DC superheroes have become a staple of television. Whether you're talking about the classics like Batman or Wonder Woman, or the more recent outings like The Flash or Supergirl, there has been no shortage of them on the small screen. Most of them have come out of the last decade alone, which really does go to show you how popular the genre has been.
There is no denying that DC has had a lot of success on the silver screen. In fact, two films are credited as paving the way for modern superhero movies, and both of them are DC movies (Superman: The Movie and Batman). That said, it's arguable that DC heroes have experienced even greater levels of success on television.
In 2012, Arrow launched the Arrowverse, which saw an influx of superhero shows make their presence felt on The CW, including The Flash, Supergirl, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Black Lightning, Batwoman, DC's Stargirl, Superman and Lois, Naomi, and Gotham Knights. This eventually saw other companies, including Marvel Studios, dip their toe into the TV medium when bringing their own superheroes to life.
Saying that DC has changed the game for superheroes on television would be understating it, but the fact remains that its legacy is unchallenged. It will continue to expand upon that legacy in the future as James Gunn and Peter Safran's DC Universe will feature an abundance of new shows, including Waller and Paradise Lost - and let's not forget about Matt Reeves' The Penguin. But which of its many shows reign supreme as its very best (and which ones should we probably forget about)?
Note: While this article will rank all of the mainstream DC television shows, it won't include HBO's Watchmen, or adaptations of DC's various Vertigo imprints such as iZombie or Lucifer, Netflix's The Sandman or Sweet Tooth, its Wildstorm imprints such as The Boys and Gen V, or any standalone TV specials or pilots.
32. Swamp Thing (1990 - 1993)
There's a bit of a sad irony in the fact that one of DC's most horrifying characters also spawned one of its campiest TV shows, but that's the unusual charm of Swamp Thing; who became rather popular in the live-action field in the '80s and '90s. After the success of Wes Craven's more horror-focused movie and its campier sequel, the creature made his way to TV.
While actor Dick Durock made the journey to the small screen too and once again delivered a great performance, the first film's charm did not come along the for the ride. The show was ridiculously campy and honestly very silly, with its low production values making it feel much older than a '90s series.
In its defense, the show did become surprisingly popular for USA Network, gaining a cult audience throughout its run, and the suit that Durock wore was far superior to the one in the first movie. The potential was there, but Swamp Thing needed better writing.
But if you're a fan of unserious content, this one might be for you.
31. The Secrets of Isis (1975 - 1976)
The Secrets of Isis is probably one of the lesser-known DC TV shows, but an even lesser-known fact was that it was actually the first ever female-led superhero series. Yes, it's true; the show aired in September 1975, coming just before Wonder Woman's December pilot (and 1976 launch), and Bionic Woman's January 1976 premiere. Unfortunately, it hasn't aged as well as either of those shows.
The show focused on schoolteacher Andrea Thomas who could transform into the Egyptian Goddess whenever she was needed to stop any wrongdoing or put things right. It followed the format of the typical superhero show at the time, but its production values were low, which isn't all that surprising given that it was technically a spinoff of Shazam!, which also hasn't aged well (don't worry, we're getting to that shortly).
The late, great Joanna Cameron's performance was undoubtedly the show's greatest aspect as she was quite wonderful in the role.
30. Superboy (1988 - 1992)
These days, Superboy refers to DC Comics character Kon-El, but in the '80s, it was the name used by the Man of Steel during his early years of heroics. Those early years inspired a TV series by the same name and, well, it's been somewhat lost to history over the years. It's nowhere near as old as the original wave of DC TV shows and yet it hasn't aged as well as most of them either.
The series was incredibly low budget and it showed pretty much all of the time. It was a bit corny and the first season's storylines received criticism for its lack of faithfulness to the comics. In fairness to the show, it did right that wrong in its second season, opting for a more comic-accurate approach which actually made it feel like more of an inherently Superman show.
Superboy was not well-received and it's a bit infamous because it replaced actor John Haymes Newton with Gerard Christopher after the first season, but it was popular enough to last for four seasons and there is something of a nostalgic charm to it, too.
29. Shazam! (1974 - 1976)
You might be a bit shocked to see Shazam! down this low on the list, but honestly you're probably even more shocked to know that a Shazam series existed. It ran for three seasons on CBS on Saturday mornings between 1974 and 1976 and it just wasn't very good. Of course production values weren't great so that's not the main issue, it's just that it fell a bit flat compared to other superhero shows of the time like Batman and Wonder Woman. It hasn't aged as well either.
