In the finale of Daredevil: Born Again, after taking a beating at the hands of the Anti-Vigilante Task Force, Frank Castle is imprisoned in Wilson Fisk’s facility at the Red Hook free port, alongside other enemies of Fisk, including Tony Dalton‘s Jack Duquesne, aka The Swordsman. In a relatively ridiculous post-credits scene, Frank talks to a guard named Anthony Petruccio, who idolizes the Punisher. Frank uses his charisma to convince the guard to shake his hand. When the guard extends his arm through a small opening in the cage, Frank breaks his arm, snags his keys and makes his escape, setting the stage for Marvel Television’s 2026 The Punisher Special Presentation.
With principal photography on the Special Presentation, co-written by star Jon Bernthal and Reinaldo Marcus Green, now underway in New York, set photos have begun to circulate online. Earlier today, photos of an NYC storefront being remade into Gnucci’s Restaurant seemingly confirmed that mob boss Ma Gnucci will serve as the main antagonist of the project, backing Marvel insider Daniel Richtman’s claim about the feature’s big bad. Now, a new series of photos has provided a first look at Bernthal‘s Castle, who is once again sporting the “no, I’m not The Punisher” beard.
To check out the entire series of set photos, you’ll have to head over to Just Jared but from the looks of it, The Punisher Special Presentation is likely to begin with Frank on the down low, looking to avoid the kind of attention walking around with a giant skull painted on his chest might bring.
Jon Bernthal is back on set as #ThePunisher! He was seen filming today as set photos apparently spoiled who the new villain will be for the Disney+ project
Marvel Studios has had very little to say about the new project, which is set to film for just a few weeks in New York. With that in mind, it’s unclear exactly what the timeline for it is, making it possible it takes place right after Frank escapes from Fisk’s dungeon or following the conclusion of Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again, making it a bridge to Bernthal’s next MCU appearance in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Either way, with the Special Presentation possibly adapting Garth Ennis‘ BRUTAL 12-issue “Welcome Back, Frank” arc, fans are likely in for some more of that dark, gritty and violent fare straight from the old Netflix days.
Set to stream on D+ in 2026, The Punisher Special Presentation, co-written by star Jon Bernthal and Reinaldo Marcus Green, has begun filming in New York City. While no details have been officially revealed nor any cat members outside of Bernthal, a report earlier this year from Marvel insider Daniel Richtman revealed the likely villain of the project. Now, leaked photos from the set seem to confirm that report.
It’s like a shotgun blast of a story, but also has all the pathos and emotion that you want out of a Frank Castle story.
–Brad Winderbaum on The Punisher Special Presentation
Among photos of storefronts being constructed for the Marvel Television Special Presentation, Gnucci’s Restaurant can be seen, likely confirming that Isabella “Ma” Gnucci will indeed be the main antagonist of The Punisher.
The head of the Gnucci Crime Family, Ma Gnucci tried to take Frank Castle out in Volume 5 of The Punisher, written by Garth Ennis. The 12-issue arc, known as “Welcome Back, Frank”, launched Ennis’ 49-issue run with the character and has long been hailed as a classic Punisher tale. Harboiled and gruesome, “Welcome Back, Frank” took the character back to his roots and allowed him to do what he does best: kill bad guys with extreme prejudice…and a flamethrower. In terms of MCU Punisher continuity, Ma Gnucci makes quite a bit of sense as an antagonist for the project given that Frank wiped out several members of the Gnucci Crime Family, including her son Tony, in Episode 1.01 of The Punisher, “3 AM.“
-Ma Gnucci
It’s going to be dark; Frank has no interest in breaking out the darkness. It’s not going to be easy. I don’t know if that’s the Netflix tone then that’s what it’s going to be. It will not be Punisher-lite, I promise you that.
–Jon Bernthal on The Punisher Special Presentation
After escaping Wilson Fisk’s dungeon prison in Season 1 of Daredevil: Born Again, it looks as though Bernthal’s Castle will find himself in the sights of a second mob boss in The Punisher Special Presentation. With Vincent D’Onofrio just recently completing production on Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Mayor Fisk may also have a small role in the project, perhaps even alerting the Gnuccis to Frank’s presence on the NYC streets.
