The Ultimate Guide to Marvel's Hidden Gem TV Shows You Can't Miss

There are several underrated Marvel shows worth watching, both within the MCU and standalone. These shows span various genres, including psychedelic stories, teen dramas, and dynamic animated series, all inspired by Marvel Comics. Additionally, there are some older shows that still hold up well despite being off the air for years.

In the present era, the majority of Marvel shows are produced by Disney and Marvel Studios. This includes popular MCU series like WandaVision, Loki, Moon Knight, and more. However, there are also other Marvel shows, both within and outside the MCU, that are deserving of recognition. Here are 10 underrated Marvel shows that are definitely worth watching.

10 Legion

FX's Legion, a Marvel show that exists in its own universe, features Dan Stevens as David Haller, also known as Legion. In an alternate X-Men timeline, Haller, the son of Charles Xavier, was diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age. Now, he is on the run from a government agency while attempting to control his extraordinary mutant powers. Despite its smaller audience, the show, created by showrunner Noah Hawley, has received a remarkably positive critical response. Legion stands out among other Marvel shows due to its unique and captivating character arcs, as well as its unexpected musical numbers. Through this three-season journey, David Haller delves deep into his extraordinarily powerful mind.

9 The Gifted

The Gifted, an intriguing series set in the X-Men universe, showcased a unique conflict between mutants and humans. As humanity fought to protect itself with the government's Sentinel Services, the absence of the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants provided an opportunity for emerging mutant groups to rise. Centering around two parents whose children recently demonstrated mutant abilities, the series introduced beloved characters from the comic books, including Polaris, Blink, Thunderbird, Ecplise, and the Frost Sisters.

8 Cloak and Dagger

Technically connected to the MCU, ABC Freeform's Cloak and Dagger introduced the superhero duo from Marvel Comics with the same name. Tandy Bowen and Tyrone Johnson both gained their powers from the Roxxon accident when they were young, and their paths became intertwined years later. Unlike typical teen dramas, Cloak and Dagger skillfully avoided the anticipated romance clichés. The show effectively utilized its unique setting in New Orleans and established significant connections to the wider MCU without overshadowing its own compelling narrative. By blending real-world issues with the superhero genre, Cloak and Dagger delivers a solid and engaging viewing experience.

7 Runaways

Hulu's Runaways, a Marvel teen drama with tenuous ties to the MCU, revolved around a band of adolescents who became allies after discovering their parents' hidden identities as supervillains. The series faithfully adapted the original comic book storylines, depicting the teens fleeing from danger and looking out for one another. As the story unfolds, the Runaways acquire their own powers and abilities, enabling them to confront not only their villainous parents but also other adversaries with stronger connections. It's worth noting that the series featured a memorable crossover episode with Cloak and Dagger.

6 Agent Carter

5 The Incredible Hulk (1978)

Despite the loss of Steve Rogers in Captain America: The First Avenger, Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) was given her own ABC show in 2015. The show followed her continued work with the SSR and her struggle to make her voice heard in a male-dominated field during the time leading up to the creation of SHIELD with Howard Stark. Despite being highly praised by critics, the show's ratings suffered due to several promotional and scheduling errors, resulting in its cancellation before its planned third season. However, Agent Carter remains a thrilling series that delves deeper into the character of the woman who loved Steve Rogers and witnessed his heroism long before he became the Super Soldier.

The Marvel series, The Incredible Hulk, aired in 1978 and remains highly enjoyable. Starring Bill Bixby as Dr. David Banner and Lou Ferrigno as the formidable, green-skinned Hulk, the show chronicles Banner on his cross-country journey, assuming different identities and aiding those in need while relentlessly pursuing a cure for his condition. Overall, the series successfully captures the essence of the original Hulk comics.

Although not every individual episode carries the same level of gravitas, the series as a whole is truly entertaining. The Incredible Hulk provides a delightful viewing experience in today's era. Additionally, the iconic theme of the show was recently cleverly parodied by She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, a television series within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This show features Tatiana Maslany in the titular role, adding a refreshing twist to the Hulk's universe.

4 I Am Groot

I Am Groot, Marvel's low-stakes show, takes the crown as the most enjoyable experience within the MCU. Spanning 2 seasons, it consists of five delightful shorts each, chronicling the charming and often hilarious misadventures of Baby Groot, portrayed by Vin Diesel. Moreover, the show is brimming with delightful Easter eggs to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well as delightful cameos from Rocket Raccoon, portrayed by Bradley Cooper.

3 What If...?

The Watcher, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright, serves as the cosmic narrator in Marvel's What If...?, an animated series that delves into various alternate timelines and realities within the Marvel multiverse. Through episodes like "What If T'Challa Became Star-Lord?" and "What If The World Lost Its Mightiest Heroes?", the show explores intense concepts like the emergence of zombies in the MCU, all while featuring the original actors voicing their characters. What sets the first season apart is its overarching narrative that connects all the episodes, transforming it into an exciting adventure rather than a standard anthology series. Even the Watcher himself breaks his vow to solely observe and becomes involved. As anticipation builds, it will be fascinating to discover what awaits in the second season of What If...?.

2 Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes

The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes made its debut on DisneyXD in 2010, drawing significant influence from the works of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. Initially, the team consisted of the same members as the original comics before introducing Captain America, Hawkeye, and the Black Panther later in the first season. Throughout the series, the Avengers faced formidable adversaries, including the Masters of Evil, Ultron, and Kang, while staying true to the essence of the original comics and incorporating elements from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Notably, Earth's Mightiest Heroes excelled in incorporating crossovers and adapting key events from the comics, such as Secret Invasion and the Kree-Skrull War. The show also featured cameo appearances from beloved heroes like Spider-Man, Wolverine, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Heroes for Hire, and more. Despite its success, the series only ran for two seasons before being replaced by Avengers Assemble, which leaned more towards the Marvel Cinematic Universe style in 2012.

1 MODOK

Premiering in 2021, Marvel's M.O.D.O.K is an exceptional stop-motion adult comedy series featuring Patton Oswalt as the iconic big-headed Marvel villain. As the leader of AIM, a notorious scientist terror organization, MODOK faces the challenge of maintaining a work-life balance and navigating his personal midlife crisis. This unexpected twist on the typical problems faced by Marvel's most peculiar villain adds to the series' success, seamlessly combining everyday issues with the comedic backdrop of one of the least popular Marvel villains.