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Television can be cut-throat, even for a genre as popular as superhero shows. If a series doesn't connect with critics and audiences or fails to pull in big enough ratings to justify its cost, networks can and will cancel it, regardless of its quality or potential.

On the other side of the coin, shows with large audiences can feel bulletproof. Many shows last long after critics or even their audiences have grown tired of them. As long as a series continues to pull in dedicated fans every week, a show can stagger forward, even as its quality gradually declines.

Updated by Timothy Blake Donohoo on February 14, 2024: As the superhero and comic book adaptation craze has had its ups and downs, it has led to several superhero TV shows over the years. In some cases, such as the Netflix superhero shows made with Marvel, these works were mostly revered. For other shows, however, they were critically lambasted by many. Regardless of their reception, many of these superhero shows either ended too quickly or went on for far too long. The result was that fans either couldn't get enough of these superhero TV shows or were long past tired of them when they met their end.

Canceled Too Soon

Constantine Failed to Conjure Up More Than One Season

Constantine TV Series starring Matt Ryan as John Constantine
Constantine
TV-14
Horror
Crime
Drama
Supernatural

A man struggling with his faith who is haunted by the sins of his past is suddenly thrust into the role of defending humanity from the gathering forces of darkness.

Release Date
October 24, 2014
Creator
Alan Moore, Stephen R. Bissette, Rick Veitch, John Totleben
Cast
Matt Ryan , Harold Perrineau , Charles Halford , Lucy Griffiths , angelica celaya
Main Genre
Superhero
Seasons
1
Studio
DC Comics, Warner Bros. Television
Franchise
Constantine
Network
NBC

Constantine

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

72%

7.5/10

Related
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Unlike many shows in the Arrowverse, Constantine aired on NBC rather than the CW. Fans praised Constantine for its atmosphere, storytelling, and Matt Ryan's performance as the charismatic occultist and conman.

NBC canceled Constantine after one successful season, citing the cost of production. After Warner Bros. failed to find a new network to air the show on, the studio released the cast from their contracts. Matt Ryan's Constantine, however, would reprise his role in the Arrowverse as one of Legends of Tomorrow's main characters.

Swamp Thing Gave TV Viewers an Anatomy Lesson

Swamp Thing and Crystal Reed on the Swamp Thing Promo
Swamp Thing
TV-MA
Horror
Science Fiction

Abby Arcane returns home to Marais, Louisiana to investigate a deadly swamp-borne virus, only to discover the dark, terrifying mysteries of the swamp.

Release Date
May 31, 2019
Creator
Gary Dauberman and Mark Verheiden
Cast
Crystal Reed , Virginia Madsen , Andy Bean , Derek Mears , Henderson Wade , Maria Sten , Jeryl Prescott , Will Patton , Kevin Durand

Swamp Thing (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

92%

7.4/10

Much like Constantine before it, Swamp Thing was an experimental take on a horror-themed show. It tapped into DC's more magical side, which audiences enjoyed. Similarly, critics praised Swamp Thing's atmosphere, gothic horror tropes, and stellar writing.

DC Universe canceled Swamp Thing after a single episode under poorly-explained circumstances. Not even the cast or crew got an adequate explanation. So far, Swamp Thing has also not re-emerged in any series outside of some archival footage for The CW's Crisis on Infinite Earths, even though fans would love to see more of the soulful muck monster.

Jupiter's Legacy Didn't Fly Long Enough

The Cast of Jupiter's Legacy posing on the Jupiter's Legacy Promo poster
Jupiter's Legacy
TV-MA
4
10

The first generation of superheroes has kept the world safe for nearly a century. Now their children must live up to their legacy in an epic drama that spans decades and navigates the dynamics of family, power and loyalty.

