From the iconic *Incredible Hulk* TV series to the popular *Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.*, and the gritty Netflix shows introducing characters like Daredevil and Luke Cage, Marvel Comics has a long history of inspiring small-screen adaptations. While previous attempts to connect live-action TV shows to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) sometimes faltered—remember *Runaways* and *Cloak and Dagger*? — 2021 marked a turning point. Marvel Studios launched a new era on Disney+, creating interconnected series deeply integrated with its blockbuster film franchise.
With the delightful *Spider-Man: Freshman Year* now on Disney+ as the 13th Marvel show in just four years, we’re taking a look back at the previous 12. Like the Avengers sharing shawarma after saving New York, the IGN Marvel experts have ranked all the Disney+ Marvel shows to date. We’ll update the ranking after *Spider-Man: Freshman Year* concludes.
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Aiming for the espionage tone of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the series follows Nick Fury battling a Skrull invasion. However, slow pacing, an AI-generated opening, the disappointing treatment of a key female character, and a forgettable new character ultimately left it at the bottom of our rankings.
Like other recent Marvel shows, Echo faced a shortened run, leaving some viewers wanting more. Despite this, the series delivers impressive action sequences, including a standout fight against Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox). Its predominantly Indigenous cast and crew also make it a groundbreaking series. While not as impactful as others, Echo remains a unique and emotionally resonant addition to the MCU.
Like many Marvel shows, it introduces a new hero, Scarlet Scarab (May Calamawy), who becomes a standout. With strong performances from F. Murray Abraham (Khonshu's voice) and Ethan Hawke (Dr. Arthur Harrow), Moon Knight boasts a talented cast but couldn't quite reach the top.
Originally slated for the first Disney+ release, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the schedule, with WandaVision debuting first. The pandemic's impact on production is uncertain, but it undoubtedly affected the series' narrative. Nevertheless, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier significantly shaped the current MCU landscape, notably influencing this year's Thunderbolt film.