The television industry has no genre as timeless as science fiction and superheroes. Marvel and DC have dominated the screen by bringing famous comic storylines to life. These series often become popular with people of all ages and backgrounds, but some shows are better suited to an adult audience.
Mature themes, depictions of violence, and plot lines that would go over a child's head can make any show unsuited for a younger demographic. When this happens, a show is better off targeting an older fan base who can better appreciate their stories, understand the characters, and keep coming back as the series progresses.
10 Harley Queen Has Gruesome Action Sequences And Beautiful Character Moments
One of DC comic's most popular characters is Harleen Quinzel, a former psychologist and sidekick to the Joker. Her first appearance skyrocketed her to fame in Batman: The Animated Series, and she has come a long way to having her independent series on HBO Max, Harley Quinn.
The Animated series is a unique story that follows Harley after her recent breakup with the Joker. Able to strike out on her own, she learns more about herself while forging unlikely alliances with other criminals. The series' colorful animation and dark comedy make an excellent platform for Harley to shine while catering to older DC fans.
9 Doom Patrol Shows The Downside Of Having Superpowers
The HBO Max series Doom Patrol stands apart from many other superhero shows on television. The main characters, misfits with abilities that they either do not want or can't control, are a cautionary tale for anyone who wants to be a hero. Throughout the series, characters like Cliff Steel and Rita Farr are pulled into situations that often harm rather than help them.
The Doom Patrol goes on many adventures, and while they try to save the day, they often fall short. However, their exploits aren't for the faint of heart, and under their newfound hero personas are deeply compelling characters that only a mature audience could relate to.
8 Peacemaker Is A Prime Example Of An AntiHero
Newly recovered from his exploits in DC's The Suicide Squad, the character Christopher Smith returns to the DCEU in his spin-off series, Peacemaker. The series has been successful, but it's not a simple heroes' tale. Christopher is an extremist antihero who wants to see change, which he'll pursue no matter the cost.
In the series, he is approached by an organization called A.R.G.U.S, and he's recruited to help eliminate parasite-like creatures that are taking over humans. While this is a noble cause, the Peacemaker's methods of saving the day are far from that of the average hero.
7 Smallville's Story Aged With The Audience
A classic superhero series is a retelling of Superman's origins, Smallville. The series centers around a teenage Clark Kent as he learns to live with his newly emerging superpowers. Incidentally, his newfound powers come in handy when he must save his hometown from criminals and villains alike.
The series perfectly combines fiction and teen drama, and its popularity earned it ten seasons. The thing with Smallville is that after a decade of being on TV, the teenage fans grew with the series. It's one of those instances where the characters age as the audience does, allowing the plot and character relationships to remain relatable to the aging fans.
6 Invincible Features An Emotionally Complex Story
Invincible is a series that centers around the emotional complexity of living up to the family legacy. The series' main character, Mark Grayson, is the son of the most powerful superhero, Omni-Man. This relation is something Mark attempts to live up to as he comes into his powers, but this results in many dark revelations.
There are many stories about new heroes coming into their own, but there are few that focus on the influential relationship between father and son. As Mark struggles to balance his personal life and being a hero, he finds that he has much to prove. Unfortunately, the parent he looks up to isn't as heroic as he seems.
5 Young Justice Matures In The Later Seasons
Initially airing on Cartoon Network, Young Justice is a series that follows the lives of superhero sidekicks. Characters like Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad strike out on their own by forming a superhero group known simply as "The Team." As the series progresses, their team grows to include many members, and they operate jointly with the Justice League.
After its initial cancelation, HBO picked up the series, allowing the last two seasons to contain more mature themes and darker storylines. This shift is almost fitting, as the original sidekick team ages ten years and come into its own. They face many new dangers, from murderous villains to political usurpers, and vengeful Gods.
4 Titans Is A Darker Retelling Of An Iconic Hero Team
A classic animated series for many superhero fans is Teen Titans. In 2018, the team returned in a live-action series titled Titans. The series follows characters Dick Grayson, Starfire, and Rachel Roth as they band together to learn more about themselves and form an unlikely team.
Unlike their animated counterpart, however, these heroes must face bloodthirsty vigilantes, the dangers of their powers, and the consequences of their past mistakes. This series is perfect for the fans of the Cartoon Network series who are now older and looking for a darker rendition of their favorite characters.
3 DC's Legends of Tomorrow Has Obscure Characters And References
DC's Legends of Tomorrow was the underdog of the CW's Arrowverse. The series functions by using otherwise underrated characters who explore important moments in history to protect the timeline. While the series had trouble finding its place, it excelled through comedy and heartfelt narratives.
The Legends are a group of heroes constantly changing and growing, making the series more loved with each season. There are many nods to history and significant historical figures too. While the series may not land with a younger audience, an older fan will surely enjoy the time-traveling adventures.
2 The Umbrella Academy Doesn't Pull Punches
Netflix's The Umbrella Academy is a superhero story that doesn't pull any punches regarding violence or vulgar displays. The main characters are adoptive siblings who've recently come together in an attempt to save the world from an apocalyptic event. The story is full of intricate connections that require a careful eye, and the endings aren't always happy.
However, the series is very popular among fans, and its expression of pain, power, and perseverance is something to admire. The darker undertones may make it inappropriate for a young audience, but also all the more enjoyable for an older one.
1 Moon Knight Is A Story About Being Human
There are few stories as emotionally impacting as Marvel's Moon Knight. The series follows Steven Grant as he experiences memory loss, and ends up in very peculiar situations. As it turns out, he's sharing a body with Marc Spector, the Moon Knight. Together they uncover the mysteries of the Egyptian Gods.
Moon Knight is a gripping superhero story. It constantly provides two sides to the same narrative, while also commenting on grief and mental health. While the stunning action sequences and CGI may enthrall a younger audience, an older audience can appreciate how deeply human the series feels.