The show infamously dismissed Jackson Bostwick, who played the title character part-way through the second season, leading to a rather quick actor change. Now considering this is a show in which its primary character is a kid who becomes a fully-grown adult superhero when he says "Shazam!", the fact that he inexplicably changed into a completely different fully-grown adult superhero was no doubt confusing for young viewers watching at the time.
There were also some questionable liberties taken for TV, including the mysterious Mentor character who, while endearing, didn't have an actual name - not to mention the fact that he and Billy Batson randomly drove around in an RV. Oh, the '70s were an unusual time for comic book adaptations.
28. Human Target (1992)
While costumed superheroes weren't a regular part of the TV schedule in the '90s, there were some attempts to bring comic book characters to the small screen. Take the short-lived Human Target series in 1992, for instance. The show wasn't a typical superhero show on the surface, but it was based on the DC character Christopher Chance and it did follow the format of a typical superhero show, providing some action-packed adventures of the week.
The attempt to distance itself from its source material and serve as a rather standard action procedural actually could have worked if Human Target had been successful. It wouldn't have required as large a budget as, say, The Flash and given that the draw of its title character revolved around him taking on the identities of others, there wasn't a need for special effects. Unfortunately, it just didn't come together as the series was cancelled after seven poorly received episodes.
People weren't kind to Human Target when it was released but truthfully, the show was nothing worse than substandard. You can see the potential when watching it, and for that matter, it was very watchable.
27. Birds of Prey (2002 - 2003)
One of the earliest modern DC TV shows, Birds of Prey aired on The WB back in 2002, and that made it one of the few superhero shows of its time. This was a time when comic book properties weren't the TV stalwarts they are now, and the Batman franchise was also in a bit of an awkward stopgap after Batman and Robin, so there wasn't much to reel mainstream viewers into this one, in spite of its compelling concept.
The show was based on the eponymous DC super-team and focused on their rise in New Gotham at a time when Batman and Catwoman mysteriously vanished. There was a lot of potential in the concept, and the show had a real cinematic aura about it too, but it never really got the chance to make an impression on audiences because of its short lifespan. Yes, its 13-episode run was a bit of a mixed bag, but it deserved a longer season to show us what it could do.
26. Naomi (2022)
Naomi had all the makings of a great superhero TV series. It was one of the last DC TV shows commissioned for The CW (before its sale to Nexstar put an end to that) and it looked nothing like a superhero show, choosing to lean into the mysterious origins of its title character. The pilot episode did a great job of setting the stage for the season that would follow, while Kaci Walfall was incredibly compelling as Naomi McDuffie.
However, the show's first season didn't deliver on its promise. The pacing was slower than anything on network television should have been (something that became a constant criticism from fans of the show), while some of the special effects in its final few episodes left a lot to be desired. The story was still strong, but the finished product wasn't quite of the same high level as Naomi's cinematic pilot episode.
25. Powerless (2017)
The 2010s are an interesting period of television to look back on. With the success of the Arrowverse on the small screen and the Marvel Cinematic Universe on the big screen, almost every TV network wanted in on the superhero game. NBC tried its hand at that in 2014 with Constantine and again in 2017 with Powerless. It was once again an unfortunately short-lived experiment.
The thing that made Powerless different was that it was a DC sitcom. It was also one of the few DC shows not to be directly based on a comic book character. The series starred Vanessa Hudgens as the director of Research & Development for Wayne Security and it was her job to try and make sure the people in cities impacted by regular superhero/villain showdowns felt a bit safer. She was joined by Alan Tudyk and it even featured appearances from Superman's Mark McClure and legendary Batman star Adam West.
The show was very funny, and it had real potential for growth. It was different, standing out in a field of sitcoms and superhero dramas as an unusual blend between the two. The sad thing is that it never really got the chance to hit its stride before it was cancelled. Sitcoms need a chance to grow, and with a bigger budget and lower ratings, this one was cut down before it got the chance to flourish.
24. Human Target (2010 - 2011)
It's honestly quite surprising that, of all the DC characters out there, Human Target got to star in two TV shows. That means he headlined more live-action shows than Batman. Think that one over.
