The Ultimate Guide to Underrated DC TV Shows That Deserve Your Binge-Watching!

Summary

Justice League Action is a short-lived Cartoon Network series that brings together Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman to protect Earth from DC villains.

Swamp Thing, based on the supernatural horror comics, garnered praise from critics but was ultimately discontinued after one season due to artistic disagreements.

The Batman, a 2004 animated series, presented a distinct interpretation of the Dark Knight's formative years and remains an underappreciated adaptation.

The DC Universe has seen numerous adaptations for television, including 10 shows that did not receive the recognition they deserved. As one of the leading superhero comic publishers, DC has produced iconic characters that have seamlessly transitioned into mainstream screen adaptations, particularly in the realm of TV. While DC's success in film has been inconsistent, their pantheon of superheroes has undeniably left a lasting impact on TV, from the beloved Wonder Woman portrayed by Lynda Carter to the acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series.

Among the various DC TV franchises, the DC Animated Universe and the Arrowverse have been particularly successful, weaving intricate DC lore while adding unique twists. Unfortunately, some exceptional shows were either released at the wrong time or did not receive the appreciation they deserved for their interpretation of the DC universe. Out of all the TV adaptations produced by DC, there are 10 hidden gems that truly deserve a second chance from DC viewers.

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10 Justice League Action (2016-2018)

Cartoon Network

Justice League Action is a brief-lived animated series on Cartoon Network showcasing renowned superheroes such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman as they confront DC's most formidable villains and various other dangers to safeguard our planet.

Starring Armin Shimerman, Carl Reiner, Ken Jeong, Diedrich Bader, Tara Strong, James Woods, Kevin Conroy, Josh Keaton, Joanne Spracklen, Mark Hamill, Lacey Chabert, and Michael Dorn, Justice League Action premiered in 2016. The show aimed to coincide with the DC Extended Universe's release of Justice League and explores the vast DC universe, with a special focus on Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. While Justice League Action incorporates more humor than the previous DCAU Justice League animated series, it maintains a balance and does not overdo it. The show successfully captures the essence of these iconic superheroes and the broader DC universe, drawing inspiration from the successes of the DCAU and DCEU. However, regrettably, the series concluded after its first season, consisting of 22 mini episodes.

9 Swamp Thing (2019)

DC Universe

Swamp Thing

Abby Arcane, while investigating a deadly virus and an illegal operation, comes back to her hometown of Marais, Louisiana. There, she forms a close connection with a disgraced biologist named Alec Holland. Tragically, Holland is killed, but this event leads Abby to unravel the secrets of the swamp. She discovers the existence of Swamp Thing, a remarkable being with plant-like qualities. This entity possesses Holland's memories and possesses incredible superpowers.

The cast includes Kevin Durand, Derek Mears, Andy Bean, Selena Anduze, Crystal Reed, Given Sharp, Will Patton, Maria Sten, Leonardo Nam, Virginia Madsen, Henderson Wade, Jennifer Beals, and Robert Fortunato. "Swamp Thing" belongs to the horror genre and has one season.

Premiering in 2019 for WB’s DC Universe streaming service, Swamp Thing brought to life the supernatural horror comics of the same name. The series garnered praise for its faithful interpretation of the source material and skillful utilization of horror elements. Unfortunately, creative differences with WarnerMedia led to its cancellation after just one season, leaving fans longing for more. Nonetheless, the show's inaugural (and now sole) season can still be enjoyed through digital and physical home media.

8 Superman: The Animated Series (1996-2000)

Kids WB

Superman: The Animated Series is a cartoon that focuses on the countless adventures of the iconic superhero, Superman. Originally broadcasted from 1996 to 2000, it is an integral part of Warner Bros.' DC Animated Universe, which shares the same fictional world as Batman: The Animated Series and Justice League: Unlimited.

