15 Worst Superhero Show of All Time, Ranked

Superhero television has exploded across networks and streaming platforms, bringing comic book characters and original caped creations to weekly lineups. Alongside the hits, many projects struggled with short runs, sudden schedule changes, or concepts that never found a long term home.

This countdown looks at series that faltered in one way or another, focusing on concrete details like episode counts, networks, casts, and how each show fit into its larger franchise plans. The entries are ordered from fifteen to one, with each listing noting the essentials fans usually look for when deciding what to watch next.

‘Black Scorpion’ (2001)

This syndicated series spun out of two telefilms produced by Roger Corman and followed a masked vigilante patrolling a stylized version of Los Angeles. Michelle Lintel headlined the show as the title character with Adam West appearing in a recurring role, and the production delivered twenty two hour long episodes.

The run aired on the Sci Fi Channel and leaned on practical suits and villain of the week structure tied to the earlier movies. The series completed its single season before the character’s live action journey returned to home video releases.

‘The Guardians of Justice’ (2022)

This Netflix limited series blended live action, animation, and motion comic imagery across seven episodes created by Adi Shankar. Its storyline explored a world after the death of its most famous hero and featured appearances by performers such as Diamond Dallas Page, Sharni Vinson, and Denise Richards.

The project arrived as part of the creator’s unconventional anthology approach and was released all at once on the platform. Episodes mixed genres and formats within a single installment, with each chapter running roughly twenty to thirty minutes.

‘Gotham Knights’ (2023)

This The CW entry centered on the adopted son of Bruce Wayne forming a team with the children of Gotham City villains after the death of Batman. The series starred Oscar Morgan, Navia Robinson, and Misha Collins across a thirteen episode season.

The show was developed by Natalie Abrams, Chad Fiveash, and James Stoteraux and was not connected to the video game of the same name. It premiered in March 2023 as part of the network’s DC slate and concluded the same year when The CW shifted its scripted lineup.

‘Naomi’ (2022)

Based on the DC Comics character created by Brian Michael Bendis, David F Walker, and Jamal Campbell, this The CW series followed a teenager discovering the origin of her powers. Kaci Walfall led the cast with Camila Moreno and Alexander Wraith among the ensemble across one season.

Ava DuVernay and Jill Blankenship developed the show and produced a thirteen episode run that aired from January through May. The series was part of the network’s broader DC offerings during the 2021 to 2022 television season.

‘Inhumans’ (2017)

This ABC series featured members of the royal family from Marvel Comics and starred Anson Mount, Serinda Swan, and Iwan Rheon. The first two episodes were released in IMAX theaters before the eight episode season aired on broadcast television.

Production was based largely in Hawaii and the show shared producers with other Marvel Television projects of the period. The season completed in the fall and did not return, marking an endpoint for the franchise’s planned small screen direction at that time.

‘The Cape’ (2011)

Airing on NBC, this original superhero drama starred David Lyons as a police officer who becomes a costumed vigilante after being framed. The show featured Summer Glau and James Frain in key roles and produced ten episodes.

The finale was released online by the network after schedule adjustments earlier in the run. The series also offered webisodes titled ‘The Cape: The Official Webisodes’ that expanded its supporting characters and in universe mythology.

‘Mutant X’ (2001–2004)

Syndicated through Tribune Entertainment, this Marvel based series followed a team of genetically altered individuals called new mutants. John Shea, Victoria Pratt, and Forbes March headlined across three seasons totaling sixty six episodes.

The production was filmed primarily in Canada and developed separate mythology from the ‘X Men’ films despite brand proximity. The show cycled through cast changes and completed its third season with a finale that closed the team’s arc.

‘Birds of Prey’ (2002–2003)

Set in a near future Gotham City, this The WB series teamed Oracle, Huntress, and a young metahuman named Dinah. Ashley Scott, Dina Meyer, and Rachel Skarsten led the cast with Mia Sara appearing as Harley Quinn across thirteen episodes.

The show adapted concepts from the DC Comics title and used a mix of original stories and familiar locations. It aired during the 2002 to 2003 season and completed its run with a two part conclusion.

‘Blade: The Series’ (2006)

This Spike TV series continued the world of the Marvel vampire hunter and starred Kirk Jones credited as Sticky Fingaz in the title role. The show delivered twelve episodes with supporting performances by Jill Wagner, Neil Jackson, and Jessica Gower.

Developed with involvement from David S Goyer, the series premiered with a feature length pilot that set up a Detroit centered conflict. The season aired over the summer schedule and wrapped within the same year.

‘Marvel’s Iron Fist’ (2017–2018)

Part of the Marvel Netflix lineup, this series followed Danny Rand’s return to New York City and his connection to mystical training. Finn Jones, Jessica Henwick, and Tom Pelphrey starred across two seasons totaling twenty three episodes.

The first season premiered ahead of the team up limited series ‘The Defenders’ and the second season introduced additional characters from the comics. The show concluded as Netflix wound down its Marvel branded slate that also included ‘Daredevil’, ‘Luke Cage’, and ‘Jessica Jones’.

‘Powerless’ (2017)

This NBC workplace comedy was set within the DC universe and focused on an insurance and research company dealing with superhero related incidents. Vanessa Hudgens, Danny Pudi, and Alan Tudyk led the cast for a single season.

Twelve episodes were produced and the network initially aired nine during the first quarter of the year. The remaining episodes later became available through digital platforms, completing the season’s run for viewers.

‘Jupiter’s Legacy’ (2021)

Adapted from the comic by Mark Millar and Frank Quitely, this Netflix series examined a multigenerational team of costumed heroes and their families. Josh Duhamel and Ben Daniels starred with Leslie Bibb and Elena Kampouris among the ensemble across eight episodes.

The season was produced by Millarworld as part of the publisher’s overall deal with the streamer. After release, the live action storyline paused while animated projects such as ‘Super Crooks’ moved forward within the same umbrella.

‘Powers’ (2015–2016)

This adaptation of the Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming comic launched as the first original scripted series for PlayStation Network. Sharlto Copley and Susan Heyward played detectives in a specialized division that investigates crimes involving super powered individuals.

Filmed in Georgia for its first season and relocating production for the second, the series delivered twenty episodes across two years. The show concluded after season two as the platform shifted away from original scripted programming.

‘Helstrom’ (2020)

Released on Hulu, this ten episode series followed Daimon and Ana Helstrom in a story drawn from Marvel Comics supernatural titles. Tom Austen and Sydney Lemmon starred with Elizabeth Marvel and Ariana Guerra in supporting roles.

The project was developed by Paul Zbyszewski and arrived during the transition from Marvel Television to Marvel Studios for small screen efforts. Marketing and on screen branding positioned it as a standalone entry during that organizational change.

‘No Ordinary Family’ (2010–2011)

This ABC drama starred Michael Chiklis and Julie Benz as parents who gain abilities along with their two children after a plane incident. The family dynamic structured twenty episodes with Kay Panabaker and Jimmy Bennett rounding out the core cast.

Created by Greg Berlanti and Jon Harmon Feldman, the series aired during the 2010 to 2011 season with a mix of standalone cases and ongoing storylines. The show completed its season in spring and did not return for additional episodes.

Share your picks for the superhero shows that should or should not be on this list in the comments.