Frank Castle may not have won the battle against Wilson Fisk’s Anti-Vigilante Task Force in the Daredevil: Born Again Season One finale, but he spilled plenty of blood. Most importantly, he lived to fight another day, escaping his dungeon cell and setting up the next chapter in his story. Set to stream on D+ in 2026, The Punisher Special Presentation, co-written by star Jon Bernthal and Reinaldo Marcus Green, will film later this year but to date, no details about the project’s plot or cast have been officially revealed.
It’s like a shotgun blast of a story, but also has all the pathos and emotion that you want out of a Frank Castle story.
When the Special Presentation was first announced in February 2025, Bernthal posted a picture of the cover of The Punisher #53, the first of a seven-part arc entitled “The Final Days.” Published in 1991, “The Final Days”, written by Mike Baron, saw Castle tangle with Wilson Fisk. Given that Fisk is the central villain in the street-level corner of the MCU, an adaptation of “The Final Days” in which Frank takes down the Fat Man would make plenty of sense. However, it sounds as though the new project may be introducing a new crime boss to the MCU for Frank to set his sights on.
According to insider Daniel Richtman, The Punisher Special Presentation is currently searching for an actress to play a female crime boss who will serve as the primary antagonist of the project.
I care very deeply about Frank, I’m really grateful that I’m getting the opportunity to tell the story that I think the fans deserve. We’re giving it our all and we’re trying to tell a Frank Castle story that we’re going to turn our back on the audience — it’s not going to be easy, it’s not going to be light, and I think it’s the version that this character deserves and I’m just beyond honored and grateful that we get the opportunity.
-Jon Bernthal
Though that’s about as generic as a character description can be, the information has fans beginning to believe that the villain will be Isabella “Ma” Gnucci, the head of the Gnucci Crime Family who tried to take Castle out in Volume 5 of The Punisher, written by Garth Ennis. The 12-issue arc, known as “Welcome Back, Frank”, launched Ennis’ 49-issue run with the character and has long been hailed as a classic Punisher tale. Harboiled and gruesome, “Welcome Back, Frank” took the character back to his roots and allowed him to do what he does best: kill bad guys with extreme prejudice…and a flamethrower. In terms of MCU Punisher continuity, Ma Gnucci makes quite a bit of sense as an antagonist for the project given that Frank wiped out several members of the Gnucci Crime Family, including her son Tony, in Episode 1.01 of The Punisher, “3 AM.“
Earlier this year, Bernthal promised fans that the D+ Special Presentation would match the tone set over the two seasons of The Punisher, which streamed on Netflix. “It’s going to be dark; Frank has no interest in breaking out the darkness,” Bernthal said. “It’s not going to be easy. I don’t know if that’s the Netflix tone then that’s what it’s going to be. It will not be Punisher-lite, I promise you that.” If Bernthal’s new Punisher story does indeed draw inspiration from Ennis’ “Welcome Back, Frank” arc, there’s plenty of darkness from which to draw.
With the proliferation of MCU scoopers on the scene over the past five years, it’s become increasingly rare that Marvel Studios can ever truly pull of a surprise. Plot points, castings and even new projects are typically shared by social media scoopers before the trades or Disney get the news out. However, 2025 has been full of surprises with the trades announcing that Marvel had paused development on a series nobody new was being developed, leaked concept art revealing all kinds of interesting plans and news of a Special Presentation featuring Frank Castle, which came straight from the Marvel TV boss’s mouth.
It’s like a shotgun blast of a story, but also has all the pathos and emotion that you want out of a Frank Castle story.
-Brad Winderbaum on The Punisher Special Presentation
In an interview with THR, Bernthal described the story of the Special Presentation as one that “this character deserves.”
I care very deeply about Frank, I’m really grateful that I’m getting the opportunity to tell the story that I think the fans deserve. We’re giving it our all and we’re trying to tell a Frank Castle story that we’re going to turn our back on the audience — it’s not going to be easy, it’s not going to be light, and I think it’s the version that this character deserves and I’m just beyond honored and grateful that we get the opportunity.
-Jon Bernthal
It also sounds as though fans who enjoyed the two seasons of the Bernthal’s hyper-violent Netflix series, The Punisher, will also enjoy the new project, which is reportedly debuting in 2026.