The second attempt was a much more successful one, as the Fox series was able to lean into the action a lot more than its predecessor; which isn't surprising given that action is something television did far better in the 2010s than it did in the 1990s. It was also a lot funnier than you might think, which again works really well in action procedurals.
This one also shied away from the character's existence in the DC Universe, which is pretty ironic considering that in just four to five years, DC superheroes would be everywhere on network TV. It's a shame that Human Target never got the chance to see that as it was cancelled after a divisive second season relaunch and in spite of some pretty consistent ratings.
I would have loved to have seen what the superhero TV lanscape would have looked like if this show was still going strong. Cancelling it so soon feels like a choice that Fox might have retroactively regretted when everybody wanted a superhero series just a few short years later.
23. Gotham Knights (2023)
To call Gotham Knights' brief run a bit of a rollercoaster would probably be a bit of an understatement. The final DC TV series commissioned by The CW originally received a ton of hate because of a poor first trailer that didn't sell the show well. Although its pilot episode was a mixed bag, the show gradually improved with each episode, so by the time it ended its first season, it was a very entertaining ensemble superhero teen drama.
Its greatest strength lay in its immensely talented cast and the chemistry they had with one another, and its portrayal of Batman villains the Court of Owls was pretty great too. It had all the potential in the world, and with the promise of Two-Face in its nixed second season, we'll always wonder what heights it could have achieved if it hadn't been prematurely cancelled. Heck, if it hadn't killed off Batman in the poor way that it did, it might have reached more of the core DC fans.
If Gotham Knights had been made five years earlier, it could have been a huge success. Unfortunately, the stars just didn't align for it. And yet, it has cult classic written all over it.
22. Pennyworth (2019 - 2022)
Pennyworth (or if we want to go with season 3's more cumbersome title Pennyworth: The Origins of Batman's Butler) had a short run, but it was an eventful one. The show streamed two seasons on Epix before it was brought home to WarnerMedia's HBO Max for the third season. When that season premiered, WB was under new leadership which eventually cancelled the show.
As the title hints, Pennyworth was all about our beloved Alfred Pennyworth, tracking his early days in London, the beginnings of his friendship with Thomas Wayne, and how he came to be the person we fall in love with in every single Batman adaptation. The show's brief run unfortunately means we never reach that endgame, but it did provide 30 episodes of constant entertainment that felt more like a compelling spy thriller that would air on ITV in the UK than a comic book series made for US TV.
There was that joke among DC fans about whether we actually needed Pennyworth or not; but it doesn't matter what your answer to that question is, because the show is a good old-fashioned knees-up and Jack Bannon is bloody brilliant in the role.
21. Constantine (2014 - 2015)
Now here's a show that needed longer to find its footing.
Constantine aired for just one season on NBC in 2014, and it was a bloody thrill-ride at that, mate. The show introduced us to Matt Ryan's portrayal of the Master of the Dark Arts and he very quickly proved himself to be the personification of the character. Honestly, he was born to play this role.
The thing that worked well with the series was that it opted for an adventure of the week format, meaning that we got to see John Constantine battle many different kinds of threats pretty quickly. Not only did that showcase his effectiveness, it set the stage for the show's overarching "Rising Darkness" arc. Unfortunately, its premature cancellation prevented it from resolving that storyline.
I think it's safe to say we were all grateful that this wasn't the last we saw of Ryan's Constantine, as he would later pop up in the Arrowverse.
20. The Flash (1990 - 1991)
Superheroes were all the rage in the '80s and '90s after the successes of the Superman and Batman franchises on the big screen. Naturally, that meant they would return to the small screen, too. With that, the dawn of the '90s saw the Scarlet Speedster headline his first ever TV series as The Flash made an electrifying premiere on CBS in September of that year - and when I say "electrifying", I mean electrifying because the premiere episode was watched by 22 million viewers.
While the first season maintained high ratings after the initial drop-off, the show's huge budget meant that it didn't go beyond the first season. That was a real shame because the series was incredibly high quality for '90s TV, with production values that made it feel very cinematic the whole way throughout. Yes, it was a bit cheesy at times, but it was intentionally so, mimicking the more light-hearted superhero movies of its time.
