When Charlie Cox made his surprise return as Daredevil inSpider-Man: No Way Home, it was a touching reminder to fans of Marvel’s (formerly)Netflixprogramming that theMCUhad not forgotten a chapter of its history that the films had ignored thus far. Starting in 2015, Marvel began producing new television shows based on iconic characters from the comics that were released on Netflix. While shows likeDaredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist,andThe Punisherhad all the great characters and memorable action that fans had come to expect from a Marvel adaptation, they occupied a darker space within the universe. There was a moral ambiguity to the characters, and the shows were significantly more violent and intense than the MCU films.
While the Netflix shows made passing references to the events of the larger Marvel film saga, the existence of these characters was rarely mentioned in other MCU projects. After all the Netflix shows were canceled in short succession andadded to Disney+, many dedicated viewers simply assumed that they would never see these characters again. However, Cox’s return to the role of Matt Murdock inNo Way HomeandShe-Hulkhas been a bridge that’s helped fold some of these Netflix characters back into the modern MCU; shortly thereafter, Vincent D’Onofrioreprised his roleas theDaredevilantagonist Wilson Fisk in the Disney+ seriesHawkeye. Cox is set to return for the new Disney+ seriesDaredevil: Born Again, which is slated for release in 2024. Here is every Marvel Netflix Season, ranked worst to best.
13Jessica Jones Season 2
After a standout first season,Jessica JonesSeason 2 introduced a number of uninteresting storylines. While Janet McTeer does a terrific job showing Jessica’s relationship with her abusive mother Alisa, the lack of a central driving voice like David Tennant’s Kilgrave gave the season little weight. Additionally, the season unfortunately suffered from an increasing issue for Netflix shows in which there wasn’t enough story to stretch it to 13 episodes.
Related:Why Daredevil: Born Again Will be Different From the Original Series
12The Punisher Season 2
Another disappointing follow up to an excellent first season,The PunisherSeason 2 simply failed to bring its main villain to life. The show took on the ambitious challenge of exploring religious fundamentalism and extremism with the character of Josh Stewart, but the storyline was undercooked and failed to develop an insightful point-of-view. However,The Punisherseason 2 isn’t quite at the bottom of the list due to standout performance from Giorgia Whigham as Amy Bendix, a runaway girl and metaphorical stand-in for Frank’s deceased daughter.
11Iron Fist Season 1
The first season ofIron Fistwas met with a scathing response from fans, some of which had merit. The series takes far too long to reach Danny Rand’s origin story, and the confusing use of David Wenham as the villainous Harold Meechum felt like wasted time spent on an uninteresting antagonist. However, the fun banter between Finn Jones and Jessica Henwick as Danny and Colleen Wing, respectively, adds a lighter touch toIron Fistthat helps distinguish it from the rest of the Marvel Netflix shows.
10Luke Cage Season 2
Luke CageSeason 2 felt like the most procedural installment in the Netflix Marvel universe. Rather than set up an ambitious crossover event, the second installment in the series has Mike Colter’s Luke dealing with a series of different threats as he questions whether he’s turning into a villain. Unfortunately, the result is more dull episodes than exciting ones, but the excellent finale teased a potentially exciting future with Luke in charge of Harlem.
9The Defenders
The Defendersis the only Marvel Netflix show that suffered from being too short. While the other shows generally had 13 episodes,The Defendershad to reintroduce four heroes and find a way for them to team up in only six. While seeing the team come together and discuss their differences was great,The Defendersultimately had much more exposition than action.
8Luke Cage Season 1
The first half ofLuke Cageseason 1 rivals the seasons at the top of the list; it’s a thrilling, brutal examination of racial politics and systemic discrimination that looks at what it’s like for a hero to work “for hire.” However, a baffling choice regarding the main villain Cornell Stokes (played brilliantlyby Mahershala Ali) midway through sends the series down a silly subplot that it sadly never recovers from.
7Iron Fist Season 2
It’s absolutely remarkable how muchIron Fistseason 2 improves on its predecessor. By cutting the length to 10 episodes, boosting the character development for Tom Pelphrey’s Ward Meechum, and reframing the narrative on Colleen,Iron Fistbecame a breezy, highly enjoyable installment in the saga.
6Jessica Jones Season 3
While it was still recovering from some of the leftover storylines from its second season,Jessica JonesSeason 3 goes back to basics to tell a compelling murder mystery regarding the serial killer Gregory Salinger. While Jeremy Bobb doesn’t quite rival David Tennant’s work in Season 1, his ruthlessness gives Jessica a compelling new threat to face off with.
Related:Charlie Cox Is Excited for MCU Crossovers in Daredevil: Born Again
5Jessica Jones Season 1
Jessica JonesSeason 1 is perhaps the darkest installment in the entire saga, as it does not shy away from the abusive relationship between Jessica and Kilgrave. Krysten Ritter truly deserved an Emmy nomination for her gripping performance as a victim who emerges from her trauma to become a savior.
4Daredevil Season 2
Although it’s slightly overpacked with characters, Season 2 ofDaredevilfeatures more outstanding action and riveting legal procedures. While Vincent D’Onofrio is missed, Jon Bernthal’s debut as Frank Castle gives Matt Murdock a moral quandary in his fight for justice.
