Marvel Studios completely changed its approach with the launch of the Disney Plus streaming service, allowing the Marvel Cinematic Universe to officially incorporate TV shows into its vast and expansive world. It kicked it all off with WandaVision way back in 2021, picking up plenty of award nominations as a result of that. And with its newest entry, Wonder Man, also receiving critical acclaim, it's clear that there are still plenty of opportunities for the MCU to make the most of television.
It hasn't all been smooth-sailing: For the highs of Loki and Agatha All Along, there are the lows of Secret Invasion. And the studio has been forced to rethink its strategy over the past five years, moving away from high-concept (and big budgeted!) miniseries to smaller scale, character-driven, grounded ongoing TV shows - highlighted beautifully by Daredevil: Born Again.
Television was undoubtedly the biggest addition to the MCU throughout the Multiverse Saga, but which of those offerings succeeded where the others failed? And how does Wonder Man stack up to the previous MCU Disney Plus shows? Let's rank them and find out!
Note: This article won't feature the animated shows that either don't take place in the MCU's primary continuity or don't directly impact the Multiverse Saga. Therefore, Your Friendly Nieghborhood Spider-Man, Eyes of Wakanda, and Marvel Zombies aren't featured.
Honorable mention: I Am Groot
Everyone’s favorite Guardians of the Galaxy star finally got his chance to shine in Disney Plus’ I Am Groot. A series of shorts devoted to the little guy, they bridge the gap between the first two Guardians of the Galaxy movies, showcasing how Baby Groot grows up in a universe full of possibilities.
Vin Diesel reprises his role from the films, with the first set of shorts giving us a glimpse into how the lovable character took his first steps, made some mistakes, and learned more about the world (and galaxy) around him. And it all made for quite the enjoyable adventure.
In an original incarnation of this list, we didn’t include I Am Groot on it as it was just a series of five shorts, but now that Marvel Studios has released a second season of them, we can count it as a TV series (albeit a mini one at that).
I don’t want you to look at I Am Groot‘s placement on its list and assume that it’s bad, because it’s not. It’s actually really fun. However, it’s hard to rank it above any of the other shows considering every single one of them have far more to work in terms of narrative and character development.
I Am Groot excels at its purpose of making us all love Groot more, and we really couldn’t ask for more than that.
14. Secret Invasion
Secret Invasion has a lot going for it. For starters, it’s based on one of the most iconic Marvel Comics storylines ever told. It also gives Samuel L. Jackson his long overdue starring role as Nick Fury, and features a star-studded cast, including Captain Marvel‘s Ben Mendelsohn, Olivia Colman, and Emilia Clarke. However, at times, it felt like that was just too much pressure to succeed under.
One of Secret Invasion‘s greatest strengths was that it tried something incredibly different, shifting itself away from the typical Marvel format and bearing more similarities to a British spy thriller. This was a change that made sense given that its premise literally revolved around not being able to trust anyone around you. And Jackson thrived at the center of it, showcasing a Nick Fury ravaged by time, desperate to make one final stand against his worst nightmare.
On the other hand, its slow-moving format didn’t mesh well with the world of the MCU. Not as far as weekly releases go, that’s for sure. Perhaps Secret Invasion would have been a good choice for Disney Plus’ first Marvel binge, because it’s a great and compelling watch at the beginning of its run. The weekly releases put too much pressure on each episode to succeed, and its pacing ultimately worked against it.
The thing that worked against it the most, however, was the season finale. From questionable storytelling to poor CGI, it's widely regarded as the worst hour that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has ever produced. And although its slow-moving format early on was divisive, it would have been worth it if the show committed to it Throwing it all away on a poor CGI battle in the finale (that didn't even involve Fury) was a misfire of epic proportions.
Secret Invasion was full of potential, and it lived up to that on many occasions. Unfortunately, it just missed the mark on more than a few as well.
