"Disney+ Era Marvel TV Shows Ranked"

From the iconic Incredible Hulk TV series to the gripping narratives of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the gritty Netflix shows that introduced characters like Daredevil and Luke Cage to streaming audiences, Marvel Comics have long been a powerhouse of inspiration for small screen adaptations. While previous efforts to weave these live-action TV shows into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have often faltered—remember Runaways and Cloak and Dagger?—Marvel Studios launched a new era in 2021. This pivotal shift started with Disney+ being enriched with series that are intricately connected to the lucrative MCU film franchise.

As the charming Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man swings onto our screens as the 13th Disney+ Marvel show in just four years, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the Marvel Studios television offerings that have come before. Much like the Avengers enjoying shawarma amidst the ruins of New York, the Marvel experts at IGN have convened to rank all 12 of the Disney+ Marvel TV shows to date. Stay tuned for Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man's addition once the series concludes.

Every Marvel TV Show in the Disney+ Era Ranked

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12. Secret Invasion

It's surprising to discuss a Secret Invasion series that was universally panned as the weakest link in Marvel TV's lineup. The comic event Secret Invasion is a landmark in Marvel Comics history, yet this show seemed to ignore its significance. Director Ali Selim openly admitted to not reading the comics, believing they were unnecessary for crafting a compelling narrative. While the MCU has demonstrated that fresh perspectives can rejuvenate classic tales, Secret Invasion fell short.

Attempting to capture the espionage vibe of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the series focused on Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) battling a Skrull invasion. However, sluggish pacing, an AI-generated opening sequence, the abrupt demise of a beloved female character, and the introduction of a bizarre new superpowered figure that may never reappear, anchored this series at the bottom of the MCU TV rankings on Disney+.

11. Echo

The leap in quality from Secret Invasion to Echo is significant, positioning Echo at the 11th spot. Alaqua Cox reprises her role from Hawkeye as the deaf Cheyenne superhero Echo, delving into a personal and action-packed journey as she returns to the reservation to reconcile her powers, past, and her ties to Kingpin (Vincent D'Onofrio), the villain who raised her.

Like many later Marvel Studios TV productions, Echo faced a reduced episode count, leaving some viewers wanting more. Despite this, it boasts exhilarating action, including a standout opening fight with Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox). Echo broke new ground with a predominantly indigenous cast and crew, making it a unique, emotionally resonant addition to the MCU, even if it didn't achieve the impact of higher-ranked shows.

10. Moon Knight

You might be surprised to see this Oscar Isaac-led series ranked so low, but Moon Knight didn't quite resonate enough with voters to climb higher. The series explores the multifaceted personalities of Marc Spector, blending mystery and action as this dark antihero battles to maintain his sanity amidst thrilling combat. Its surrealist approach draws influences from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Indiana Jones, and Marvel's Legion.

In keeping with Marvel's tradition, Moon Knight introduced a new hero in Scarlet Scarab (May Calamawy), who emerged as a fan favorite by the series' end. With F. Murray Abraham voicing Khonshu and Ethan Hawke as the villain Dr. Arthur Harrow, the series boasted a strong cast but couldn't secure a spot near the top of our list or earn a second season.

9. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Despite the high expectations, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier struggled to soar. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprised their roles from the Marvel films, and their chemistry was a highlight for fans. However, the series was weighed down by complex moral dilemmas, heavy reliance on the Blip timeline, and a focus on espionage rather than the action fans craved.

As the second Marvel TV show released on Disney+, it was initially set to be the first. The release schedule was reshuffled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with WandaVision taking the inaugural slot. The impact of the global health crisis on the final product is debatable, but production was undeniably affected, pausing from March to August 2020. Despite its challenges, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has contributed significantly to the MCU's narrative, especially in relation to this year's Thunderbolts film.