Release Date
May 7, 2021
Creator
Steven S. DeKnight
Cast
Josh Duhamel , Leslie Bibb , Ben Daniels , Andrew Hampton , Elena Kampouris , Mike Wade , Matt Lanter
Main Genre
Superhero

Jupiter's Legacy

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

41%

6.7/10

Jupiter's Legacy was Netflix's attempt at entering the superhero genre on its own terms. This choice came after the Marvel Cinematic Universe decided to produce its own series rather than continue to air them through Netflix. However, Jupiter's Legacy wasn't real competition for MCU shows like WandaVision and Loki.

On the contrary, Jupiter's Legacy was sadly seen as a disappointment for Netflix. Although critics praised its action and casting, they panned the show's writing. This saw the Netflix superhero show canceled, with only a few noticing it. Nonetheless, many critics noted that the series had potential, as proven by its spin-off, Supercrooks.

Josh Duhamel as Sheldon Sampson holding back a robotic villain in Jupiter's Legacy

Helstrom Took the MCU to Hell and Back

Helstrom Marvel hulu original series TV poster
Helstrom
TV-MA
Adventure
Action
Drama

Daimon and Ana Helstrom are the son and daughter of a mysterious and powerful serial killer. The siblings have a complicated dynamic as they track down the terrorizing worst of humanity - each with their attitude and skills.

Release Date
October 16, 2020
Creator
Paul Zbyszewski
Cast
Tom Austen , Sydney Lemmon , Elizabeth Marvel , Ariana Guerra , June Carryl , Robert Wisdom , Alain Uy , Daniel Cudmore
Main Genre
Adventure
Seasons
1
Production Company
Marvel Studio, Lone Lemon Entertainment, ABC Signature Studios
Number of Episodes
10
Streaming Service(s)
Hulu

Helstrom

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

27%

6.7/10

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Helstrom was an unusual approach for Marvel TV, as the top of the superhero pyramid doesn't usually need to take any big risks. Helstrom was one of Marvel's lesser-known streaming shows, and one of two flagships for the "Adventure into Fear" collaboration between Hulu and Marvel Television.

Hulu dropped Ghost Rider, the other flagship series, but Helstrom went into production. Although it didn't grab everyone's interest, the horror series went in an intriguing new direction for Marvel. It focused on a superpowered serial killer's children and could have drawn more horror fans into the MCU. It arguably paved the way for Marvel Studios' Werewolf by Night.

Ana and Daemon standing in front of two framed art pieces in Helstrom

Powerless Brought a Different View to the DC Universe

DC Comedy superhero series Powerless TV poster
Powerless
TV-PG
Superhero
Sci-Fi

Follow the staff of an insurance company, specialising in products to protect defenseless bystanders from the collateral damage of superheroes and supervillains.

Release Date
February 2, 2017
Cast
Vanessa Hudgens , Alan Tudyk , Danny Pudi , Christina Kirk , Ron Funches
Main Genre
Comedy
Seasons
1
Characters By
DC Comics
Number of Episodes
12
Network
NBC

Powerless

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

61%

6.3/10

Powerless attempted a new spin on the DC Universe by not focusing on superheroes or villains. Instead, it took a look at the ordinary people who were caught between the heroes' and villains' battles. Powerless was a sitcom about Wayne Security, a subsidiary of Wayne Enterprises that helped keep people safe from metahuman conflicts.

Powerless stumbled in its first season with disappointing early episodes. Even after the series began to improve, it still struggled with uneven writing. Nonetheless, its unique premise, good cast, and likable characters showed significant potential. With the show's cancelation, Powerless never got a chance to build a fanbase.

The Cape Is an Overhated Superhero Show

The Cape TV series starring David Lyons
The Cape
TV-14
Drama
Action

Vince Faraday is a cop who has been framed for murder, leading him to fall off the grid and become the super hero known only as "The Cape."