Starring Tim Daly and Jason Marsden, this sci-fi series spans 13 seasons. Building on the tremendous success of Batman: The Animated Series in 1992, Bruce Timm and Paul Dini took on the challenge of redefining the genre with Superman: The Animated Series. Set in the same universe, this adaptation captivates audiences with its grounded portrayal of Superman's dual identity and a strong supporting cast that includes iconic characters like Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. Despite occasional missteps in Superman's characterization, this series remains a noteworthy addition to the Superman mythos. However, its position between the immensely popular Batman and Justice League DCAU shows often leads to it being overshadowed.

7 Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2008-2011)

Cartoon Network

Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Batman: The Brave and the Bold is a captivating American animated TV show that draws inspiration from the DC Comics series The Brave and the Bold. The series showcases the thrilling collaboration between Batman, the enigmatic Dark Knight, and a handful of other DC superheroes. Unlike previous adaptations, the show introduces lesser-known heroes who often go unnoticed, as they join forces to defeat formidable supervillains. The talented cast includes Diedrich Bader, Tom Kenny, Jeff Bennett, Corey Burton, John DiMaggio, and Will Friedle. With its main genre being adventure, the series spans across three exciting seasons.

Debuting a few months after the highly acclaimed film The Dark Knight, Batman: The Brave and the Bold showcased a distinct resemblance to Batman's Silver Age comics and the 1966 TV series, deviating from Nolan's darker and more realistic tone. However, the series remains a genuine adaptation of Batman, as acknowledged in one of its episodes. The Brave and the Bold commonly featured team-ups between Batman and various other DC heroes, presenting stories that embraced the comedic whimsy and occasional self-deprecating nature of the older comic adventures. Although the show may not adhere to the traditional dark and gritty depiction of Batman, it undoubtedly deserves viewers' attention.

6 Beware the Batman (2013)

Cartoon Network

Beware the Batman is an animated television series that aired in 2013. The show focuses on the adventures of the Dark Knight and his partner, Katana, as they battle against the villains of Gotham City. It was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment and introduced popular characters like Ra's al Ghul, Barbara Gordon, and Killer Croc. Despite its short run, the show made a lasting impact.

Starring Anthony Ruivivar, JB Blanc, and Tara Strong, the first season of Beware the Batman took a different and darker approach to the Batman story, similar to the 2022 film The Batman. With its captivating CGI animation and the inclusion of lesser-known Batman characters, the show gained a dedicated fan base. Regrettably, despite its innovative take on the Batman mythos, Beware the Batman did not attract a sufficient audience and was discontinued after just one season. Nonetheless, it remains a must-watch for its distinctive interpretation of the iconic superhero.

5 The Zeta Project (2001-2002)

Kids WB

The Zeta Project

The Zeta Project is a spin-off of Batman Beyond. It explores the adventures of Infiltration Unit Zeta, a humanoid robot, and a runaway named Ro, as they try to prove that Zeta is not violent. However, the NSA considers him a terrorist and relentlessly pursues him. In their quest for innocence, Zeta and Ro embark on a search for Dr. Selig, Zeta's creator who has remained elusive. The show features an ensemble cast including Diedrich Bader, Will Friedle, and Kevin Conroy. With a main genre of adventure, The Zeta Project spans across two seasons.

Despite being set in the DCAU, The Zeta Project is a relatively unknown property within the popular continuity. It takes place in the same futuristic point as Batman Beyond, and serves as a self-contained animated series centered around a sentient robot striving for a normal life alongside a compassionate human companion. While occasionally crossing paths with Batman Beyond, The Zeta Project stands strong on its own merits, providing an enjoyable viewing experience.

4 Young Justice (2010-2022)

Cartoon Network

Young Justice is a captivating animated television series in the superhero and sci-fi genre. It was skillfully developed by Brandon Vietti and Greg Weisman. The show centers around a dynamic group of superheroes known as Young Justice, featuring iconic characters such as Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Superboy. Fans will be delighted to hear familiar voices, with Jesse McCartney, Khary Payton, Jason Spisak, and Nolan North lending their talents to this thrilling series.