“It’s going to be dark; Frank has no interest in breaking out the darkness. It’s not going to be easy,” said Bernthal when asked how the Special Presentation would compare to the original Netflix series. “I don’t know if that’s the Netflix tone then that’s what it’s going to be. It will not be Punisher-lite, I promise you that.”
In an exclusive interview with EW, Winderbaum revealed that Bernthal will co-writer the Special Presentation with Reinaldo Marcus Green, who will also direct it. Additionally, according to THR, the Special Presentation is expected to stream on Disney Plus in 2026.
“It’s like a shotgun blast of a story, but also has all the pathos and emotion that you want out of a Frank Castle story. It’s so exciting,” said Winderbaum of the project.
Green and Bernthal previously worked together on the six-episode HBO miniseries We Own the Night.
Bernthal is a generational actor. He’s incredible what he brings to all the roles he plays, but particularly Frank Castle. And he’s a great writer. He knows the character inside and out…. Also, I love Punisher, but I love Jon’s Punisher in particular. The idea that he’s in the MCU and can bring that to the greater universe, especially the more grounded street-level stuff, is a huge opportunity and, as a fan, the greatest thing ever.
Shortly after the news hit, Bernthal posted a picture of the cover of The Punisher #53, the first of a seven-part arc entitled “The Final Days.” Published in 1991, “The Final Days”, written by Mike Baron, saw Castle tangle with Wilson Fisk.
The Punisher project will join Werewolf By Night (2022) and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022) under the Marvel Studios Special Presentation banner. The two projects–which had runtimes of 55 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively–while standalone, also positioned the characters for further adventures, though Jack and Ted’s excellent adventures have yet to be explored. It’s possible that the new Punisher project could pave the way for Castle’s next appearance, whether that be in a film or in a new ssteeaming season of The Punisher on D+.
According to industry insider Daniel Richtman, following his appearance in Daredevil: Born Again, The Punisher will return to kill more people that need killing in his own Disney Plus streaming series.
It’s already been nearly five years since the second and final season of The Punisher debuted on Netflix and given the pace at which Marvel Television is now developing and producing streaming series, it may be another five before the next chapter in Frank’s story is told. With very few loose threads left hanging from the series’ two-season run on Netflix, it’ll be interesting to see which characters, if any, are brought back into the fold on D+ or if Marvel Television sets up Frank’s new story in Daredevil: Born Again and goes in an entirely different direction.
Season 2 of Netflix’s The Punisher propels viewers into another gripping installment of Frank Castle’s ongoing battle against the seedy underbelly of crime and corruption. As the saga of Frank’s crusade unfolds, audiences are once again captivated by the intense action sequences, multifaceted characters, and thought-provoking moral quandaries that have become synonymous with the series. The season delves deep into themes of revenge, redemption, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Against the backdrop of New York City’s gritty streets, Frank Castle, portrayed with continued raw intensity by Jon Bernthal, navigates a perilous path fraught with danger and uncertainty. His relentless pursuit of justice takes on new dimensions as he crosses paths with a diverse array of characters, each with their own agendas and motivations. From the enigmatic John Pilgrim (Josh Stewart), a formidable adversary with a dark past, to the resilient Amy Bendix (Giorgia Whigham), whose innocence belies a hidden strength, Frank’s interactions with those around him shape his journey in unexpected ways.
As Frank grapples with the demons of his past and confronts the challenges of the present, Season 2 delivers a visceral and emotionally charged narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The season’s exploration of redemption and resilience adds layers of depth to Frank’s character, highlighting the complexities of his persona and the moral dilemmas he faces.
The Return of Frank Castle
Season 2 thrusts viewers back into the tumultuous world of Frank Castle as he grapples with the demons of his past while striving to forge a new path forward. Despite his earnest attempts to distance himself from his violent alter ego, Frank finds himself inexorably pulled back into the dangerous world of vigilantism when fate brings him face to face with Amy Bendix, a young woman fleeing from a sinister conspiracy. Frank’s deeply ingrained sense of justice compels him to intervene on Amy’s behalf, igniting a chain of events that will test his resolve and push him to his limits.