John Wesley Shipp's performance as Barry Allen is as important to the character's legacy as Adam West's was to Batman and George Reeves' was to Superman, and it's about time we acknowledged that a bit more. He was so good in the title role that we all celebrated his eventual return as the Scarlet Speedster in the 2014 Flash TV series over two decades later.
19. Krypton (2018 - 2019)
One of the many Superman shows on this list, Krypton is also among the many DC TV shows that was cancelled long before it should have been. It's a prequel to the Man of Steel's story that goes way further back than Smallville did, taking place 200 years before little Kal-El of Krypton was born and focusing on how his family fought their way back from exile and became the legends we all know them to be.
The series aired on SyFy and that was mostly a match made in Heaven as it allowed for it to be more science fiction-heavy than some of the other shows in its genre, but it did have a number of stumbles out of the gate. From its overreliance on dialogue (which could be a lot) to the questionable way that season 1 progresses, it didn't take to the skies right away. The good thing, though, is that it did manage to take off in season 2, producing a much more tight and coherent product. Cameron Cuffe also did a great job as Superman's grandfather Seg-El.
It's wild to think that SyFy was ready to make a Lobo spinoff before it randomly cancelled both ideas. That would have been great to see because Emmett J. Scanlon was fantastic in the role. Honestly, the Krypton-verse was cut down too soon.
Oh, what could have been.
18. Black Lightning (2018 - 2021)
It's pretty ironic that Black Lightning started its run completely removed from the Arrowverse only to end up on the same earth as its CW counterparts before the end of it. The show was initially designed for Fox, but when the network passed, the home of DC TV picked it up. That said, it wasn't like the other shows on the network.
Black Lightning's strength came from how different it was; it was harder-hitting, more thought-provoking, and much more mature than any of the other superhero shows on network television. Led by a remarkable performance from Cress Williams as retired-vigilante-turned-principal Jefferson Pierce, it showcases the character's return to heroism after rise of the 100 Gang. That set the stage for a compelling first season, which the show ultimately delivered on.
The show's third season took it to even greater heights, as it continued to spotlight issues such as discrimination and racism in Freeland amidst the American Security Agency's war on metahumans. It was a compelling watch, and a perfect example of what the show was capable of when it was at its best.
Unfortunately, its other two seasons weren't its best. While season 2 was fine, it didn't quite succeed the powerful first season in the way that fans hoped, and its fourth and final season was an underwhelming, abrupt way to the end the show. It doesn't take away from the excellence that Black Lightning was capable of, but season 4 was just one of the many examples of how the show deserved better.
17. Batwoman (2019 - 2022)
Batwoman had a lot to contend with throughout its short three-season run. The show was hampered by a number of issues early on, especially the departure of its lead Ruby Rose after just one season. However, it ultimately weathered that storm through the introduction of new character Ryan Wilder, as Javicia Leslie went on to become a star as the Scarlet Knight.
It told a lot of compelling stories throughout its run, particularly Ryan's ascent as the new Batwoman and the nuanced adaptation of the Alice character, who evolved from its primary villain into the Arrowverse's most fun anti-hero. Its action scenes were great too, with some epic fight choreography that often gets overlooked when the show is brought up.
Yes, Batwoman experienced far too much unrest in a short amount of time. The first season had promise but teething issues, the second was something of an awkward middle ground between two different shows as the show struggled to let go of its old lead while introducing a new one, and the third was one of the best seasons in the whole Arrowverse - something that made its premature cancellation all the more upsetting. But through its ups and downs, it was a major step forward for representation and a hidden gem in the world of superhero television - one that was led incredibly well by the phenomenal Javicia Leslie.
It really deserved that fourth season.
16. Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993 - 1997)
The Man of Steel constantly found new ways of reinventing himself for television, perhaps making his relationship with the small screen even more successful than his iconic big screen legacy. One of the finest examples of that is Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, which showcased a very different side of him.
The '90s ABC series prioritized Clark Kent over Superman and the importance of his relationship with Lois Lane became a focal aspect of that. Workplace dramedies were a much-loved aspect of '90s television and Lois and Clark managed to channel that with ease, effortlessly blending it with some DC Comics lore while it was at it. It went a long way in humanizing a very superhuman character, while also highlighting just how strong a character Lois is.
Not every aspect of Lois and Clark has aged well. Much of Clark's origins feel underdeveloped or glossed over, and the special effects don't hold up, but the strength of the chemistry between Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher and the witty writing ensures that the show has remained a beloved, relevant part of the superhero TV conversation.
