By BrainFall Staff - Published: January 25, 2024
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has gotten huge in the past 15 years. The Marvel Universe is now a sprawling thing with dozens of movies and TV shows that are all interconnected.
Marvel television series have recently started to become popular, and they’ve been more frequently released over the last few years. These shows all have unique tones and fit into a variety of genres, from the sci-fi mystery Wandavision to the action-packed The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Now Marvel television series feed into the movies, so you have to watch both to understand the full scope of the storylines. There are live series, animated series, and shorts that help you understand the breadth of all of the storylines. The Phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe can be hard to follow but the characters are unforgettable.
So which Marvel TV series should you watch next? We’re here to help you figure that out.
Marvel TV show
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is broken down between Marvel Studios television shows and Marvel Studios movies. They all stem from the storylines in Marvel Comics, and most were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Many characters show up in Marvel Studios television shows. Captain Marvel, Daredevil, She-Hulk, Hawkeye, Loki, Ms. Marvel, Captain America, Moon Knight, Doctor Strange, and more have shown up.
Jessica Jones had her own show as did the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Carter showed up in What If, which was an animated show. She-Hulk Attorney at Law and the Falcon and the Winter Soldier all have had shows.
Most of the shows have run on Disney+, but some have also run on ABC or Netflix. Iron Fist and Luke Cage were two of the ones that ran on Netflix. Secret Invasion featured some favorite characters from Marvel Studios. Marvel television series have helped shape and grow the MCU.
Which Marvel TV Show Should You Watch?
Deciding which Marvel TV show to binge next can feel like choosing a favorite ice cream flavor at a shop with infinite options—I mean, can we just try a scoop of everything? We know your streaming time is precious, probably as precious as Gollum’s ring, and we wouldn’t want you to spend it on just any show. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) expanding faster than Ant-Man on a growth spurt, the list of series has gotten as long as Thor’s luscious locks.
So, how do you find the Super Soldier serum to elevate your watchlist? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back like Spider-Man has New York City. Whether you're looking for a hawk-eyed archer with a knack for getting into trouble or a green lawyer who can bench press your car, we promise there's a Marvel series out there with your name written all over it, metaphorically speaking, of course. Let's dive into the multiverse of Marvel TV shows without the need for Doctor Strange’s sling ring.
Your Marvelous Small-Screen Adventure Begins
Hey there, fellow Marvel enthusiast! We're about to embark on a binge-watching blaze through the galaxies of the Marvel TV universe. And trust us, it's not just about plopping on the couch; it's about choosing the right hero's journey that matches your super-powered heart's desire.
Decoding the Marvel TV Show Chronology
Ever felt like you needed a Ph.D. in Marvel-ology to figure out where to start with the MCU? Let's make it simple. Although Agent Carter might feast on the earliest calendar dates, the real chronology kicks off with Iron Man. But hey, if you're feeling rebellious, you can toss that timeline to the wind and watch Daredevil brood in his corner of New York or see the Guardians of the Galaxy groove to retro jams in space!
Chronological Cheat Sheet:
- Phase 1: Begin with Agent Carter and whistle through to The Avengers.
- Phase 2: Daredevil and Jessica Jones start getting their hands dirty while the Guardians of the Galaxy emerge.
- Phase 3: Timey-wimey gets wonky with Loki and WandaVision.
Select Your Super Power
What's your flavor of heroism? Do you swing from webs like Spider-Man, or do you prefer the green rage of the Hulk? Maybe you're into the mystical arts like Doctor Strange, or you're ready to defend Hell's Kitchen with Daredevil. Our tip: match your must-watch shows to your inner superhero fantasy.
- Undercover Operations: Agent Carter, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Street-Level Justice: Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, The Defenders
- Cosmic Crusades: Guardians of the Galaxy, What If...?
- Time Bending: Loki
Crossing Over: TV Shows to Movies Bridge
If you want to see how the small screen shakes hands with the big screen, keep your eyes peeled for crossover events. Spot Sam Wilson go from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier to his big-screen glory. Or check out how WandaVision sets up the epic weirdness of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Crossovers are the hidden easter eggs we live for!
- Must-Watch Crossovers:
- Captain America: Civil War feeds into The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
- Endgame aftermath: WandaVision, Hawkeye
Critical Acclaim and Galactic Fame
So, you're craving the crème de la crème of superhero hits? Look no further. Critics are raving about shows like WandaVision and Loki for breaking the mold, while Hawkeye hits the bullseye with a more lighthearted touch. Choose your series based on the accolades or go rogue with under-the-radar shows like Moon Knight. Either way, you're in for a blockbuster ride through the MCU!
- Top Shows by Acclaim:
- Drama & Intrigue: WandaVision, Loki
- Action & Comedy: Hawkeye, Falcon and the Winter Soldier
So gear up, grab that remote (or should we say, Infinity Gauntlet?), and start streaming your way to superhero supremacy. We'll be right beside you, cheering on our favorite characters and getting way too emotionally invested in fictional timelines. Remember, with great TV comes great responsibility... to enjoy yourself!
Beyond the Screen: The Fandom Universe
Before we dive into the heroic heights of which Marvel TV show you should queue up, let's take a moment to revel in the rich tapestry that makes the Marvel Universe so much more than just a series of shows. It's a vast cosmos of comics, conventions, and community where every fan can find their niche. So let's suit up and explore!
Binge-Worthy Background: The Comics Connection
Marvel's TV mastery didn't just pop out of thin air like a well-timed quip from Iron Man. Oh no, it's deeply rooted in a comic book legacy that spans decades. Say you’re smitten with "The Punisher" on screen? You've got a treasure chest of gritty graphic novels awaiting you. Comics offer a deeper dive into the psyches of superhero favorites, from Daredevil's blind justice to Jessica Jones's no-nonsense detective work. And let’s not forget about the epic crossovers, like "The Defenders," where heroes unite against New York's ne'er-do-wells.
Where to Watch Marvel TV Mastery
Whether you want to hitch a ride with the Guardians of the Galaxy or walk through Hell's Kitchen with Daredevil, knowing where to unleash the Marvel magic is key. "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D," "Cloak and Dagger," and the ever-mischievous "Loki" are just a snap away on streaming services like Disney+. But remember the days when "The Defenders" and "Luke Cage" flexed their might on Netflix? Ah, such sweet nostalgia. The release dates for new shows like “What If…?” on Disney+ keep the adventure rolling.
| Streaming Service | Marvel Gems |
|---|---|
| Disney+ | Avengers Assemble! (Most Marvel Cinematic content) |
| Netflix | Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and other solid gold hits (older shows) |
Joining the Marvel Mania: Conventions and Online Forums
Ready to wear your Marvel fandom on your sleeve, literally? Conventions are the mecca for fans clad in vibranium-woven cosplay from Captain America's shield to Iron Man's helmet. Imagine chatting with fellow enthusiasts about the latest "Marvel movie" theories or rummaging through comics that detail the origins of the "Inhumans." But if you can't jet off to Comic-Con, hop online! Forums are buzzing with discussions about "Marvel TV" and how "Avengers" links to "Star Wars" in the grand tapestry of the MCU. Catch the latest from our fellow fans and always be ready for a heroic debate or fan theory face-off.
Remember, whether you’re a fresh-faced newbie or a seasoned defender of the fandom, we've all got a spot on the Marvel bandwagon. So, what are you waiting for? Take our quiz on BrainFall.com to find out which Marvel TV show you should feast your eyes on next!