As Frank embarks on a perilous journey to protect Amy from the shadowy forces that seek to harm her, he confronts a host of old enemies and new adversaries who will stop at nothing to achieve their nefarious goals. With his survival instincts and combat skills honed to a razor’s edge, Frank becomes a formidable force against the criminal underworld that threatens to engulf him and those he holds dear. Despite the risks and uncertainties that lie ahead, Frank’s unwavering determination to safeguard Amy fuels his relentless pursuit of justice, propelling him into a series of high-stakes confrontations that will ultimately define his destiny.
As the season unfolds, viewers are drawn deeper into Frank’s world, where every decision carries weight and every action has consequences. The dynamic interplay between Frank and Amy serves as the emotional core of the narrative, highlighting the bonds of friendship and loyalty that form amidst the chaos of their shared journey. With each twist and turn of the plot, Frank’s resolve is tested as he grapples with the complexities of his own moral code and the harsh realities of the world around him.
A Deadly Game of Cat and Mouse
As Frank and Amy traverse the perilous terrain of New York City, they are relentlessly hunted by John Pilgrim, a shadowy figure driven by fanaticism and a dark past. A zealous adherent to his twisted creed, Pilgrim stops at nothing to eliminate those who obstruct his mission, transforming their pursuit into a deadly game of cat and mouse. With every move they make, Frank and Amy must evade Pilgrim’s relentless pursuit while deciphering his cryptic motives, plunging them deeper into a harrowing battle for survival.
Amidst the chaos of their flight from Pilgrim, Frank’s old foe Billy Russo resurfaces, fueled by a burning vendetta and a thirst for vengeance. Their tumultuous history adds a layer of complexity to their inevitable confrontation, setting the stage for a climactic showdown between two adversaries with a shared past and divergent futures. As tensions mount and loyalties are tested, Frank and Billy find themselves locked in a deadly dance of retribution, each determined to emerge victorious at any cost.
As the season hurtles towards its gripping conclusion, the intertwined fates of Frank, Amy, Pilgrim, and Billy collide in a dramatic crescendo of violence and betrayal. Their tumultuous journey through the labyrinthine corridors of New York City’s criminal underworld reaches its zenith in a final showdown that will irrevocably alter the course of their lives. Against a backdrop of moral ambiguity and shifting allegiances, Frank must confront his past and reconcile his inner demons in order to emerge victorious in the ultimate battle for redemption.
Redemption and Retribution
In the tumultuous landscape of Season 2, themes of redemption and retribution loom large as Frank navigates the intricate web of his own inner turmoil and external conflicts. Amidst the chaos and carnage that surrounds him, Frank grapples with the consequences of his past actions and the weight of his own moral code. His interactions with Amy, a young woman whose innocence belies a hidden strength, and the enigmatic bartender Beth, provide glimpses into the complexities of his character, adding layers of depth and nuance to his journey.
As the season progresses, Frank is confronted with a series of difficult choices and moral dilemmas that force him to confront the darker aspects of his own nature. Faced with the relentless pursuit of ruthless adversaries and the ever-present threat of violence, Frank must navigate a precarious path between righteousness and revenge. With each decision he makes and sacrifice he endures, Frank’s resolve is tested to its limits, pushing him to confront the demons that haunt him and the ghosts of his past.
In the finale, Frank’s journey reaches its climax as he confronts the ultimate consequences of his actions. Against the backdrop of a city engulfed in chaos and despair, Frank must summon all of his courage and resilience to protect those he cares about and emerge victorious in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. As the credits roll, viewers are left hungry for more, eager to see where Frank’s journey will take him next in his relentless pursuit of justice and redemption…which leads to his long-awaited return in Daredevil: Born Again.
Netflix’s The Punisher Season 1 introduces viewers to a world where justice is not always black and white, but rather shades of grey. Frank Castle emerges as a tortured anti-hero, grappling with the trauma of his past and the relentless pursuit of those who wronged him. As the season unfolds, audiences are drawn into a gritty and morally ambiguous tale of vengeance, redemption, and the cost of pursuing one’s own brand of justice in a world consumed by corruption and violence.