15. Peacemaker (2022 - present)
The DCEU came to the small screen for its first and only series Peacemaker, but fans of the show will be thankful to know that it will continue on as part of James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DC Universe instead. And speaking of James Gunn, he is the one responsible for this series, which quickly became something of an unexpected fan-favorite.
A spinoff of Gunn's The Suicide Squad, the series brought back John Cena as the title character in an adventure that can only be described as bloody, off-the-wall, outrageous, and hilarious all at the same time. It's very in-your-face, and very much an acquired taste as a result, so even if it doesn't appeal to all DC fans, those who do enjoy it absolutely love it.
The show is surprisingly great (I know I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did, and I was a fan of The Suicide Squad!) and it's very much the sum of its parts. Cena is brilliant in the leading role and the ensemble cast is equally as impressive. And if you're not dancing and singing along to the theme song every time the opening credits roll on your screen, then you just don't enjoy fun!
14. Adventures of Superman (1952 - 1958)
The very first DC TV series ever made, Adventures of Superman brought the Man of Steel to the small screen for the first time ever. Produced for syndication, it starred George Reeves as Superman and entertained a whole generation for six seasons.
The show is renowned for the pivot it made during its run. The first seasons were filmed in black-and-white, which allowed for some surprisingly gritty and mature storylines, with the show often coming of as more of a noir drama than a superhero series. After the move to color, it got less serious, more campy, and more outlandish. Both are considered important parts of the show's legacy, but it is interesting to think about what its run could have looked like if it stayed the course with one tone or another.
Adventures of Superman turned the Man of Steel into a household name and it launched DC's presence on the small screen. I think it's safe to say it made one heck of an impression, as did George Reeves' performance as the legendary hero.
13. Doom Patrol (2019 - 2023)
If you have words that can appropriately describe Doom Patrol, please send them my way. The DC Universe-turned-HBO Max-turned Max series is perhaps the comic book genre's most bizarre product, offering up a mismatch of styles that shouldn't necessarily go together and yet do seamlessly well.
The show is outrageous. Completely and utterly outrageous; to such an extent that a tin man with a brain seems totally believable by the time its fourth season introduces Butt-Monsters. But it's also deceptively nuanced, striking a balance between over-the-top humor and heartfelt storytelling. For as many curse words and silly shenanigans as there is in Doom Patrol, there is also love; love between the unusual team of not-superheroes, and love for the characters in the way that they are written.
The show was very in-your-face throughout its run, but that was part of the whole appeal. It was attention-grabbing for what you might think were all the wrong reasons, but it held onto that attention for all the right ones. While it fell off a bit towards the end of its run, it was a major win for DC during a time when it was trying to launch more mature content via its streaming services. That, and its star-studded cast featuring the talents of Brendan Fraser and Matt Bomer, made it a must-watch.
By the time Doom Patrol ended, there was still life left in it. It probably should have gotten a fifth season to wrap it all up on its own terms.
12. Titans (2018 - 2023)
Titans was a show that divided so many people. It was so visible in its early years because of the infamous trailer that had people dragging it across the internet for months, but what we don't talk about enough is how it vastly improved during the years when there were less eyeballs on it.
The show went for a more grounded approach in its second season which suited it much better. Its third season adapted the iconic Red Hood storyline well too, with Gotham City serving as the perfect setting for its grim and moody tone. For its final season, it went bigger than ever, bringing back in the supernatural elements but balancing it out much better than before to ensure that it ended on a high. And on that note, it had one of the best endings of all the prematurely cancelled DC TV shows of 2022 and 2023.
Sure, Titans was broodier than it needed to be, and a bit gratuitious with its violence, but in there, there was a brilliant superhero series with all the potential in the world. It just took it some time to find that potential, but when it did, it soared. Its ensemble cast was phenomenal in everything they tackled and Brenton Thwaites' layered performance as Dick Grayson gave us our best live-action portrayal of the character yet.
The show was never perfect but it was an immersive experience that evolved for the better throughout its much-too-short run. I hope that more people can acknowledge that now that it has come to an end.
11. Gotham (2014 - 2019)
What a ride Gotham was.
