Ranking Every Marvel Cinematic Universe TV Show: From Flops to Fan Favorites
Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) TV shows have evolved a lot over the years, and with the rise of the Marvel multiverse, pretty much every Marvel TV show is considered canon somewhere in the vast MCU landscape. Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios president, has even hinted that all Marvel films and TV shows exist within the MCU multiverse, blurring the lines between canon and non-canon. Recently, Charlie Cox returned as Daredevil in Daredevil: Born Again, reprising his role from the Netflix series, and Krysten Ritter is back as Jessica Jones for season 2. This makes the MCU TV universe more interconnected than ever.
- Overview of MCU TV shows ranked from worst to best
- Insight into the quality and storytelling of each show
- Highlights of standout performances and series strengths
- Notes on the MCU’s evolving approach to TV storytelling
The Evolution of Marvel TV Shows
Marvel’s Disney Plus era, starting with 2021’s WandaVision, has shown a tighter quality control compared to earlier Marvel shows produced by different networks. The Disney Plus series often follow a formula similar to Marvel’s blockbuster movies, tying into larger MCU storylines but sometimes sacrificing standalone storytelling. That said, 2025 has been a strong year for MCU TV with shows like Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Daredevil: Born Again, and Ironheart making waves.
Lower Tier: Missed Marks and Flops
Some shows didn’t quite hit the mark. For example, Helstrom (2020) was widely panned for its gloomy supernatural approach and weak connection to Marvel lore. Similarly, Inhumans (2017) struggled with stiff acting and a clunky story about a hidden superpowered society that failed to engage most viewers. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022) tried to capture festive fun but ended up feeling rushed and forced.
Shows like Cloak & Dagger (2018-2019) started strong with a compelling teen dynamic but lost momentum with piling tropes and heavy-handed twists. Secret Invasion disappointed fans with a bland terrorist plot and lackluster action, failing to live up to its comic book namesake’s intrigue. You can check out the trailer and reactions here:
Mid-Tier: Solid But Uneven
Series such as Iron Fist (2017-2018) showed significant improvement in its second season, focusing more on supporting characters and mystic elements, though it never fully realized its potential. Runaways (2017-2019) struggled with an overcrowded cast and slow pacing but had moments of charm. Werewolf by Night (2022) stood out as a unique Halloween special with a fun, classic horror vibe and ties to the MCU, thanks to Michael Giacchino’s involvement.
Echo (2024) offers a crime thriller angle within the MCU, focusing on Maya, a Deaf woman navigating her past and connections with Kingpin. While it’s a smaller-scale story, it sometimes feels a bit inert. Meanwhile, The Defenders (2017) brought together four street-level heroes for a mini Avengers-style crossover, with plenty of character chemistry despite a weaker overall plot.
Higher Tier: Strong Characters and Stories
What If…? (2021-2023) delivered a fresh take on the MCU multiverse, especially in its first season, with exciting alternate realities. However, season two didn’t quite live up to expectations. Luke Cage (2016-2018) captured the spirit of Harlem with a memorable first season but faltered with a weaker second season. The Punisher (2017-2019) excelled in its first season, tackling heavy themes like PTSD and military ethics, though the follow-up season lost some of that impact.
She-Hulk (2022) mixed legal drama with comedy and social commentary, led by Tatiana Maslany’s relatable performance, even if the story fizzled out towards the end. The newest addition, Ironheart (2025), presents a more complex, morally ambiguous protagonist, Riri Williams, whose journey is marked by tough decisions and a rich community setting.
Top Tier: MCU’s Best TV Offerings
Daredevil: Born Again (2025) kicked off boldly, integrating deeply into the MCU with high stakes and a focus on Matt Murdock’s heroism. Agents of SHIELD (2013-2020) was the earliest MCU show to closely tie into the films, evolving into a genre-bending ensemble with meta humor despite some uneven seasons.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) explored themes of legacy and identity with strong performances from Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, even if the pacing was a bit rushed. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (2025) brought fresh energy by embracing multiverse elements that felt meaningful and revitalized familiar characters.
Agent Carter (2015-2016) offered a stylish period piece focusing on Peggy Carter’s fight against sexism and her undercover missions, while Loki (2021) introduced ambitious multiverse concepts with a mix of fun and darker tones across its two seasons.
Jessica Jones (2015-2019) is remembered especially for its first season’s gripping portrayal of trauma and a haunting villain, Kilgrave. The recent Agatha All Along (2024) series brought back Kathryn Hahn’s witchy character with a catchy theme and a mysterious storyline.
Daredevil (2015-2018) set the tone for darker, street-level MCU stories with fantastic fight scenes and performances, while Moon Knight (2022) delivered a unique, psychological adventure with Oscar Isaac’s compelling dual role.
WandaVision (2021) stands out for its innovative sitcom homage style and emotional depth, exploring grief and loss in a way few MCU shows have matched. Hawkeye (2021) offered a smaller, character-driven story with holiday vibes and introduced new heroes like Kate Bishop.
Finally, Ms. Marvel (2022) shines as a vibrant origin story with a unique visual style and a protagonist with a relatable life beyond superpowers. Iman Vellani’s performance brings Kamala Khan to life, making it feel like a fresh start for a new hero in the MCU.
