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Several superhero TV shows had good beginnings that did not last long. These seven series were fantastic, courageous, and faithful to the viewers. There were cartoons and live-action ones. Each of them was introducing something new, like space stories, horror magic, office jokes, or vampire struggles.
However, financial issues, choice of networks, and a sweeping change halted them. Some of them have no actual end. Although these shows are short, they are still important. They made their impact and proved that even short stories could be effective.
Here's a list of seven superhero TV shows that deserved more time before they were cut short.
Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.
7 superhero TV shows that deserved more time before they were cut short
7. Silver Surfer (1998)
The Silver Surfer is an animated series, premiered in 1998, quickly became a fan favourite of classic superhero TV shows. The show stood out with a serious tone and deep philosophical questions about power and responsibility. It focused on Norrin Radd, who sacrifices his life and freedom to become the herald of Galactus.
The animation style paid tribute to Jack Kirby’s original art, making it visually unique even among other superhero TV shows from the era. Many fans believe the series ended just when the story was getting deeper, leaving several plot threads unresolved. Sadly, it only lasted through one season with thirteen episodes. Production stopped when it was involved in a dispute with Saban Entertainment. The show was terminated after its first season despite its conclusion with a cliffhanger ending.
6. Constantine (2014)
Constantine was a live-action superhero television series that was broadcast on NBC in 2014. Matt Ryan played John Constantine, a disturbed magician who hunted demons and tried to save the world from dark supernatural forces. The series was based on DC's Hellblazer comics and was well-received for its dark mood as well as Matt Ryan's lead performance.
Constantine was different because it combined horror elements with the superhero genre in a combination of detective stories, fantasy spells, and gritty personal demons. It was hampered despite strong fan support and critical acclaim for Matt Ryan as Constantine due to weak scheduling and a lack of confidence on the part of its network.
The series was cancelled because it wasn't bringing in enough ratings, combined with a high budget. The ratings never came strong enough to support renewal despite its growing confident tone later on in its run.
5. Powerless (2017)
Powerless was a 2017 DC-based comedy superhero TV series that tried something different from regular superhero shows. The show revolved around ordinary people working for a security company that developed devices to protect civilians from collateral damage during superhero battles. The series was appreciated for its light-hearted humor and its comical take on life under a society with super-beings.
However, the show struggled to find the right tone and went through several creative changes before and during its short run. Poor ratings and internal changes at NBC led to its cancellation after just twelve episodes. Many fans and critics agreed that Powerless was getting better as it found its voice. With more time, it could have become a standout entry in the growing list of superhero TV shows.
4. Blade: The Series (2006)
Blade: The Series was a TV show that appeared on Spike TV in 2006. It was adapted from the Marvel Comics character and based on popular films starring Wesley Snipes as Blade. Blade was portrayed by Kirk Jones, who was a half-human, half-vampire and singularly focused on killing vampires. The series was appraised for its action sequences, dark moodiness, and delving deeper with new characters and stories within the Blade mythos.
However, it suffered from special effects, uneven pacing, and stiff competition from other then-popular TV series. Despite developing a sizable cult following, Blade was canceled after just one season due to low ratings and costly production. It was felt that it had genuine potential. It might have established itself as a permanent part of Marvel's superhero TV series under better conditions.
3. Helstrom (2020)
Helstrom was a superhero TV series that was released on Hulu in 2020, based on Marvel Comics characters Daimon and Ana Helstrom. The TV series revolved around twins who just so happened to be the children of a toxic serial killer with supernatural power. Compared to other popular Marvel superhero TV shows, this one was distinct in that it offered a darker and more mature tone. Helstrom was one of the last shows from Marvel's aging TV sector before the focus of the studios on Disney+ exclusives.
The show was afflicted with weak marketing support, shifts in television plans from Marvel, and a changeover in creative control to Marvel Studios. Helstrom was sparsely marketed and didn't receive much publicity. In 2019, Marvel's leadership was switched up, and Kevin Feige was placed in complete control. He desired shows that would tie in with the Marvel films.
Helstrom was created under the old Loeb-led team of TV from Marvel. Due to this shift in leadership, many of the older shows from Marvel were terminated, and Helstrom was one such series.
2. Swamp Thing (2019)
Swamp Thing was a DC Comics-adapted superhero TV series that was released in 2019 through the DC Universe streaming service. The show was about scientist Abby Arcane and her connection with Alec Holland, who is transformed into Swamp Thing due to a lab explosion. The dark atmosphere and emotional storyline that made it different from other superhero TV shows were liked by most viewers. Unfortunately, Swamp Thing was cancelled after only one season, surprising both fans and reviewers.
Swamp Thing was made for 10 episodes and was released in 2019. It was terminated even after only one episode was released. The reason was poor budget planning. North Carolina was to be paid $40 million in tax breaks, but it only authorized $14 million. This led to financial issues and stopped being produced by the studio.
1. Wolverine and the X-Men (2008)
Wolverine and the X-Men was a CGI-animated superhero TV show that began in 2008 and was based on the beloved Marvel Comics team. The series starred Wolverine as he assumed leadership of the X-Men when Professor X went missing. Wolverine is tasked with uniting old allies while confronting new villains such as Magneto and the Sentinels, and defending against a grim future.
The series was enjoyed by both those new to X-Men comics and older fans of X-Men comics. Wolverine and the X-Men was broadcast in 2009 and consisted of 26 episodes. Eight scripts had already been written for Season 2, but it was never produced. The series was halted in 2010 due to disagreements over money and rights from Marvel's partners. The budget was gone, and they couldn't continue with the productions.
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