step ahead of a morally ambiguous government agent.
Like many shows of the early 2000s, Mutant X is edgy to the point of cringe but overall is just poorly written. Many viewers noted the number of plot holes in the story and criticized the predictable dialogue and over-acted performances.
7 Superboy Is A Fine Effort But Super Cheesy
Superboy ran from 1988 to 1992 and follows Clark Kent/Kal-El during his early years as a superhero. The bulk of the series took place at the fictitious Shuster College in Florida and featured several well-known comic book personalities; including Lex Luthor.
Like Shazam!, Superboy was a show which many viewers today admit they enjoyed as children, as it tackles themes of youth and coming to terms with responsibility. However, it is so far from the reality of many youths today that it appears almost offensively optimistic. The first season is generally panned for its poor performances, particularly from lead John Newton, who was replaced by Gerard Christopher for the following seasons.
6 Wonder Woman Appears Sexist And Uncouth Today
Wonder Woman inevitably deserves a mention. Played by Miss World USA winner Lynda Carter, the show follows Carter's Diana Prince / Wonder Woman after she saves a US pilot from a plane crash on an island inhabited only by women. Diana learns of the war against the Nazis and decides to help save the world. Wonder Woman is very much a product of its time and demonstrates the United States' patriotism.
While Wonder Woman is a fine show in that it demonstrates how a woman can be as strong and reliable as other superheroes, such as Superman, there are a few aspects of the series which have aged poorly. Most obviously is the way Diana is sexualized in the show, and while this is usually by obvious villains, there are instances of fan service; such as random shots of her scantily clad backside.
5 The Flash Was Over The Top And Unlike The Comics
There is a reason that 1991's The Flash was canceled after only one season. Starring John Wesley Shipp as the titular Flash/Barry Allen, The Flash had overly high production costs and poor viewer ratings, making it an utter flop of a show. Each episode was a standalone story, meaning that there was little incentive to watch the season in its entirety.
Despite the writers and showrunners vying for realism, The Flash is over the top and camp, though this is inevitable considering the hero's roots. Very little influence was taken from the comics other than the absolutely necessary elements, as the showrunners wanted to capitalize on the successes of the dark tones of Tim Burton's Batman.
4 The Incredible Hulk Is A Product Of Its Time
While hailed as a classic TV show by Marvel fans, The Incredible Hulk has aged poorly for several reasons. Many audiences enjoyed the show as children, as it was so unlike anything else at the time. But in the modern era when all heroes are mass monsters or edited using CGI, Lou Ferrigno's Hulk seems small and dainty in comparison.
While Bruce Banner, played by Bill Bixby, is acted well, the transformative aspect between Banner and Hulk is bizarre and cartoonish (but not in a good way). The writing is predictable and dull, with boring storylines and equally un-compelling characters.
3 Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman Was Cringey And Full Of PDA
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, which aired between 1993 and 1997, is another twist on the Superman story. However, the entire show focuses on the love triangle between Clark Kent, Superman, and Lois, who is unaware of Clark's alter-ego. It is precisely this romance aspect that has dated the show considerably.
Lois & Clark is less of a superhero show and more of a romantic drama, satisfying the fantasies of many younger viewers who are looking for fan service over comic content. The acting is corny, the sets unimaginative, and generally forgettable.
2 Blade: The Series Was An Awful Attempt At Continuing The Movies
Many readers will be surprised to find out that Blade got a TV show following the first movie's success in 1998. Blade: The Series starred American rapper and record producer Sticky Fingaz as the titular Blade, and follows military veteran Krista as she falls into the dark world of vampire hunting. The show only got one season back in 2006 and was canceled due to its poor performance.
Audiences were quick to recognize the clichés in the show and were let down by the lack of exciting action sequences which the creators introduced in the movies. Sticky Fingaz also didn't live up to Wesley Snipes' previous performance, and so the show has left a sour taste in many fans' mouths.
1 Birds Of Prey Shamelessly Sexualized Characters
Birds of Prey has had a poor run since its inception, with the reboot movie and original show both being received awfully. The show, which aired for only one season in 2002, suffers very much like Mutant X from early 2000s corniness.
Set in New Gotham City after Batman abandoned it, following Joker's last stand, Birds of Prey follows three female vigilantes as they try to maintain the peace in Gotham, with the help of returning characters such as Alfred Pennyworth. The show very much over-sexualizes its characters, and like many shows on this list has cheap writing and boring storylines.