Origin Story
After meeting him in Daredevil Season 2, viewers are thrust into the harrowing origin story of Frank Castle, a former Marine whose life is shattered when his family is brutally murdered in a botched assassination attempt. The series opens with Frank believed dead after exacting vengeance on those responsible for his family’s death, only to resurface as the vigilante known as “The Punisher.” Haunted by the loss of his loved ones and fueled by a relentless thirst for justice, Frank becomes a force to be reckoned with in the criminal underworld of New York City.
Flashbacks throughout the season provide insight into Frank’s past, revealing his time as a Marine serving overseas and the events that ultimately led to his transformation into The Punisher. These glimpses into his past showcase the toll that war and violence have taken on Frank, shaping him into the hardened and determined vigilante viewers encounter in the present day. As Frank navigates the treacherous landscape of the criminal underworld, his actions are driven not only by a desire for vengeance but also by a sense of duty to protect others from suffering the same fate as his family.
Amidst his quest for justice, Frank forms an unlikely alliance with David Lieberman (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), a former NSA analyst known as Micro, who provides him with crucial information and support. Together, they uncover a far-reaching conspiracy involving government agencies and powerful individuals, further fueling Frank’s determination to dismantle the corrupt system that destroyed his life. As Frank’s journey unfolds, audiences are drawn deeper into the complexities of his character, grappling with themes of morality, loyalty, and the fine line between justice and vengeance.
Vengeance Unleashed
Castle’s relentless quest for vengeance propels the narrative forward, driving him to confront the demons of his past while navigating the treacherous landscape of New York City’s criminal underworld. Armed with his military training, tactical expertise, and a steely determination, Frank adopts the persona of “The Punisher,” a vigilante determined to mete out justice to those who have wronged him and innocent victims alike.
As Frank embarks on his crusade, he becomes a force of nature, utilizing his skills as a marksman, hand-to-hand combatant, and strategist to dismantle criminal organizations and exact revenge on those responsible for his family’s murder. With each calculated strike, Frank leaves a trail of destruction in his wake, earning him the moniker of “The Punisher” among both his allies and enemies alike. However, beneath his tough exterior lies a man haunted by the memories of his past, grappling with the moral implications of his actions and the toll that his quest for vengeance takes on his soul.
Throughout the season, Frank’s journey is punctuated by intense confrontations with various adversaries, including corrupt officials, ruthless mercenaries, and former allies turned enemies. His interactions with key figures such as Micro and Dinah Madani (Amber Rose Revah), a Homeland Security agent, further complicate his mission and add layers of intrigue to the narrative. Despite facing insurmountable odds and betrayals from unexpected quarters, Frank remains steadfast in his resolve, driven by a sense of duty to protect the innocent and avenge the memory of his fallen loved ones. As the season unfolds, viewers are drawn into Frank’s world, where justice is meted out with brutal efficiency, and the line between hero and villain becomes increasingly blurred.
Alliances and Betrayals
Castle’s journey is marked by a delicate balance of forming alliances and navigating treacherous betrayals in his relentless pursuit of justice. Alongside Madan and Curtis Hoyle (Jason R. Moore), a loyal friend and fellow Marine, Frank forges alliances born out of mutual respect and shared objectives. Their collaboration adds depth to Frank’s mission, as they pool their resources and expertise to unravel the sinister web of corruption that plagues the city.
However, amidst the camaraderie and shared goals, betrayal lurks around every corner, threatening to upend Frank’s carefully laid plans. The revelation that his former best friend, Billy Russo (Ben Barnes), is entangled with the very individuals Frank seeks to dismantle comes as a devastating blow. Billy’s betrayal cuts deep, shattering Frank’s trust and igniting a bitter sense of betrayal that fuels his resolve to bring those responsible to justice, no matter the cost.
As the season progresses, the intricate web of alliances and betrayals becomes increasingly tangled, blurring the lines between friend and foe. Frank must navigate a dangerous landscape where loyalties are tested and allegiances are fleeting, all while staying true to his moral code and unwavering commitment to his mission. In the face of betrayal, Frank’s determination only grows stronger, driving him to confront his enemies head-on and ensure that justice is served, no matter how high the stakes.