Starring Jesse McCartney, Khary Payton, Jason Spisak, Nolan North, Danica McKellar, and Stephanie Lemelin, Young Justice is a beloved animated series created by Greg Weisman in 2010. Known for its exceptional portrayal of characters and deep understanding of the DC Comics universe, the show quickly garnered a dedicated fan base. Despite being canceled after only two seasons, the demand for its return was so strong that it was eventually brought back for a third season in 2019, followed by a fourth season in 2021. The show's incredible character development and captivating storylines solidify its position as one of the most commendable DC TV adaptations.

3 The Batman (2004-2008)

Kids WB

The Batman

The critically acclaimed DC animated series, The Batman, follows the journey of billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne (portrayed by Rino Romano) as he assumes the role of Gotham's beloved protector. Set in Batman's early years, the show delves into his vigilante actions in the shadows, pitting him against revamped renditions of iconic DC villains such as The Joker, Penguin, Clayface, and Mr. Freeze. The talented cast includes Rino Romano, Ming-Na Wen, Alastair Duncan, Robert Englund, and Kevin Michael Richardson. The main genre of the series is mystery, and it premiered on September 11, 2004, with a total of five seasons.

The animated series The Batman, which premiered in 2004, faced the daunting task of following in the footsteps of the groundbreaking DCAU Batman series. However, instead of trying to replicate the success of its predecessor, The Batman chose to forge its own path in the Batman universe. This unique approach resulted in both critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, leading to a five-season run. Rino Romano, known for his roles in Mysteries of the Sith and Spider-Man, brought a relatable and grounded portrayal of Bruce Wayne to the series, which primarily focused on Batman's early years. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by other Batman TV adaptations, The Batman stands as one of the most underrated properties in the Batman franchise.

2 The Flash (1990)

CBS

The Flash (1990) is a CBS series that revolves around Barry Allen, a forensic scientist who undergoes a remarkable transformation into the iconic DC superhero following a laboratory mishap. Equipped with superhuman speed, Barry embraces his newfound abilities and becomes a vigilante, dedicated to combating crime in Central City. All the while, he strives to maintain a delicate balance between his crime-fighting persona and his personal life.

Starring John Wesley Shipp, Amanda Pays, and Alex Désert, the main genre of "The Flash" is action. Despite its heartfelt and atmospheric nature, the 1990's TV series faced unfortunate circumstances. Coming after the huge success of 1989's "Batman," Warner Bros. swiftly created an art deco adaptation of Barry Allen's adventures as The Flash. However, due to tough competition from "The Cosby Show" and "The Simpsons," the show struggled with inconsistent time slots and received poor ratings. As a result, the series was cancelled after just one season. While John Wesley Shipp's Barry Allen made a comeback in the Arrowverse's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" event, "The Flash" continues to be overshadowed by its counterparts in the Arrowverse and the DCEU.

1 Green Lantern: The Animated Series (2011)

Cartoon Network

Green Lantern: The Animated Series

Green Lantern: The Animated Series, based on the DC Comics, follows the thrilling exploits of Hal Jordan, the Green Lantern assigned to Sector 2814, and his trusted partner Kilowog. Together, they venture into the uncharted territory of "Frontier Space" and confront the dangerous Red Lanterns, led by Atrocitus, who is driven by a thirst for vengeance following the annihilation of his homeworld.

Starring Josh Keaton, Kevin Michael Richardson, Jason Spisak, and Grey Delisle, this action-packed series consists of 1 season.

In 2011, WB aimed to promote the live-action Green Lantern film by creating an animated series to accompany it, similar to what they did for Batman Returns in 1992. The resulting Green Lantern: The Animated Series surpassed expectations, offering a highly impressive adaptation of Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern story, introducing two original characters, showcasing stunning CGI animation, and presenting two captivating plotlines within a half-season. Unfortunately, due to the disappointment of the live-action film, the animated series was not renewed for a second season. Nevertheless, Green Lantern: The Animated Series is a must-watch, as its character development and storyline are amongst the most exceptional in all DC Universe adaptations.