13. She-Hulk: Attorney At Law
First thing’s first; as someone who appreciates television for what it is, I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge how She-Hulk: Attorney At Law took the time to actually feel like, well, television. We keep saying that Marvel’s expansion to the Disney Plus streamer has featured a few entries that felt more like movies, but She-Hulk couldn’t have worked anywhere else other than TV and it thrived as a result.
The comedy drama introduces us to Jennifer Walters (played to perfection by the delightful Tatiana Maslany), the cousin of Bruce Banner whose life is turned upside down when she too becomes a Hulk. She must learn how to juggle being a good lawyer with being a good superhero – something she really doesn’t want to do – and the show takes this opportunity to strike up some powerful conversations about misogyny and the pressure that women are under in society.
She-Hulk is a joyous introduction to Jen, and one that did its source material proud. Its only shortcomings lie in the fact that some of its attempts to fit into the wider MCU fall short, it doesn’t make full use of Titania, and some of the pacing in the middle of the season lets it down a little. Its meta finale was also highly divisive as it ultimately felt like its attempt to outsmart the MCU formula just resulted in it outsmarting itself.
All in all, though, it’s a welcome addition to the MCU, and the only show to make full use of its TV format since WandaVision.
12. What If…?
What If…? was a huge step in a new direction for Marvel. We’ve had plenty of animated Marvel TV shows before but the nine-part Disney Plus series was the first animated outing to be produced by Marvel Studios (and we already know now that it won’t be the last).
What better concept for the animated series than an adaptation of the similarly titled Marvel Comics series that focused on alternate outcomes and realities for many of our favorite characters. The TV series used the same concept but it based its story on the MCU versions of the characters, showing us what could have happened if Captain Carter became the First Avenger instead of Steve Rogers, if Doctor Strange lost Christine and went down a dark path to bring her back, and if T’Challa became Star-Lord.
Not all of What If…? shone as bright as its strongest episodes, but it did produce some amazing half-hours of TV and tell a cohesive story that built towards an exceptional finale, introducing the concept of the multiverse into the MCU at a time when it’s more important than ever. It did, however, improve a great deal throughout its second season. Its third and final season wasn't its best and it felt a little directionless on a number of occasions, but the bonkers, eclectic collection of episodes was ambitious enough to enjoy each time around.
Although What If...? never fully lived up to its potential every time, it was a joy to watch.
11. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
It goes without saying that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was one of the most eagerly-anticipated of the MCU Disney Plus shows. Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes were already one of Marvel’s most enjoyable double acts, and the fallout of Avengers: Endgame set the stage for a poignant but ambitious adventure we were all ready to see.
The show delivered on that front to an extent, giving us all of the above and much more. However, this is the show that struggled most with pacing, leaving many of us wondering if it would have worked better as a movie. It succeeds with the story that it tells, yes, but the six-episode format sees it drag on a little in its first few episodes before it finally hits its stride halfway through.
The show shines brightest when it tackles real world issues, having important conversations about racism in America and PTSD, as the spectre of Captain America’s legacy looms over all of it. Its finale is also a standout moment, giving Anthony Mackie’s Sam the spotlight (and shield) he deserved at the end of the thrilling episode. And Mackie’s buddy chemistry with Sebastian Stan carried the show, as the pair were always easy to watch, even when the story was moving too slowly.
10. Ms. Marvel
To say that fans had a long time to wait for Ms. Marvel‘s debut would be something of an understatement. The six-part drama was supposed to be part of the initial wave of MCU Disney Plus shows, arriving in the same year as WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, and What If…?, but it was delayed multiple times, with Hawkeye understandably getting the final slot of the year due to it being a holiday-set adventure.
It would finally land in Year 2 of the MCU Disney Plus experiment, arriving in the summer of 2022 (between Moon Knight and She-Hulk). But it made sure that audiences would know it was worth the wait, because it received critical acclaim before it even premiered, becoming the highest-scored Marvel Studios series on Rotten Tomatoes.