Confronting Demons
Season 1 delves deep Castle’s psyche as he confronts his inner demons and grapples with the traumatic events that have shaped him into The Punisher. Flashbacks to his time in the military serve as poignant reminders of the horrors he witnessed and the sacrifices he made, highlighting the toll that war has taken on his soul. These glimpses into his past reveal a man haunted by guilt and regret, struggling to reconcile his actions with his sense of morality.
As Frank navigates the present-day challenges of his vigilante persona, he finds solace and understanding in his interactions with Karen Page. Their connection transcends the surface level, as Karen becomes a confidante to Frank, offering him a glimpse of humanity amidst the darkness that consumes him. Through their conversations, Frank grapples with questions of identity and purpose, finding moments of clarity and introspection in Karen’s unwavering support.
However, as Frank delves deeper into the shadows of his past, he is forced to confront uncomfortable truths and painful memories that threaten to consume him. The juxtaposition of his present-day struggles with his past traumas adds depth to his character, showcasing the internal turmoil that drives his relentless pursuit of justice. Despite the weight of his demons, Frank remains steadfast in his resolve, determined to find redemption and make peace with the ghosts that haunt him.
Deadly Showdowns
The tension reaches its boiling point in as Castle embarks on a series of high-stakes confrontations with the individuals culpable for the brutal murder of his family. The culmination of his relentless pursuit of justice leads to a climactic showdown where Frank confronts the mastermind behind the conspiracy: Billy Russo. Once Frank’s closest friend and ally, Billy’s descent into villainy culminates in his transformation into the disfigured and merciless adversary known as “Jigsaw,” adding a layer of personal stakes to their final confrontation.
As the battle unfolds, viewers are drawn into a gripping showdown fraught with intensity and emotion. Frank’s combat skills and tactical prowess are put to the test as he engages in a relentless struggle against his former friend turned nemesis. The clash between The Punisher and Jigsaw is not just physical but psychological, as they grapple with their shared history and the devastating consequences of their actions.
Amidst the chaos and carnage of their showdown, themes of vengeance, betrayal, and redemption converge in a poignant and explosive climax. The resolution of their conflict serves as a defining moment for both characters, as Frank confronts the demons of his past while Billy reckons with the consequences of his choices. In the aftermath of their deadly confrontation, the landscape of The Punisher’s world is forever altered.
Redemption and Sacrifice
The theme of redemption and sacrifice looms large in Season 1 as Frank grapples with the consequences of his actions and the moral complexities of his vigilantism. Throughout the season, Frank is forced to confront his own morality and the blurred lines between right and wrong as he navigates a world where justice is often elusive and the cost of righteousness steep. Despite the personal toll of his crusade, Frank remains steadfast in his commitment to bringing justice to those who deserve it, even if it means sacrificing his own well-being in the process.
As the season draws to a close, viewers bear witness to Frank’s transformation from a grieving widower consumed by vengeance to a hardened vigilante embracing his role as The Punisher. His journey is one of self-discovery and redemption, as he grapples with the demons of his past and finds solace in the pursuit of justice. The season finale serves as a poignant culmination of Frank’s arc, as he embraces his destiny and prepares to continue his mission of righting the wrongs of the world, no matter the personal cost.
Ultimately, Season 1 leaves viewers with a sense of catharsis and anticipation for what lies ahead. Frank’s journey is one of redemption and sacrifice, as he confronts his own demons and embraces his role as a symbol of justice in a world plagued by corruption and violence. As the credits roll, viewers are left with a sense of hope and excitement for the next chapter in The Punisher’s story, eager to see where Frank’s quest for redemption will take him next.
Long before Marvel Studios started creating series set in the MCU for Disney+, there was Marvel Television. Marvel Television is now under the Marvel Studios banner, and the effects of that have been pretty clear. The Disney+ series, such as WandaVision and Loki, have been wholeheartedly welcomed into the greater MCU family. It only emphasizes how the previous Marvel TV’s connection to the universe is definitely unclear.
Marvel Studios had consistently steered clear of establishing television series outside of Disney+ originals as canon, the recent news that a “new” but “continued” Daredevil series is in the works at the streaming service. The often bitter debate about which or whether Marvel TV shows are canon is likely only about to get more heated. The easy answer is to enjoy the shows you like (if you like any), consider them headcanon if you want (or ignore them completely), and move on with your life until Marvel Studios ever wants to make it more clear.
