In an era where the Marvel Cinematic Universe has changed not just superheroes but filmmaking forever, there are more comic book-inspired adaptations now than there ever have been. Superheroes have been the bread and butter of Hollywood for over a decade, but that doesn’t mean every series goes beyond 40 episodes. In fact, we’ve put together a list of the best shows with fewer episode counts than that.
From alternate universe takes on your favorite Marvel heroes to underrated animated triumphs and even beloved works that highlight your favorite masked vigilante, there’s no better place to start when it comes to superhero television than some of these episodes here. We’re highlighting both classic tales and new ventures alike that speak to the core of what superheroes are. So, put on your cape and get ready to soar, because you won’t want to miss out on these shows.
‘Spider-Noir’ (2026)
For a Marvel series that is certainly out-of-the-box, Spider-Noir is a one-and-done is a Depression-era re-imagining of comic book’s most famous wall-crawler. Nicolas Cage, himself no stranger to superhero fare (or even this character), plays private detective Ben Reilly, a down-on-his-luck sleuth who moonlights as “The Spider.” Of course, he’s not the only super-powered game in town.
Filled to the brim with classic noir film references and a style that works either in “True-Hue” color or black-and-white, Spider-Noir is a superhero show that doesn’t allow the usual comic book conventions to drag it down. Instead, this is a detective tale that doubles as a superhero story, complete with femme fatales and mood lighting in spades. With under ten episodes, it makes for a quick binge too.
‘Green Lantern: The Animated Series’ (2011–2013)
Green Lantern: The Animated Series has gotten more attention from fans in recent years, and rightfully show. As arguably the best Green Lantern adaptation out there (and one of the greatest animated shows under 40 episodes), the 3D animated program sends Green Lanterns Hal Jordan (Josh Keaton) and Kilowog (Kevin Michael Richardson) into uncharted “Frontier Space” to deal with a new threat that’s taking out other officers across the galaxy. Only, as they do, they discover a true threat to the universe.
In addition to bringing to life classic Green Lanterns from the comics, GLTAS also introduces brand-new characters who have become fan-favorites in recent years. The Red Lantern Razer (Jason Spisak) undergoes his own stunning redemption arc as the AI “Aya” (Grey DeLisle) discovers not only her origins but her place in the universe. Perfect for kids and adults alike, Green Lantern is everything comic fans wished Lanterns would unashamedly embrace.
‘The Spectacular Spider-Man’ (2008–2009)
If Spider-Noir is too far removed from traditional portrayals of Spider-Man for you, then give The Spectacular Spider-Man a chance. Not only does the show modernize some of Spidey’s most famous early adventures, but it does so in a way that both honors the material while simultaneously forging its own identity apart from it. It’s the sort of adaptation that is truly the best of both worlds.
Josh Keaton proves once more that he’s one of the best in the animation business, playing Peter Parker this time around as he navigates both his complicated personal life and his even more complicated role as a superhero. Although it didn’t last long, The Spectacular Spider-Man made an unmistakable impact on Spidey fans everywhere, and few other animated adaptations come close. Don’t sleep on some of the very best episodes, they’ll have you wishing for more.
‘WandaVision’ (2021)
Part superhero love story, part supervillain origin story, WandaVision is one of the most off-the-walls takes on superheroes ever put onto the small screen. After the events of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) has settled in middle America with Vision (Paul Bettany), whom she has somehow resurrected from the dead. As they fight to preserve their nuclear family, things get a bit wacky.
WandaVision is a strange love letter to several eras of television that doubles as a superhero-themed mystery. It’s like nothing you would ever expect, and yet, concludes the same way many MCU outings do. However you rank the best Disney+ MCU shows, you’re in for a treat with this one. If you add Agatha All Along and Vision Quest as direct sequels (and throw in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness for good measure), it still equals a runtime of under 40 episodes.
‘Agent Carter’ (2015–2016)
A direct spin-off from Hayley Atwell‘s role in Captain America: The First Avenger, Agent Carter follows Peggy as she works for the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR) — a precursor to S.H.I.E.L.D. — in stopping Hydra from furthering its influence. As a prequel to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, the two-season ABC program produced some great episodes that expanded the MCU beyond the big screen. It’s a bit more spy-oriented than capes and superpowers, but we’ll let that slide.