It’s easy to see why the critics fell in love with Ms. Marvel pretty early on. The show is a coming-of-age drama that focuses on Kamala Khan – Marvel Comics’ first ever Muslim superhero and a huge Captain Marvel fan. It’s also star Iman Vellani’s big break and she wasted little time in making the most of that, offering up one of the most endearing and enjoyable performances on television that year.
Ms. Marvel sets itself apart from many of its counterparts just because of how much fun it is. It’s young, it’s colorful, and it’s a super effective introduction to one of the MCU’s most important new superheroes. It might meander a little in the back half, but it’s generally one of the most consistent and entertaining of the Marvel shows. - and it solidifies Kamala Khan as one of the Multiverse Saga's best new additions.
9. Echo
Echo was one of the most unexpected of the Marvel Disney Plus shows. It was technically a spinoff of Hawkeye, but it was also nothing like that show, instead opting to do its own thing. As a result, it made MCU history.
Part of the brand new Marvel Spotlight series (in which Marvel Studios places the focus on certain characters in standalone miniseries), it was also the very first TV-MA series in the franchise. That meant that it was darker, grittier, and even a little bit more compelling than the vast majority of the Disney Plus shows. It was also a bloody good time. And yes, that was a double entendre.
Echo is violent and unnerving, but that serves its storyline well, as Maya Lopez looks to make a name for herself by taking down the man who killed her father. And no, we're not talking about Hawkeye. We're talking about the dreaded Kingpin, Wilson Fisk.
Alaqua Cox is nothing short of outstanding in the leading role and her performance goes a long way in highlighting just how engaging a character Maya truly is. The writing remains strong throughout, too, with the five-episode run allowing it remain tight, concise, and compelling from start through finish.
A hidden gem within the MCU, Echo deserves more attention than it gets.
8. Ironheart
Ironheart was a long time coming. That's not hyperbole; the show was filmed back in 2022 and completed within the year, but it didn't arrive on screens until summer 2025. And because of that wait, fans began to worry that Marvel had lost faith in. Thankfully, the quality of the show spoke for itself.
Riri Williams, who made her debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was initially positioned as one of the most exciting new additions to the franchise as part of the Multiverse Saga. Ironheart highlights why, showcasing her in all her glory as she fights to overcome a multitude of obstacles - some of which are painfully recent, and others which she has been battling her whole life.
The show is genuinely a ride, with the Ironheart suits themselves looking truly epic. And given that the franchise hasn't had the best luck with some of its recent CGI and effects, it made these visuals all the more impressive. The show has been favorably compared to 2008's Iron Man and it's easy to see why. Ironheart looks like a good time, which is good - because it reflects the heart of the show.
It's also deceptively important, as the all-around standalone adventure also features the debut of a Marvel character fans had been waiting years to see. And that has left fans eager for more.
7. Wonder Man
By the time that Wonder Man came out, the Marvel TV shows were well-renowned for taking unique approaches to the MCU lore. That's why it was particularly surprising that Wonder Man managed to up the ante even further, providing the franchise with one of its most unique offerings to date.
This isn't your typical superhero show. It's a dramedy about a struggling actor, Simon Williams, attempting to make it in Hollywood by landing that breakout role. The role in question? The titular character in a remake of the fictional movie Wonder Man, directed by Von Kovak. The stars could align for him but there is one potential issue: He's got superpowers and Hollywood has a strict no superpowers rule.
To call Wonder Man a delight simply wouldn't sum up how enjoyable it is. Part prestige dramedy, part buddy comedy with a touch of superhero drama to go along with it, the show thrives based on the chemistry between Simon and MCU veteran Trevor Slattery, who becomes something of a mentor to him. Yes, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and the legendary Sir Ben Kingsley make a thrilling duo, which is where the majority of Wonder Man's strength comes from.
As far as originality goes, this might be Marvel's most original drama. Although it functions well as a miniseries, we'd love to see a second season - because there is a well of untapped potential just waiting to be explored.