The concept of a DC series focusing on a young Bruce Wayne prior to his vigilante days had been on the table for a long time, but that previously evolved into Smallville. It resurfaced shortly after that show concluded its decade-long run, kicking off on Fox in 2014, and introducing us to one of the most bonkers - but brilliant - takes on the Batman lore you could ever imagine.
It evolved quite a bit during its five-year run, starting off as a procedural that followed detectives Jim Gordon and Harvey Bullock as they tried to solve the murders of Thomas and Martha Wayne, while also cleaning up the streets one bad guy at a time. Over time, Bruce became more of a central character while the villains got even more focus too, making it more of an ensemble piece than its original incarnation. It also allowed the show to have much more fun, taking a ton of creative liberties such as introducing major Batman villains long before his arrival and even having multiple characters who could become the future Joker.
I'm sure comic book purists had many issues with the show but once you accept that Gotham is an Elseworlds tale that takes its own unique spin on the source material, I promise you you'll enjoy the heck out of it. It kept reinventing itself, which made each season more enjoyable than the previous ones. It also made the most out of the fact that it was a TV series, producing fun villain-of-the-week episodes while also balancing some really compelling long-form stories along the way.
We should normalize Gotham praise more often. Honestly not enough people give it the credit it deserves.
10. Supergirl (2015 - 2021)
During that superhero renaissance of the 2010s, DC TV expanded beyond The CW as Supergirl premiered on CBS to an incredible 13 million viewers. The show's larger-than-life feel and successful use of the procedural nature of network television made it an instant hit, but it was subsequently moved to The CW from its second season onwards to give it a longer lifespan - a move that worked out well as it ended up running for six seasons.
Supergirl holds such a special place in my heart. It nailed that triumphant and feelgood tone of the classic superhero shows from its very first episode, while its ambitious first season made the most of its cast and budget, offering up an adventure that felt very much like a Superman movie. It was so theatrical, so heroic that it made for the perfect alternative to the constant slew of broody superhero outings we were being fed at the time. Though it lost a lot of that in subsequent seasons, Melissa Benoist's portrayal of the Girl of Steel was so endearing that it was easy to root for her even when the storylines weren't as strong.
From its first season's bigger budget to the fourth season's nuanced take on the discrimination that aliens faced in National City, Supergirl could be both the traditional superhero show and an eye-opening science fiction drama with some hard-hitting writing. It didn't always get the balance between the two right, but it did ensure that it left you feeling a lot more seen and uplifted after watching it; and honestly, more shows could do with following in its footsteps there.
9. Swamp Thing (2019)
Long before making mature comic book content for streaming services was as regular a thing as it is now, Swamp Thing was entertaining audiences on the short-lived DC Universe streaming service. The show made headlines when it was cancelled immediately after it premiered for a multitude of senseless reasons that history won't be kind to, but that doesn't change the fact that the show was lightning in a bottle that deserved so much better than the treatment it got.
Swamp Thing is a character that lends himself to the horror genre well, and the series wasted little time exploring that, delivering up its fair share of intimidating and violent sequences early on. Alec Holland's evolution into the title character isn't pretty either, but it's all so compelling to watch (no matter how much you want to look away from it at times). That's how you know you have a good horror series on your hands.
Swamp Thing's run may have been short but it was a horrifying thrill-ride led by one of DC's most underrated characters (and I mean that in the nicest of ways). It hit the ground running and really could have evolved into one of the greatest comic book shows of all time had it not been cancelled so soon into its run. It was also one of DC's most interesting and original shows and it holds up surprisingly well as a 10-part movie.
What we got was insanely satisfying, but the show deserved the chance to give us a bit more.
8. Arrow (2012 - 2020)
The show that very much started the wave of linear superhero TV shows, Arrow premiered on The CW in 2012 as a dark and gritty reimagining of the origins of the typically light-hearted and colorful Green Arrow. It didn't take long for it to prove itself as a success and that success single-handedly paved the way for the Arrowverse to follow.
The thing that Arrow did so well was grounded, character-drvien storylines. Those first two seasons, which kept the storyline curtailed to the Emerald Archer's streetwise antics, were some of the best superhero storytelling you'll ever see on television. The show took its cues from Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy, and it showed; as Arrow felt very cinematic early on.
Though it would experience some major ups and downs throughout its run and frustratingly focus on some one-dimensional cartoonish characters, when Arrow was at its best, there was very little that could compete with it. The fight choreography was awesome, the performances committed, and the storylines thrilling, and even though it stumbled along the way, it entertained us all for almost a whole decade.
