The superhero genre has gifted audiences with numerous memorable television series, but some of the very best only lasted for one single season. While manyMarvelandDCshows have enjoyed multi-season runs, some exceptional series concluded after just one season. Despite their brief tenure, these series have left an indelible mark on audiences and the genre as a whole. Indeed, these remain superhero shows that, despite their limited episodes, continue to be celebrated.
Television history is replete with shows that, despite critical acclaim or a dedicated fanbase, were curtailed after a single season.The MCU timelineand theDC Universe continuityare no different. Various factors contribute to such decisions, though typically occur because of underwhelming network ratings, spiraling production costs, or divisive creative choices. In the superhero domain, several one-season wonders have emerged, presenting innovative narratives that resonate with audiences long after their finales.
Set in the gritty underbelly of Gotham City,The Penguin(2024) centers on Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot’s rise in the criminal hierarchy following the power vacuum left by Carmine Falcone’s demise inThe Batman. Portrayed by Colin Farrell, Oz is depicted as a cunning strategist, navigating treacherous alliances and asserting his dominance in Gotham’s chaotic landscape. The series intends tobridge the gap between Oz inThe Batmanand him taking his place as the Kingpin of Gotham.
The Penguinhas been lauded for its noir aesthetic, compelling character arcs, and Farrell’s transformative performance. While asecond season ofThe Penguinremains unconfirmed, it has been alluded to. Farrell has stated he would return, but there has been no indication at the time of writing whether it will occur. Nevertheless, Farrell is also slated to reprise his role inThe Batman Part 2, continuing Oz’s story on the big screen.
WandaVision(2021) is a groundbreaking Marvel series that blends classic sitcom tropes with superhero drama. Following the Avengers Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany), the show explores their suburban life in the town of Westview, which is not as idyllic as it seems. Each episode pays homage to different eras of television,unraveling layers of mystery and griefas Wanda deals with the fallout ofAvengers: Endgame.
Praised for its inventive storytelling and deep emotional resonance,WandaVisiongarnered critical acclaim and numerous awards. The series was conceived as a limited event, with its narrative culminating in a satisfying conclusion. That said, many weredisappointed there wasn’t aWandaVisionseason 2. Instead, the seriesled to a spin-off based around Agatha Harkness. Regardless,WandaVisionremains a singular, impactful experience within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Watchmen(2019) serves as a bold sequel to the iconic graphic novel, set in an alternate history where superheroes are treated as outlaws. The series tackles complex themes such as racial injustice, identity, and legacy. Regina King stars as Angela Abar, a detective known as Sister Night, who uncovers a vast conspiracy while grappling with her own heritage. The showreceived widespread acclaim for its ambitious narrative, compelling performances, and timely social commentary.
Despite its success,Watchmen(2019) creator Damon Lindelof envisioned it as a self-contained story, and no subsequent seasons have been produced. While Lindelof gave his blessing for the show to continue under different leadership, he has stated thathe completed the story he wished to. As such, his singular season stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in the superhero genre.
A spin-off fromWandaVision,Agatha All Along(2024), centers on the enigmatic witch Agatha Harkness, portrayed by Kathryn Hahn. Set after the events ofWandaVision, the seriesfollows Agatha as she embarks on a perilous journey along the Witches' Road, seeking to reclaim her powers. Along the way, she assembles a diverse group of allies, each with their own mystical abilities. The show has been praised for its dark humor, rich character development, and exploration of witchcraft within the Marvel Universe.
According to Patti LuPone, who plays sorceress Lilia Calderu, creator Jac Schaeffer prefers crafting one-off series, making a second season unlikely. This is why there was noWandaVisionseason 2,opting instead to build a spin-off around Hahn’s spellbinding performance. Similarly, thissuggests there won’t be anAgatha All Alongseason 2either. This deliberate choice allows the narrative to remain focused and powerful, and
Wolverine and the X-Men(2009) is an animated series that begins with a catastrophic explosion, leading to the disbandment of the X-Men. One year later, Wolverine takes on the mantle of leadership to reunite the team and prevent a dystopian future. The show delves into complex storylines, character backstories, and features a wide array of mutants from the Marvel Universe. The seriesjumps straight into a complex, overarching narrativethat feels a lot like acontinuation ofX-Men: The Animated Series.
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Despite its positive reception and strong storytelling,Wolverine and the X-Menwas canceled after one season due to financial difficulties faced by the production studio. Its 26 episodes, however, offer a comprehensive and engaging narrative that exemplifies the greatest the X-Men have to offer. Filled with time-travel, mutant politics, and a swathe of iconic characters,Wolverine and the X-Menis quintessential X-Men.