Release Date
January 9, 2011
Creator
Tom Wheeler
Cast
David Lyons , Keith David , Summer Glau , James Frain , Ryan Wynott , jennifer ferrin
Main Genre
Superhero
Seasons
1
Studio
Universal Media Studios
Number of Episodes
10
Network
NBC

The Cape

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

41%

5.7/10

Although there are a few breakouts like The Boys​​​​​​, most of the content dominating the realms of superhero fiction comes from either Marvel Entertainment or DC Comics. On the other hand, The Cape was an original series, rather than an adaptation, that aired on NBC in 2011. Now seen as somewhat infamous, the canceled superhero series was far better than many gave it credit for.

The Cape had patchy writing and disappointing audience numbers, but critics and some fans enjoyed the show for playing its premise of a cop-turned-superhero straight rather than mining it for irony. At the same time, the show wasn't afraid of being funny, providing for some much needed levity. Nonetheless, The Cape's full season never aired, and it failed to get a chance to find its footing.

Custom Image of The Cape from The Cape TV Series

Went On Too Long

The Flash Ran for Far Too Long

Barry Allen poses on The Flash Season 8 Poster
The Flash (The CW)
TV-PG
Superhero
Action
Adventure

The CW's The Flash, starring Grant Gustin as the Arrowverse's Scarlet Speedster.

Release Date
October 7, 2014
Cast
Grant Gustin , Candice Patton , Danielle Panabaker , Jesse L. Martin , Tom Cavanagh , Danielle Nicolet , Brandon McKnight , Jessica Parker Kennedy , Jordan Fisher
Main Genre
Superhero
Seasons
9
Franchise
Arrowverse

The Flash

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

89%

7.5/10

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For a time, The Flash was the most popular show in the Arrowverse. Fans, critics, and commentators thought it was a fun and enjoyable outing that centered on interesting characters, namely Grant Gustin's Barry Allen. The Flash brought more levity than shows like Arrow while still fitting into the wider Arrowverse.

However, after its beloved initial seasons, The Flash started to stumble. Its biggest problem was trying to replicate the first season's success, struggling to find a replacement villain who could fill the unforgettable Reverse-Flash. By its last season, The Flash had lost a lot of its momentum and audience.

Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Never Amounted to Much In the MCU

Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV Show Poster
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
TV-14
Adventure
Drama
Superhero

The missions of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division.

Release Date
September 24, 2013
Creator
Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen
Cast
Clark Gregg , Ming-Na Wen , Brett Dalton , Iain De Caestecker , Chloe Bennet , Elizabeth Henstridge
Main Genre
Action
Seasons
7 Seasons
Producer
Garry A. Brown, Chris Cheramie, Lauren LeFranc, Daniel J. Doyle, Rafe Judkins, Samantha Thomas
Production Company
Mutant Enemy, Marvel Television, ABC Studios

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

95%

7.5/10

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. had a difficult challenge. It was set in an organization that collapsed early in its run due to Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which paralyzed the series' early episodes. Afterward, the show had to scramble for an alternative storyline once S.H.I.E.L.D. vanished from the MCU.

Ultimately, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was an uneasy mix of a small-organization conspiracy show, a sci-fi thriller, and a superhero drama. It never found its balance throughout its seven seasons, and while it had a very dedicated fanbase, the show simply didn't make waves outside that community. Thus, it's no wonder the characters from the show have failed to appear elsewhere.

Batman 1960s Series Left a Campy Impression

Burt Ward and Adam West in Batman 1966
Batman (1966)
TV-G

The Caped Crusader and his young ward battle evildoers in Gotham City.

Release Date
January 12, 1966
Creator
Lorenzo Semple Jr. and William Dozier
Cast
Adam West , Burt Ward , Alan Napier , Neil Hamilton , William Dozier , Stafford Repp , Madge Blake , Yvonne Craig
Main Genre
Superhero

Batman

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

72%

7.5/10

The 1960s Batman series is one of the most famous superhero shows ever to grace the small screen. It was one of the earliest pieces of high-profile superhero media, debuting at the height of the Silver Age of Comics. Adam West's Batman went down in history as an iconic take on the character, even though West's version now clashes with Batman's more modern, brooding image.