Take us back to where it all began for the Arrowverse, please!
7. Wonder Woman (1975 - 1979)
Another game-changer in the DC world, Wonder Woman was the first major female-led superhero series. The show is still highly-regarded for that all these years later. Its reputation precedes it, and honestly it's well-deserved, too.
The first season of the show was set during World War II, and it could get appropriately serious when it wanted to. Sure, it had the triumphant Wonder Woman theme play throughout it, but that was only to add a little bit of hope to some of its more serious storylines, as Diana Prince helped Steve Trevor take down some complex threats. Period pieces have a way of feeling timeless when executed right, and Wonder Woman's first season pulled that off well, with production values that were incredibly high for the time.
Its second and third seasons have aged a bit more-so because of the decision to "relocate" the story in the 1970s. With that, there was spy drama, espionage, turtlenecks and tailored trousers, and a whole lot of disco music. And yet beneath it all were some unexpectedly complex capers that still hold up well in today's day and age.
Wonder Woman's place in history is unchallenged, but we don't discuss the strength of its writing enough. The show is more than worthy of its legendary reputation and Lynda Carter's game-changing performance is still as awe-inspiring to watch today as it was back then.
The show is truly a wonder; then, now, and forever.
6. DC's Legends of Tomorrow (2016 - 2022)
Envisioned as a vehicle to give more screentime to the Arrowverse's beloved supporting characters, this show ended up becoming the most entertaining of them all. The beauty of DC's Legends of Tomorrow; a whirlwind of television so impossible to describe that I'm regretting even starting to write this entry.
Legends began as a typical time-travel-centric science fiction show with a touch of humor. It was fine for what it was, but it wasn't exactly memorable in its field. And then the genius decision was made to lean into the humor a bit more; it was a decision that the show never looked back from, because the second season took it to new heights, while the third would go on to do the same.
There's so much to say about Legends and all of the things it did right. It was an exquisite example of how to do an ensemble show, giving all of its characters multiple chances to shine throughout each episode and season while also knowing who its leads are. It's a lesson that none of the Arrowverse shows ever learned and that has made this one age all the better in hindsight.
Could it go a little bit too off-the-wall sometimes? Sure. But Legends of Tomorrow had fun with everything that it did, and we all had fun watching it as a result. It was incredibly bonkers, charming, and even heartfelt on occasion, and it featured some of the most outlandish things you will ever see on television. It goes without saying that the show deserved a better ending than the one it got, but boy was the journey worth it nonetheless.
5. Smallville (2001 - 2011)
If Batman was largely responsible for the initial wave of DC TV, Smallville was responsible for its rebirth. The Superman prequel series premiered on The WB in 2001 and ended up enjoying a decade-long run that influenced the future of superheroes on TV and largely welcomed it in to the 21st century.
The show found success at a time when there weren't any other superhero shows on TV, and it did so by masquerading as a teen drama. Being that it was telling the story of Clark Kent's high school years and his love for Lana Lang, it appealed a great deal to teens in an era when more and more young people were watching television. The fact that the show was about a young superhero was even better, making Smallville a must-watch for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and other sci-fi teen hits.
It evolved so much throughout its ten seasons, becoming more triumphant and heroic along the way. By the end of its run, Clark was Superman in all but name only, and it was up to the series finale to help him achieve that final goal. It was a fulfilling moment in a series that DC TV owes a huge debt of gratitude to, and a reminder that Smallville is one of the greatest Superman stories ever told. And Tom Welling is one of the greatest actors to ever play the Man of Steel.
4. Batman (1966 - 1968)
It's hard to imagine where the world of DC TV would be without Batman. The very first DC series to air on network television, it turned the Caped Crusaders into household names, introducing them and their kooky world to people of all ages, and kick-starting Batman's legendary relationship with the screen.
The show is renowned for its larger-than-life campy approach to the source material. It was very tongue-in-cheek and over-the-top, with ridiculously outlandish capers and bonkers bad guys for Batman and Robin to face off against every week. Of course it was outlandish (this is the 1960s we're talking about), but the show was also incredibly witty and deceptively clever. Batman knew its audience and how to appeal to them, all while hiding important life lessons in plain sight.