DC’sSwamp Thing(2019) is a horror-driven series that follows CDC researcher Abby Arcane (Crystal Reed) as she investigates a deadly swamp-borne virus in a small Louisiana town. She soon encounters Alec Holland (Andy Bean), a disgraced scientist who is violently killed and taken by the swamp. Abby quickly discovers thatthe swamp holds mystical and terrifying secrets, leading to the emergence of the Swamp Thing, a creature struggling with its own identity.
Swamp Thingwas praised for its atmospheric storytelling, practical effects, and faithful adaptation of the source material. Despite critical endorsement, it wasabruptly shortened from 13 episodes to 10just weeks before release. This was reportedly due to budgetary issues and changes within the streaming platform, though other sources cite creative differences between DC and Warner Media. Nevertheless, its single season remains a cult favorite among horror and superhero enthusiasts.
4Constantine (2014-2015)
Originally On NBC
Based on the DC Comics character,Constantine(2014-2015) follows John Constantine (Matt Ryan), a demon hunter and occult detective grappling with his past sins while protecting humanity from supernatural threats. The series blends horror elements with dark humor, staying true to the tone of theHellblazercomics. Matt Ryan’s portrayal of the titular character waswidely praised for its authenticity and charisma. Indeed,Constantinewas widely considered an improvement on the underratedmovie adaptation, which is set to receive a legacy sequel starringKeanu Reeves withConstantine 2.
ThoughConstantine(2014-2015)garnered a dedicated fanbase, the show struggled with ratings, leading to its cancelation after 13 episodes. However, Ryan’s compelling performance ensured the character’s continued presence in the subsequent DC media.Ryan appeared as Constantine in the CW’s Arrowverseand reprised the role for an animated spin-off, Constantine: City of Demons.
3The Flash (1990-1991)
Originally On CBS
The Flash(1990–1991) introduced audiences to Barry Allen, a forensic scientist who gains super-speed abilities after a lightning strike. Portrayed by John Wesley Shipp, Barry dons the mantle of the Flash to combat crime in Central City. The series wasnotable for its impressive special effects and a darker, more mature tonecompared to other superhero shows of its time. Despite its innovative approach and critical acclaim, the show faced stiff competition from popular programs likeThe SimpsonsandThe Cosby Show, leading to lower ratings
Additionally, high production costs contributed to its cancellation after 22 episodes. Nevertheless,The Flashgarnered a cult following, and Shipp’s portrayal remains a beloved iteration of the character. So much so that the series wasreferenced on numerous occasions in the Arrowverse’sThe Flash,including Shipp portraying Barry’s father, Henry. The Arrowverse also brough backMark Hamill’s iconic performance as the comic bookvillain, the Trickster.
The Tick(2001) is a live-action adaptation of Ben Edlund’s satirical comic series. Starring Patrick Warburton as the titular hero, the show follows the Tick, an eccentric and invulnerable superhero, as he fights crime alongside his sidekick Arthur and a quirky ensemble of heroes. The series iscelebrated for its witty dialogue, absurdist humor, and Warburton’s charismatic performance. Though critically praised,The Tickstruggled with low ratings, partly due to its challenging time slot against popular shows likeSurvivor: Africaand NBC’s “Must See TV” lineup.
High production costs and limited promotion further hinderedThe Tick’s success, leading to its cancelation after just nine episodes. Over time, the series has achieved cult status, appreciated for its unique take on the superhero genre. In fact, Warburton and director Barry Sonnenfeldwere hoping to make a full-length feature, but these were unfortunately dashed.
The 1960s television seriesThe Green Hornetaired on ABC from 1966 to 1967, starring Van Williams as Britt Reid, the Green Hornet, and Bruce Lee as Kato. Unlike the campy tone of its 1960s contemporary,Batman, this series adopteda more serious approach, focusing on crime-fighting narratives. Bruce Lee’s portrayal of Kato introduced martial arts to American television audiences, significantly boosting his career.
Despite its innovative elements,The Green Hornetstruggled with ratings and ended after one season, totaling 26 episodes. Over time, it has achieved cult status, particularly due to Lee’s dynamic performance and the show’s distinctive tone within the superhero genre. Watching today, the series is a fascinating precursor to comteporary superhero media, deployingnoir-inspired aesthetic and high-octane fight sequenceswith admirable results.The Green Hornetstands as one of the greatest superhero series ever, which arguably should have lasted longer than one season.