6. Daredevil: Born Again
After what seemed like a lifetime, the Devil of Hell's Kitchen finally made his return to screens in Daredevil: Born Again. A sequel series to Netflix's Daredevil, it brought back Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio as Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk. And, after a creative reboot early on in production, it also brought back a huge portion of the other cast members from the previous series too, officially making the events of all the Netflix Marvel shows canon to the MCU.
As violent and gritty as its predecessor, Born Again was a huge moment for the MCU. This wasn't your typical Marvel Studios project; it was violent, gritty, and tragic in a way that the typical Marvel fare isn't. Many didn't think Disney would commit to the mature tone but they absolutely did, and Born Again benefitted because of that.
Now, there were some issues. The show struggles with the transition between the original vision and the post-creative reboot episodes, leaving the first half feeling a little uneven. There are pacing issues and the newer character simply don't carry the gravitas or depth of the ones from the Netflix series. However, once the season reaches the back half, it finds its footing and produces four thrilling installments that don't stop. The most exciting thing about them is how effectively it sets up what is looking to be a far superior second season - one that is destined to feature even more of the Netflix show's characters.
When that arrives, expect Daredevil: Born Again to move up this ranking.
5. Moon Knight
In the time since Moon Knight‘s conclusion, there seems to be this growing misconception that the show wasn’t good. But if you were there, watching it weekly as new episodes were unveiled, you’ll know that’s not in the slightest bit true.
There was a lot riding on the show’s success, namely Moon Knight’s career in the MCU as it was the character’s first ever live-action adaptation. The odd thing about it was how disconnected from the wider MCU that it was, with little-to-no references to anything that had happened before it. And, in a way, that’s a good thing, as it allowed Moon Knight to feel like its own contained TV show in a world overwhelmed by big-budget cinematic showdowns.
The show was able to breathe as it introduced the MCU to a new lore, one that focused on Egyptian Gods, like the moon god Khonshu, who used Marc Spector (a man suffering from dissociative identity disorder) as his avatar to fight injustice – something that Mark’s other personality Steven Grant was unaware of. It was ambitious for a character introduction, but Moon Knight pulled it off, delivering a cinematic story that made full use of all six of its episodes. And though there may have been occasional pacing issues, it all came together because of Oscar Isaac’s career-defining performance.
4. Loki
A previous version of this list actually had Loki placed a little bit lower, but the MCU show delivered so strongly in its second season that it single-handedly sent it rocketing up our rankings.
Prior to the Disney Plus era, if you were asked to list characters who deserved their own MCU spinoff, Tom Hiddleston’s Loki would have probably been on that list. The God of Mischief was a constant delight in the Thor movies, and earned himself a spot among the MCU’s most fan-favorite characters. Needless to say, fans were thrilled when Loki was confirmed as a chapter of Phase Four.
The six-part first season followed an alternate version of the character (the one from Avengers: Endgame‘s 2012 timeline) as he finds himself at the center of a mystery involving time travel, a secret mystical agency, and a more mischievous variant of himself. As he didn’t undergo the years of redemption that his cinematic counterpart did, a big portion of the show is his attempt to unlearn his villainous ways and do some good, and as always that makes for a compelling watch. Hiddleston is spectacular, but so is the supporting cast, with Sophia Di Martino and Owen Wilson also being standouts.
Loki is the larger-than-life spectacle that it promised to be. While the first season was bogged down by long monologues and exposition, the second season ironed most of those kinks out, producing a much stronger and coherent product. It’s perhaps the most important title in the entire Multiverse Saga and that came across so well in Loki season 2, as the God of Mischief struggled with the idea of time, what it meant, and who he truly was.
Loki is a thrilling adventure that leaves you wanting more. A third season is unlikely at this point but at least we know we'll be seeing more of Tom Hiddleston's Trickster in the MCU.
