Not all superhero shows can become Daredevil or Smallville. Some superhero shows tried their best to reach there but failed halfway through their run.
The Middleman
Not many know that there is a show named The Middleman. Back when it was released, the show became a hit, even a cult-classic of sorts. The series was about a woman who was rescued by a superhero named the Middleman. Out of gratitude for saving her life, she agreed to help the hero in solving other cases. Superhero shows like The Middleman are classic examples of how to botch up a good premise. Although it did have its moments, the science fiction and superhero elements were handled better in other superhero shows.
The Flash
The CW network’s The Flash is still seen as one of its greatest cash cows. And it made perfect sense for the network to extend the show to so many seasons since it is hugely popular. But many fans of the show would agree that The Flash lost its touch after the whole Savitar fiasco. The running gag that Barry Allen, who calls himself the Fastest Man Alive, is always bested by someone who is faster – is an evergreen meme. Season 2 was the show’s greatest highpoint. It has only been dragging on ever since.
Luke Cage
Season 1 of Luke Cage could be called one of the greatest superhero shows ever made. It gave us a very street level, very grounded superhero tale. Luke Cage aka the Power Man had indestructible skin and super strength. And he fought criminals, thugs, and overlords. The show had a good vibe in season 1. But in Season 2, Luke Cage jumped the shark. It is still better than some other Netflix shows like Iron Fist but overall, Luke Cage lost track after season 2 came and we cannot be more thankful that it was cancelled.
The Cape
This show was no award winner. But it was still a very good show as far as superhero shows are concerned. The storyline was generic but had a few unique twists and turns. The Cape aimed to make an original superhero tale that was not based off of any comic book. It tried to break the mold and it did. But then everything went downhill. There are certain superhero tropes you never tamper with. The Cape tried to do too many things at once and lost its fan-base early on, hence the cancellation.
The Gifted
We do not see many superhero shows based on mutants these days. So Fox’s The Gifted was a very unique project. The show had a very strong start. It introduced many cool and incredible characters early on. And by the time the first season ended, it had created a splash big enough for the network to invest on it for multiple seasons. And then the second seasons squashed those hopes. The Gifted Season 2 lacked coherence and made the plot too clumsy for our tastes. The show was such a huge waste of potential.
Human Target
The series is based off a character on DC Comics. So that makes Human Target rather unconventional as far as superhero shows are concerned. Christopher Chance is a unique security contractor and bodyguard who disguises himself as other people to protect his clients. The character even made an appearance in Arrow for a few episodes. While the premise was fresh, viewers lost interest later on because of the predictable plot. Many called it a cheaper copy of action shows like 24.
Generator Rex
An original Cartoon Network production, Generator Rex was supposed to be the next Ben 10. Superhero shows that are original in nature really intrigues fans. And since it was a Cartoon Network original, viewers flocked in numbers to watch it. The show had very relatable characters, some incredible world-building and an even better storyline. But by the time Generator Rex reached it’s third season, things did not go well for the show. Cartoon Network decided to end it after its third season.
Iron Man: Armored Adventures
The animated superhero series had an unconventional take on the origin story of Iron Man. Tony Stark is shown as a genius level teenager who is trying to protect his ‘dead’ father’s legacy. All the while, he has to juggle school and relationships. Armored Adventures ran for two seasons. The second season twist came with Howard Stark being alive and captive by Gene. The show was cancelled because of low viewership ratings.
Lois And Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman
While some people will say this was one of the best superhero shows out there, we would beg ti differ. Although Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman has its moments, it had several weird ones too. For example – Lex Luthor talking to a snake via telepathy is something we can never un-see. The sad part is the show ended on a cliffhanger and ABC reneged on its promise of giving it a proper resolution.
The Tick
Superhero shows tend to become a victim of their won success. Nothing could be truer for the little-known classic called The Tick. The Amazon Prime series was about a nigh invulnerable superhero called the Tick, who along with the help of a mild-mannered ally named Arthur, is trying to stop “The Terror” from taking over the city. The show garnered critical acclaim but lost viewership later on because fans found it too unconventional for their tastes.
