The TV landscape continues to be flooded with superhero content but with most of the offerings being wildly entertaining, there is little to quibble about. The year 2022, specifically, has been a great year for female-led superhero shows as fans have been treated to both Ms. Marvel and She-Hulk: Attorney At Law.
In the past, female leads have bossed the proceedings of many other superhero shows. Some, like Batwoman, had shaky runs leading to cancelation whereas others have left a legacy. So, which projects do fans consider the best in this category? Opinions vary but on IMDb, a consensus can be seen.
She-Hulk: Attorney At Law (2022) – 5.1
Stream On Disney+
Attorney Jennifer Walters becomes the superhero known as She-Hulk after accidentally coming into contact with her cousin Bruce Banner’s blood. She, therefore, tires her best to balance her professional life and her superhero life.
The show’s lower rating isn’t really a reflection of quality but more of malice since there were instances of review bombing before the pilot episode even aired. Despite that, She-Hulk: Attorney At Law squeezes itself into the list thanks to creative changes to the comics, which catch many fans by surprise, and the use of comedy, which has been a very reliable MCU ingredient thus far.
Supergirl (2015 – 2021) – 6.2
Stream On Netflix
Clark Kent’s cousin, Kara Danvers, juggles being a superhero and a reporter. And while at it, she occasionally teams up with other heroes from around the Earth.
The show appeals to modern-day fans because it portrays the titular character in a much more progressive manner than the comics. Not only is she less sexualized, but she also helps highlight the importance of workplace equality and women in leadership. However, there are some flaws, notably the reliance on Superman villains and the constant references to Clark, which gives the impression that there is a better Kryptonian out there than Kara.
Ms. Marvel (2022) – 6.2
Stream On Disney+
The life of Avengers fan, Kamala Khan changes when she suddenly acquires superpowers. With the new abilities come new threats.
Heavily leaning towards younger audiences, the show could count as one of the best teen dramas but has little to appeal to adult audiences. This partially explains its rating. In spite of that, the remains robust because of the visual gags, a humorous look into the lives of immigrants, and a lead with a meek demeanor. The use of animation to highlight Kamala’s dreams also gives fans a joyous viewing experience.
Birds Of Prey (2002 – 2003) – 6.3
Stream On Tubi TV
After Bruce Wayne leaves Gotham City, Oracle, Huntress, and Dinah team up to form a superhero group. Alfred Pennyworth is also featured as Huntress’ new butler.
That the show shares continuity with Tim Burton’s Batman movies is a major thing that makes it appealing to fans. The use of underrated DC superheroes brings a refreshing aspect to it all. Sadly, the tone isn’t consistent, with the characters coming off as witty on one occasion and extremely stern on the next. There are plenty of unexplained storylines too, such as the Joker’s whereabouts after he murders Catwoman.
Powerless (2016 – 2017) - 6.3
Stream On Tubi
Emily Locke serves as Director of Research & Development at Wayne Security, a Wayne Enterprises subsidiary that takes care of victims of Superhero Vs Supervillain battles. Events take place in the fictional Charm City.
Sprinkling humor wherever superheroes are involved is always a good idea and the DC show curves a spot for itself by relying on a template Marvel has always used too well. Rather than go the drama route, the show uses a sitcom structure and what’s even better is that it discards the comics. All events are fresh, hence unpredictable. However, the decision to mostly reference superheroes rather than show them definitely irks some fans, resulting in a lower score.
Wonder Woman (1975 – 1979) – 7.0
Stream On Amazon Prime Video
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Diana, an Amazonian princess, ventures into the world of humans to help deal with the threats. And while at it, she gets the help of the World War II pilot, Steve Trevor.
Wonder Woman’s quality is boosted by a strong performance from Lynda Carter, who constantly delivers powerful lines of dialogue as well as believable facial expressions. In terms of storylines, there is plenty on offer for fans too, from Nazi hunting to crime solving. However, the basic costumes and sets have prevented the show from aging as well as it should have,
DC’s Stargirl (2020 - Present) – 7.2
Stream On HBO Max
After discovering the Cosmic Staff of Starman high school student, Courtney Whitmore, decides to be a superhero. And she makes sure to recruit other like-minded individuals.
In an age where complex shows seem cooler, Stargirl simply relies on a working formula: the superhero gets to defeat the bad guys and as soon as that is done it’s repeated with new characters. And it's all done with straightforward efficiency. In addition to that, themes of family and friendship are squeezed into the events. As such, the show remains fun for people of all ages.
Agent Carter (2015 – 2016) – 7.9
Stream On Disney+
SSR agent, Peggy Carter helps deal with several threats as she works in New York City, and later Hollywood. Events pick off from the first Captain America movie.
One of the most appealing things about the ABC series is its aesthetics. Everything looks completely stylish and that’s all down to the setting, with events beginning in the ‘40s. The show doesn’t tilt too heavily into action either, instead focusing on espionage themes while still staying true to the superhero narratives that are required of it.
WandaVision (2021) – 7.9
Stream On Disney+
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Wanda Maximoff and Vision move into the Westview neighborhood after getting married. However, soon emerges that their reality might be fake.
Few shows top the Disney+ series when it comes to creativity and that’s because of the plot structure where a 50s sitcom style is first used before switching to the modern world. The little details might be confusing to some, but they are all very essential in lying the foundation for future MCU events. The focus on dialogue rather than action helps curb monotony too.
Watchmen (2019) – 8.2
Stream On HBO Max
Masked vigilantes start rebelling because of how poorly the government treats them. On the other hand. Another group aims to quash the mutiny.
Regina King’s Angela Abar is at the center of events and as an actor who collects accolades almost every year, she proves herself once again as a master of her craft. And given how neatly Watchmen tackles heavy far-right and racism themes, there is no doubt that it would have had a high score if not for review-bombing.
Source:gamerant.com