Despite the divisive first trailer and its R-rated approach, DC Universe's Titans has largely delivered the goods. It's been such a solid show that we're only seven episodes into its first season, and it's already established itself as DC's best live-action series currently airing.

Sure, it has a long way to go in terms of dethroning a show like Smallville, yet it's already proving to be miles better than the current crop of DC programming. It sounds like a bold declaration to make, especially with the likes of Arrow and Supergirl producing some of their best episodes to date, but there are several factors that make this a viable argument.

First and foremost, the story grips you with its compelling, overarching theme of identity. These characters don't know who they are, and we're embarking on a journey of self-discovery with them. There's intrigue and mystery around every bend, with each episode filling in a blank and shining more insight on these heroes. Undoubtedly, Rachel and Kory are the most mysterious of the bunch as their paths appear to be linked and there's a lot more to uncover. They aren't Raven or Starfire yet – which explains the absence of their costumes – but they're getting closer to learning the truth about themselves.

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Titans Jason Todd Dick Grayson

There's also the curious case of Dick Grayson, who's different from the character we've come to know and love in the comic books. That said, it isn't a bad thing. His story arc is riveting as it touches upon the concept of the man and the mask. Can you separate Dick and Robin, or are they the same person? In this instance, Bruce is entirely to blame for Dick's identity crisis. He brought a child into his crusade for justice, and the effects of his war on Gotham's underworld weigh heavily on Dick's conscience. His transition from Robin to Nightwing means more than just a costume and name change; there's a significance to him burying the past.

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That leads to another thing: Titans isn't afraid of diverging from canon. In fact, it's more grounded in reality than other DC shows despite the original tone of its source material (and the existence of magical beings, extraterrestrials and shape-shifting characters). Much like Daredevil's boots-on-the-ground storytelling, the series has found a way of blending its fantastical elements with a realism that will appeal to non-superhero fans. Yes, it tries to cater for its most obvious demographic, but it also aims for the wider audience with its approach.

Its true test will come when it's released internationally. Even though it's only available on the DC Universe streaming service in the U.S. at the moment, its international debut on Netflix will allow an even broader audience to see what the fuss is about. While current fans have had to wait a week between episodes, the series possesses a binge-worthy quality and has the deep story hooks to keep the viewers invested in the show, so the signs are promising that it'll be warmly received by the rest of the world.

NEXT PAGE: Titans Characters Are Compelling, and Its World-Bulding Has Been Masterful

Starfire in the Titans premiere

None of this means anything if we dislike the protagonists, though. While that was an initial fear, thanks to the "Fuck Batman" line and obvious bloodlust in Dick Grayson, the main characters are all surprisingly likable. We've seen growth, flaws and dynamism in each of the Titans, and as a result, they feel like fleshed-out people with real problems, hopes and dreams. On the other hand, The CW's Arrowverse has an overabundance of whiny and annoying individuals, characters who only add to the melodrama and feel shoehorned in for the sake of adding more tension to the mix (case in point: Cisco in this season's Flash).

RELATED: Titans Gives Dick Grayson's Robin His Very Own Joker

Speaking of the Arrowverse, it took seasons to establish itself, whereas Titans laid out its larger universe within mere episodes. The heart of the story is about the fab four, but it's also introduced Hawk and Dove, the Doom Patrol and Jason Todd in significant ways, with Donna Troy on the horizon in this week's upcoming episode. We already know that Doom Patrol is a forthcoming series from the DC Universe, and there's the potential for many more, so the stage is set for the other characters to join the party on other shows. Coupled with the references to off-screen DC characters like Batman and his villains, as well as the glimpses of the Batmobile and Batcave, and you see that a lot of world building has taken place in an intelligent and efficient manner. In short, the potential for the DC Universe is limitless, thanks to Titans.

Ultimately, Titans' biggest strength is that it knows what it is. It isn't backtracking on the excessive violence or grimdark roots; instead, it embraces its darker tone. In the past, we've seen DC properties go pear-shaped when they try to tick all the boxes for critics and fans, so it's refreshing to see a show stand its ground, here. This isn't imitating Teen Titans Go! or the original Teen Titans animated series – and it's all the better because of it.

As fans, we have a tendency of wanting more of the same while bemoaning the lack of originality. It's a double-edged sword and one that demonstrates the hypocrisy of fandom. Titans might not be what we initially anticipated when it was announced, but it's the show we needed, and that makes it perfect the way it is.

Now streaming on DC Universe, Titans stars Brenton Thwaites as Robin, Anna Diop as Starfire, Teagan Croft as Raven and Ryan Potter as Beast Boy.