3. Hawkeye
I think it’s safe to say that Hawkeye came as a surprise to everyone. While we all love the quirky-but-also-moody veteran Avenger Clint Barton (and honestly a solo adventure for the archer was long overdue), the show wasn’t necessarily topping fans’ most-anticipated lists when it came to the upcoming Disney Plus shows at the time. That is, until the truly excellent first trailer changed everything, previewing the festive treat that awaited us.
Set during the holidays, Hawkeye saw Clint attempt to juggle a family holiday in New York City with protecting a young woman from some very dangerous people. Needless to say, it doesn’t work out and he is caught between his past and his present, as his need to be a hero one more time forces him to confront what he had become during the Blip and how his friendship with Black Widow ultimately saved him. And friendship is one of the show’s core themes, as that young woman he protects, Kate Bishop, becomes one of his most-trusted allies, helping him take down one of New York’s biggest threats.
Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld are at the center of an unexpected buddy comedy that is surprisingly important to the MCU’s story going forward, introducing another Young Avenger and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin in the process.
We expected compelling, deep, and powerful storytelling from Hawkeye and we got all of that. What we didn’t expect was the fun, joyful, and uplifting festive adventure that we got along with it. And that makes Hawkeye a standout entry in Phase Four that overdelivered in so many ways – and one worth revisiting every year during the holidays.
2. Agatha All Along
When Agatha All Along was first announced, Marvel fans were either pleasantly surprised or totally confused. On one hand, it made perfect sense; Kathryn Hahn earned an Emmy nomination for her awesome performance as Agatha Harkness / Agnes the neighbor in WandaVision, so it was a no-brainer to give her her own vehicle. On the other, there were fears that it came too long after WandaVision (and, you know, Agatha was trapped in a spell that made her Agnes again). So yeah, there was a lot to live up to.
To say that the show surpassed expectations would be a major understatement. Designed both for television and the spooky season, Agatha not only felt timely, it felt like it had a purpose - which is something that the MCU shows had struggled with in the past. This wasn't a six-part movie that struggled with flow and featured a questionable color palette; it was a genuinely entertaining TV show that worked so very well because, like WandaVision, it respected the TV medium.
Kathryn Hahn is a force in the leading role, reminding all of us why we fell in love with Agatha Harkness in the first place. And she's surrounded by such talent, whether it's the formidable Patti LuPone, Debra Jo Rupp, Aubrey Plaza, Sasheer Zamata Ali Ahn or Heartstopper's Joe Locke, who all work so well together, proving to be one of the strongest ensemble casts in recent memory.
Whether it's the haunting performance of The Ballad of the Witches' Road, the practical effects, the stunning sets, or the constant sense of mystery about it, Agatha All Along was an exhilarating experience to be part of that exceeded all expectations. It was, is, and always will be magic.
1. WandaVision
Watching WandaVision for the very first time on a weekly basis is an experience I will never forget, and I know I’m not only one. The very first Marvel Studios show to debut on Disney Plus, it gave the spotlight to two of the MCU’s most overlooked (and yet powerful) heroes, but to say it wasn’t anything like we expected simply wouldn’t be enough to encapsulate what an unexpected gem it became.
WandaVision was a swing, a big swing, a gigantic swing in a direction that no one saw coming. Starting out as a sitcom with a deeper mystery at its heart, the show relied on conventions of classic television, making Marvel Studios’ official TV debut as attention-grabbing and unique as it needed to be. It also relied on subverting our expectations, as nothing was as simple as it seemed in the world of Westview. Nothing.
Elizabeth Olsen is superb in her Emmy-nominated turn as Wanda Maximoff, as the series shows us what is driving her in a way that the movies never could. Paul Bettany is a delight as this new version of Vision, and Kathryn Hahn is a joy in her supporting role that caught everyone’s attention.
WandaVision was a tale of grief and tragedy masquerading as the perfect comedy. And as far as Marvel’s Disney Plus shows go, it’s the most perfect of them all.