Agent Carter may not be your traditional superhero story, but it reminds us that those who stand behind our favorite heroes (in this case Captain America) can be just as heroic as their super-powered counterparts. Peggy has certainly earned her place in the Marvel canon. Of course, if you want to see a superhero version of Peggy take charge, What If…? is probably your best bet on that front.
‘Loki’ (2021–2023)
If WandaVision was a superhero-turned-supervillain story, then Marvel reversed course with Loki. Beginning with a time-displaced variant of the God of Mischief (Tom Hiddleston) introduced in Avengers: Endgame, Loki expands on the psychology of the character as he is forced to come to terms with his own “glorious purpose.” For Loki, that means learning some humility and becoming a hero like his estranged brother — even if few are present to appreciate his sacrifice.
Loki is the type of hero’s journey that strips us of everything we thought we knew about the titular character (indeed, it erases all his character development post-The Avengers) and makes him the lynchpin that keeps the entire timeline — and multiverse — at bay. Not only is Loki a great superhero series, but it’s the sort of mind-bending sci-fi that comic book fans crave. It’s certainly one that gets time travel right.
‘Krypton’ (2018–2019)
While most Superman-related programs go beyond 40 episodes, Krypton was the outlier that only ran two seasons on Syfy. This prequel series combines several eras of the Man of Steel to craft a Krypton that is as politically, religiously, and economically complex as some of the best sci-fi tales out there, and follows Superman’s grandfather, Seg-El (Cameron Cuffe), as he seeks to ensure that his descendant still comes into existence after time-traveling adventurer Adam Strange (Shaun Sipos) arrives on his world.
Everyone may know where a show like Krypton was ultimately headed, but the time-traveling shenanigans of Strange and General Dru-Zod (Colin Salmon) throw a wrench into that. Anything could happen, especially once Brainiac (Blake Ritson) showed up to change the game and use his limited knowledge of the future to change course. Krypton always deserved more love, and certainly ranks high on our list of Superman TV shows.
‘The New Batman Adventures’ (1997–1999)
Some may consider The New Batman Adventures synonymous with Batman: The Animated Series, and we certainly understand the impulse. However, between newcomers like the Tim Drake Robin (Matthew Valencia), new character designs, and sleeker style, it’s easy to see why so many separate these Batman (Kevin Conroy) tales from the rest. Still, some of the best episodes rival its predecessor.
Following Gotham City’s Caped Crusader and his cohorts, The New Batman Adventures is arguably more of the same when compared to the initial Bruce Timm series, though with fewer episodes and more crossover potential with Superman: The Animated Series. If you love Batman and are already through the original animated series, then there’s no reason not to revisit its successor. It also doubles as a fine prequel to Batman Beyond.
‘Daredevil’ (2015–2018)
In just under 40 episodes, Daredevil proved itself to be one of the very best superhero adaptations out there. Sure, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) is technically a vigilante when he’s Daredevil, but his superheroics save New York (and especially Hell’s Kitchen) from destruction again and again. The grounded, gritty take on the Marvel character doesn’t apologize for its masked hero, and instead justifies his existence with each episode.
Daredevil was part of Netflix’s partnership with Marvel to craft several television shows that ultimately led to The Defenders crossover miniseries (essential viewing that takes place between Daredevil‘s second and third seasons). Of course, the series has continued in recent years with Daredevil: Born Again, but there’s nothing quite like the original. Daredevil not only has better action than Born Again, but it’s a far more introspective and philosophical take on the Man Without Fear.
Daredevil
- Release Date
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2015 – 2018-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
- Showrunner
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Steven S. DeKnight
- Directors
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Phil Abraham, Stephen Surjik, Peter Hoar, Euros Lyn, Ken Girotti, Farren Blackburn, Alex Garcia Lopez, Marc Jobst, Adam Kane, Alex Zakrzewski, Andy Goddard, Brad Turner, Floria Sigismondi, Guy Ferland, Jennifer Getzinger, Jennifer Lynch, Julian Holmes, Lukas Ettlin, Michael Uppendahl, Nick Gomez, Sam Miller, Nelson McCormick, Toa Fraser