But since many will still wake up every day and choose violence on Twitter instead, here are the Marvel TV shows ranked from best to worst. Marvel Studios can make any of these canon at any time (yes, I can hear those of you already yelling that some are), but will they? This list does not include the few shows originally made as part of the old Fox X-Men universe, nor the animated M.O.D.O.K. or Hit Monkey series.
1. Daredevil
Marvel’s ‘Daredevil’ (2015)
It is no surprise that Netflix’s Daredevil tops this list. The #SaveDaredevil crowd is celebrating the announcement of a Disney+ series for Matt Murdock. It certainly seems like canon territory for the original series, but it really is yet to be seen how the upcoming show might actually adapt the previous one so as to be formally part of the MCU.
But the fact that Daredevil is the first “revival” of old Marvel TV on Disney+ is a testament to the quality of the series. While never entirely consistent across its three seasons, the show features exciting action, violence that generally surpasses that in the MCU, solid performances by Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio, and a gritty emotional layer that films struggle to achieve.
2. Jessica Jones
Jessica Jones was made with the type of quality that Daredevil brought to the table. Krysten Ritter’s Jones was one of the first leading women in Marvel TV (Agent Carter premiered months before) and would have been one of the first in the MCU as well by years. She was not forced, and her struggles and traumas related to David Tennant’s chilling antagonist hit a tone that many were afraid to explore—especially at the time. The series also had plenty of upbeat notes with Jones’ personality, and the street-level detective work was a fresh addition to the Netflix Defendersverse.
3. Luke Cage
Luke Cage may not go down in history for nailing all of its storytelling elements, but the action-packed and star-studded show is a solid watch. But the series truly excels at putting the spotlight on Black experience and culture through both its subject matter and in the way the show was made, especially with music. One thing that Marvel TV was able to accomplish before the greater MCU was pushing boundaries of representation and actually developing a character within that perspective.
4. Agent Carter
Marvel’s ‘Agent Carter’
Yes, Agent Carter was canceled after two seasons on ABC due to low viewership. And the show was not particularly phenomenal. But where it did succeed is that it made sense as a piece of the MCU puzzle. It has been by creators more recently that the show was made specifically to be canon to the MCU, while others like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. may not have necessarily had that same attention. But the series kept Captain America: The First Avenger’s 1940s story going. It was fine. It had its charm and it stayed consistent. It never tried to do too much, which is a major problem with some other series on this list.
5. Runaways
As noted above, Runaways definitely felt like it was trying to do too much at times. The Hulu show came at a time when MCU fans started to get a bit tired of keeping up with shows that were beginning to feel less and less relevant to the film universe. But Runaways also felt like it was exploring a corner of the comics that Marvel TV and the MCU had not touched, and the focus on younger heroes certainly gave it a fresh perspective. Like other shows on this list, it pushed representation boundaries—particularly with LGBTQ+. The whole series might not be the most enjoyable experience, but the first season or so isn’t too bad.
6. Defenders
Something about the story and writing in Defenders really felt like a flop, but plenty enjoy Marvel TV’s first crossover event. It definitely came across as the Avengers of television, but it was nowhere near as cool. In any event, now that Daredevil is eyeing Disney+, that just begs the inevitable question of whether the Defendersverse as a whole is headed there with it.
7. The Punisher
I’m sure many would argue that The Punisher should be higher on the list. Marvel TV got arguably its darkest and most violent here, and it brought a very popular character to the screen. Plenty were not fully satisfied with the portrayal of Frank Castle, but some really appreciated the character development the show afforded him. But the show overall felt like a drudge through a relatively one-note anger fest with lots of guns. While maybe the point of the show, it could still be much better.
8. Cloak & Dagger
Cloak & Dagger has some meaningful moments filled with heart amongst a pretty forgettable series overall. Where it shined, it did well, but at the end of the day, it felt like another victim of ABC mediocrity, albeit on Freeform.
9. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Marvel’s ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’
I will start by saying that Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has a dedicated fanbase that loves the show. I am very happy for them, enjoying stuff is fun. But listen, as someone who has watched the show due to the fact that it was the first Marvel TV show that half-promised it was in the MCU, it is so bad.
Of course, some moments across the bloated 7 seasons are naturally better than others. But watching this show was work. It fell prey to the ABC network television level of “meh” before the writing and story made it so nonsensical and ridiculous to the point where it is extremely difficult to understand how someone would like it. Considering where the series took itself, the likelihood of the show itself being canon to the MCU is so incredibly low. But if it is, I like the MCU less.
But there is no strong reason to think that none of the AoS characters or actors will make actual MCU debuts. The fanbase is odd but strong, so the MCU would naturally get some boost of morale if someone like Chloe Bennet’s Quake got a firm reboot somewhere.
10. Iron Fist
Iron Fist basically failed before it even tried to fail. But at no point did the series feel like it was trying to succeed. Jessica Henwick’s Colleen Wing managed to feel like a positive at the end of the day, but overall this show is known as one of the worst across the board. Still, it exists within Netflix’s Defendersverse, so it has some staying power.
11. Inhumans
Marvel’s ‘Inhumans’
Inhumans is Marvel’s most infamous failure. From premiering the first bad episodes in IMAX theaters to releasing the rest of the horrible episodes on television was just absolutely unredeemable. But Anson Mount’s Black Bolt made a multiversal cameo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, so the series is getting some renewed attention it does not need.
12. Helstrom
Honestly, does anyone know about this show? Apparently, the Hulu show suffered from a severe lack of marketing as well as not being good. It definitely debuted in that awkward space of late 2020 when Marvel Studios was gearing up to premiere its Disney+ slate. Marvel Studios took over Marvel Television while Helstrom was filming, meaning it was the last cry of Marvel TV that was too late to stop.
Only time will tell how Marvel Studios intends to use (or not) these shows, and Daredevil‘s “continued” series will be quite the eye opener as to how these properties could be formally integrated into the MCU.
Cookie Consent
We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our site, you consent to cookies.
This website uses cookies
Websites store cookies to enhance functionality and personalise your experience. You can manage your preferences, but blocking some cookies may impact site performance and services.
Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website.
Name
Description
Duration
Cookie Preferences
This cookie is used to store the user's cookie consent preferences.
30 days
These cookies are needed for adding comments on this website.
Name
Description
Duration
comment_author_email
Used to track the user across multiple sessions.
Session
comment_author_url
Used to track the user across multiple sessions.
Session
comment_author
Used to track the user across multiple sessions.
Session
Statistics cookies collect information anonymously. This information helps us understand how visitors use our website.
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.
Contains information related to marketing campaigns of the user. These are shared with Google AdWords / Google Ads when the Google Ads and Google Analytics accounts are linked together.
90 days
__utma
ID used to identify users and sessions
2 years after last activity
__utmt
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests
10 minutes
__utmb
Used to distinguish new sessions and visits. This cookie is set when the GA.js javascript library is loaded and there is no existing __utmb cookie. The cookie is updated every time data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
30 minutes after last activity
__utmc
Used only with old Urchin versions of Google Analytics and not with GA.js. Was used to distinguish between new sessions and visits at the end of a session.
End of session (browser)
__utmz
Contains information about the traffic source or campaign that directed user to the website. The cookie is set when the GA.js javascript is loaded and updated when data is sent to the Google Anaytics server
6 months after last activity
__utmv
Contains custom information set by the web developer via the _setCustomVar method in Google Analytics. This cookie is updated every time new data is sent to the Google Analytics server.
2 years after last activity
__utmx
Used to determine whether a user is included in an A / B or Multivariate test.
18 months
_ga
ID used to identify users
2 years
_gali
Used by Google Analytics to determine which links on a page are being clicked
30 seconds
_ga_
ID used to identify users
2 years
_gid
ID used to identify users for 24 hours after last activity
24 hours
_gat
Used to monitor number of Google Analytics server requests when using Google Tag Manager
1 minute
Marketing cookies are used to follow visitors to websites. The intention is to show ads that are relevant and engaging to the individual user.
Pinterest Tag is a web analytics service that tracks and reports website traffic.