Batman was a campy, funny show instead of a superhero drama. However, its earliest episodes actually had a better balance of serious moments and intentional humor. It was only in the third season that Batman became impossible to take seriously. On top of that, a smaller budget hit the show hard, resulting in an inferior product.

Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin in the 1960s Batman TV series

Heroes Failed to Maintain the Momentum of Its First Season

The cast of Heroes pose in the Heroes Season 1 Poster
Heroes
TV-14
Drama
Science Fiction
Fantasy
Superhero

Common people discover that they have super powers. Their lives intertwine as a devastating event must be prevented.

Release Date
September 25, 2006
Creator
Tim Kring
Cast
Milo Ventimiglia , Hayden Panettiere , Jack Coleman , Masi Oka , Sendhil Ramamurthy , Greg Grunberg , James Kyson-Lee , Adrian Pasdar , Zachary Quinto , Ali Larter , Cristine Rose
Main Genre
Drama
Seasons
4
Related
Heroes Actor Opens Up About Possible Second Series Revival
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Heroes

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

52%

7.5/10

Before the Arrowverse, fans thought Heroes was television's greatest take on the superhero genre. It was an original IP that followed everyday people who suddenly gained superpowers. Audiences praised Heroes' first season for its engaging plot and beloved, relatable characters.

After its acclaimed first season, Heroes hit a rough patch during the 2007–2008 Writers' Guild of America strike. This derailed its second season and spoiled plans for creating new stories set in that world. Sadly, Heroes never recovered from this disruption, and the next three seasons were far less engaging than the first.

The cast of Heroes on NBC standing in a line

Arrow Wasn't On Target for Most of Its Seasons

Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen in the CW's Arrow Final Season Poster
Arrow
TV-14
superheroes
Action
Adventure
Crime

Spoiled billionaire playboy Oliver Queen is missing and presumed dead when his yacht is lost at sea. He returns five years later a changed man, determined to clean up the city as a hooded vigilante armed with a bow.

Release Date
October 10, 2012
Creator
Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg
Cast
Stephen Amell , Katie Cassidy , Emily Bett Rickards , John Barrowman , Juliana Harkavy
Main Genre
Action
Seasons
8
Number of Episodes
170
Network
The CW

Arrow

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

86%

7.5/10

Arrow was once the jewel in the crown of superhero television. It launched CW's Arrowverse and created a new image for superhero media on the small screen. Arrow had an acclaimed first season and an even better second season. Fans loved the show for its solid action, mature storytelling, and fleshed-out versions of popular and obscure DC characters.

Arrow went downhill in its third season and never recovered. It overused characters like Felicity Smoak and relied on increasingly generic and tiresome storylines. As a result, the show was running on fumes long before its final eighth season. Needless to say, by the end of the run, the show itself had failed its city.

Stephen Amell as Green Arrown in the CW series Arrow

Iron Fist Failed to Earn a Black Belt

Finn Jones as Danny Rand with echoes of himself practicing martial arts in Marvel's Iron Fist
Iron Fist
TV-MA

A young man is bestowed with incredible martial arts skills and a mystical force known as the Iron Fist.

Release Date
March 17, 2017
Creator
Scott Buck
Cast
Finn Jones , Jessica Henwick , Jessica Stroup , Tom Pelphrey
Main Genre
Superhero

Iron Fist

Rotten Tomatoes

IMDB

37%

6.4/10

Fans and critics have had divided opinions about all of Netflix's Marvel series. Some fans viewed them as the MCU's inferior cousins, while others enjoyed their darker, grittier storytelling. Iron Fist, however, was universally panned.

Fans saw Iron Fist as the weakest entry in the Defenders sub-franchise of Marvel Netflix shows. Reviewers criticized the show for its poor fight scenes, weak performances, and lazy writing. Despite this, Iron Fist aired a second season, which had better action sequences and solid storytelling, but it just wasn't enough to win back fans. Thus, it's perhaps the most infamous of the canceled Netflix superhero shows.