Its greatest attribute was star Adam West and how committed he was to making it all so believable. While the capers designed by The Joker, The Penguin, The Riddler, Catwoman, Mr. Freeze, The Bookworm and more were indeed crazy, West played the role incredibly straight, never once hamming it up or leaning into the hilarity of it all. We don't talk about his wonderful performance enough, but Batman's success rode on the strength of it, perhaps even more so than its cartoonish appeal.
While much of its production values obviously haven't aged that well, Batman is still a beloved, and relevant part of the Dark Knight's legacy and the whole superhero genre owes it a huge debt of gratitude for proving how well these characters can work on television.
3. The Flash (2014 - 2023)
I shudder to think about where the comic book TV genre would be without The Flash. While it was making a comeback thanks to Arrow, the success of the Scarlet Speedster-led spin-off propelled superheroes back onto the small screen across all the networks. Everyone wanted a Flash of their own.
The moment we saw Grant Gustin appear as Barry Allen on Arrow, we knew we would love The Flash. That still couldn't have prepared us for the adventure that would come, or the nine seasons that it would last for. Throughout the first three of those seasons, nothing could compete with the show; it was in a league of its own, both in terms of writing and popularity. Gustin's portrayal was so endearing, so lovable, that he helped make The Flash a household name to those who didn't already know him.
There were many highs and lows but audiences were in it for the long-haul, watching Barry battle enemies such as the Reverse-Flash, fall in love with Iris West, and become the greatest hero the small screen had ever seen. Its enduring success allowed it to remain on-screens for almost a full-decade.
If The Flash had a shorter run, it would probably have ended up at the top of this list. Its first season was stunning, revolutionary, and a game-changer for the genre, and even though its later seasons let it down, there is no denying how important the show has been to the genre. It may well have been the most popular superhero show of all time; and for good reason.
There will never be another like this one.
2. DC's Stargirl (2019 - 2022)
DC's Stargirl was an absolute delight. It understood the classic requirements for a superhero show, offering up a healthy balance of fun, family drama, and plenty of heroics. It was also a bit of a surprise for so many people.
The series was created for the DC Universe streaming service but after that platform was discontinued, it found itself on The CW for two more seasons. To say it was perfectly at home there would be an understatement; for it brought its high quality with it and stood out among a huge line-up of DC TV shows.
That's the thing with Stargirl, it was one of the most aesthetically-pleasing shows of its era. The visuals were nostalgic (modelled after the Golden Age of comic books) and its production values were insanely high. The benefit of starting its life on streaming, yes, but it never lost that quality throughout all of its three seasons, and that made it one heck of an immersive watch. It also happens to feature some of the greatest fight choreography in the history of the genre.
DC's Stargirl ended before its time due to The CW's sale to Nexstar, and yet it ended on an incredibly satisfying note. The perfect live-action comic book trilogy, its three seasons are so strong that it's virtually impossible to pick out the best one, and Brec Bassinger is so darn endearing as Courtney Whitmore that her journey to reforming the Justice Society of America is one that you watch with a huge smile on your face every single time.
1. Superman and Lois (2021 - present)
When it was announced that The CW would be making that long-awaited Superman series starring Supergirl's Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch, we all expected a fun, light-hearted and triumphant series in the vein of the other Arrowverse shows. What we didn't expect was a cinematic, streaming-quality family drama that quickly etched itself a place among the very best live-action superhero shows of all time.
I remember watching the opening scene of Superman and Lois for the first time, seeing Hoechlin in the legendary Fleischer suit with that serene, heartfelt, triumphant score from Dan Romer playing in the background. I welled up, knowing I was going to love it; and that was before the beautiful Clark Kent and Lois Lane montage that chronicled their relationship and the family they built.
Superman and Lois is built on family, showcasing a chapter of the titular pair's relationship that hasn't been explored all that much. It sets the bar incredibly high in doing so, producing a tale that is as loving as it is epic. And trust me, it is epic.
With production values that far exceed any other show on linear television and a wonderful ensemble cast as the characters of Smallville, Superman and Lois was a surprise to everyone; and a welcome one at that. It's everything you could want from a modern day Superman story that also isn't afraid to pay tribute to its nostalgic origins. The result is a divine love letter to the characters its built on, led by career-defining performances from Hoechlin and Tulloch, who have made a wonderful case for themselves as the greatest to ever play those iconic roles.
This show is magical.